The curvy mountain path had been shaped by many previous footsteps. The surrounding environment was densely covered with plants and trees, with towering branches overhead blocking the sunlight. Even though they provided shade, many students still complained
about the hike.
“This is exhausting. I can’t go on anymore. Can’t we take a break?”
Most of the students were used to a life of comfort, especially Olivia’s group, who was the loudest in their complaints.
The vice principal, who was leading the hike, shot them an irritated look. “I didn’t even ask you to carry anything. You’re practically empty-handed, yet you’re still complaining about being tired? Funny how you never run out of energy when it comes to clubbing.” The group went silent after hearing the vice principal’s comment.
Up ahead, the village chief of Alverton had arranged for two large trucks to deliver supplies. The people shouldered the load, each carrying a heavy crate. Their muscles were taut as they moved swiftly up the trail and kept a steady pace at the front. Olivia pouted, muttering, “Kayla’s lucky to be on leave and miss this training program. I would’ve taken leave too if I had known sooner.”
A few of her lackeys exchanged glances, and one of them said cautiously, “Olivia, weren’t you close with Kayla previously? You knew that Felicia would charm Mr. Lawson during training, so you warned her about it. So why…”
It sounded like Olivia held some resentment.
Olivia huffed and didn’t reply.
It wasn’t exactly about Kayla. It was just that after Arnold had turned his back on Olivia, she felt humiliated. She was angry not only with him but also with Kayla for not standing up for her. Both of them were insincere. Crossing her arms, she lifted her chin and strode ahead.
The group eventually hiked over the mountain. They reached an even slope and passed a shallow stream. Ahead stood Hillfort, with cottages dispersed throughout the mountain and its peaks.
Felicia waited a little, intentionally slowing her pace so that she was at the very end of the group.
Shawn had been silently following her, concealing a knife and rope around his waist. This was the result of Kayla’s repeated urging.
Since arriving at Alverton, Kayla’s sense of urgency had grown. She was bent on getting rid of Felicia, to the point she couldn’t wait another moment. Each time, she pressured Shawn, asking if he still wanted the money.
Two million dollars would then be his!
It was too tempting for Shawn-like a piece of meat dangling in front of a hungry wolf. He couldn’t resist it.
Thus, he tracked down the group, trailing quietly at the back.
The mountain was filled with trees and foliage. He believed he was well-hidden and saw that Felicia was alone and lagging. He figured that he could slip up behind, strangle her, and take care of her unnoticed. With each step, he advanced closer to Felicia.
Felicia heard the crunch of leaves
behind her and knew that Shawn was making his move. But just then, Arnold emerged from behind a large tree upahead. He seemed to be waiting for her. He called out, “You’re walking way too slow!”
Arnold had initially been walking alongside the vice principal but turned back halfway after noticing Felicia was missing. His sudden
dove into the bushes. He was
appearance startled Shawn, why net
grateful for the cover but frustrated at losing his chance.
Felicia’s eye twitched. Was Arnold actually concerned?
Seeing that Felicia was less than grateful, Arnold was unsatisfied. He said impatiently, “The whole group is waiting for you. Don’t you feel even a little guilty for dragging behind?”
Felicia took a deep breath, fighting off her irritation. For two days now, Arnold had been watching her every move. Even now, when she fell behind, he had taken notice and came looking just to pick a fight.
With a calm exhale, she tossed her two large bags of supplies at him. “Here. Since you’re so capable, carry these.”
Once she finished speaking, she continued her walk leisurely at a noticeably quicker pace. Each step she took conveyed a sense of relaxed and effortless grace.