Come to think of it… Nancy was born after I was adopted.
She knows nothing about who we really are. About what we've done.
And Black Vane doesn't know about her either.
Dad once told me that he would reveal everything to her when she would reach to my age.
But after his wife died, he changed his mind.
Now, he wants to keep her in the dark forever.
And he's placed the entire burden on me.
I cook, I clean, I shield her. I lie to her every day.
He's kept both of us hidden from the organisation.
But sometimes… I wonder if he's just using me.
"Black Vane gave me this mission. They trust me,"
Dad told me last night, voice like frost.
"I chose to use you—as my weapon. As my shield. You're skilled in everything they need. And now, your name is Caroline Garnier."
Of course. I was their golden girl.
The one who launched cyberattacks on YAYA Corp and Valmart Ltd—the two largest companies in Asia.
I crippled them digitally so the Boss could take over.
Then I executed both founders. No traces. No guilt. Just silence.
"Yeah," I muttered bitterly that night. "Of course you did."
Dad was a master of assassination and espionage. His late wife—Nancy's mother—was a brilliant scientist.
Also part of Black Vane.
They killed her.
He says it was a 'mistake.'
Now, he wants Nancy to have a normal life.
Even if that means sacrificing mine.
The Next Morning
I stood in the kitchen, flipping pancakes, still dressed in my office outfit.
From the bedroom came Nancy's sleepy voice.
"Isn't it too early for breakfast? And that's your work dress… Are you going to Dad's office?"
"Not this time," I smiled over my shoulder. "I'm heading to my new office. In Paris."
Her half-closed eyes widened.
"From Giverny?! Nooo! You know I hate it when you leave me alone!"
"That was when you were younger. You're stronger now, right?"
She puffed her cheeks, arms crossed. "Hmph!"
I chuckled. "Don't make that cute face. I'll be back by evening. Promise."
Still pouting, she slumped onto the sofa.
I went back to cooking—trying not to think about last night's orders.
"Erase all data tied to CEO David Charlotte. Now that you're going in."
My stomach twisted.
Of all the people…
"Come eat!" I called.
"No!" she yelled.
"Don't test me, Nancy."
Finally, she dragged herself over. We ate in silence.
I packed my bag. Her school had a holiday—Founder's Day.
I kissed her forehead before heading out.
"I'll be back soon, dear."
She gave a tiny smile.
"Bye, Ari!"
"Bye, Nancy."
Velvér Fashion Headquarters, Paris
The metro ride was long. I kept my head down, reviewing the mission file.
It felt surreal, seeing my new name printed so boldly.
Caroline Garnier.
Eventually, I arrived at Velvér Fashion. Two guards stood at the sleek glass gate.
I held up my ID.
Confidence on the outside. Terror underneath.
"New secretary to the CEO?" one of them asked, checking the list.
I nodded.
"You're clear. Go on in."
Inside the private office…
"So, you're Caroline Garnier. Born in Giverny,"
David Charlotte said, glancing over my Non-Disclosure Agreement.
His voice was smooth—professional, detached.
He looked elegant. Cold. Calculated.
The same as before.
Only richer now.
"Yes, sir," I replied.
He studied me for a beat.
"Are those real prescription glasses… or just for show?"
"Reading glasses," I answered quickly.
"Well, with that face, no glasses would help your look anyway."
My cheeks burned.
Was that… flirting? Or an insult?
Either way, I wanted to punch him.
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Mr. Kim will show you around."
"Understood, sir."
A young man stepped in. Warm smile, neat attire, annoyingly charming.
"Hello, Ms. Garnier. Pleasure to meet you," he said.
"Likewise, Mr. Kim."
He turned to David.
"She's signed the NDA. Should I give her access to the confidential folders?"
David looked at me—long, thoughtful. Then smirked.
"Not yet. Keep her under observation. Even with the paperwork."
That smirk.
That pause.
A chill slithered down my spine.
Does he recognize me?
Or is he just planning to destroy me slowly… again?