The motorcycle picked up speed, the engine’s growl echoing through the night.

Franco watched as the gap between them grew wider, his face turning stormy. “Step on it,” he said, his voice cold and unforgiving.

Couldn’t even catch up to a girl. Useless. Every single one of them.

His men stared ahead, eyes stretched wide as Charlotte’s bike shot forward, leaving them in the dust. At this rate, she might as well just take off and fly.

Suddenly, Charlotte skidded to a stop.

Franco’s gaze sharpened, his hand clenching tight at his side. Asclepius was Nora’s last hope. If he could get Charlotte, he’d have his lifeline.

“The map says there’s a steep cliff ahead,” the driver reported, his voice careful.

Probably figured she’d freak out at the edge.

“Keep going,” the butler said, his tone low and steady.

Everyone thought Charlotte was cornered, that she’d finally give in. But then the silence shattered with the roar of her engine. The red bike shot forward, launching into the air right in front of their eyes. She cleared the cliff like it was nothing, sailing over the ten-meter gap.

She landed on the other side, smooth and steady.

The cars screeched to a halt, stopping with barely five centimeters to spare before the edge. Any closer and they’d have gone over.

Everyone’s faces drained of color.

Did she really just fly?

Not only did she make it, but once she had her footing, she turned the bike around and shot them a look. Pure challenge in her eyes.

“Mr. Hawk, she…” The butler’s voice faltered. He turned, stunned, but Franco was already out of the car, striding forward.

His lips pressed into a thin line as he stared in the direction Charlotte disappeared. His eyes were cold, a storm brewing deep inside.

“She really doesn’t know what’s good for her.”

The butler hesitated. “So, Mr. Hawk, you want—”

“Put out the order. Bring her back.”

Dragging her home would be a lot easier than asking nicely.

…

The Gates Estate.

A red motorcycle pulled up at the gates, its lights cutting through the night.

Charlotte stepped inside the grand hall and spotted Anthony at the table, perfectly put together in a sharp suit.

He sat straight-backed, a gentle smile on his face as he played chess with Robert.

“Anthony, you need to work on your game. Keep practicing,” Robert said, laughter hiding in his voice as he picked up a chess piece.

“Yes, sir.” Anthony nodded, then poured Robert a cup of tea with careful hands. “Grandpa, have some tea.”

Grandpa? That sounded too natural. Last time Anthony came over, he was still calling him Robert.

He really knew how to win people over.

“Charlotte, you’re back.” The housekeeper’s voice carried across the room. Robert looked up, his smile turning even warmer. “Lottie, you’re home? Come here, sit with Grandpa.”

“Okay.” Charlotte handed her bag over and walked straight to Robert’s side, settling in beside him. “Grandpa,” she said softly.

“Good girl.” Robert squeezed her hand, his eyes full of kindness. “You look tired. Go on upstairs and rest. I’ll have the cook bring you a snack.”

Charlotte wanted to say she wasn’t hungry, but with Robert looking at her like that, she gave in.

“Alright.”

Anthony walked with her to the lounge on the second floor.

It had been a long day—school in the morning, research at noon, the lab at night. By the time Charlotte reached her room, she was out cold.

Anthony sat by her side, phone in hand.

A minute ago, Hans messaged him.

Anthony, I found something new.

Twenty years ago, there was a mysterious figure in Solenia. He controlled everything from behind the scenes. His code name was F.

Even more important, F was badly hurt back then, and the one who saved him was Charlotte’s mother.