Chapter 74. Seeking Traces

At the height of a searing afternoon, no soul dared to step outdoors unless compelled by matters of grave importance.

The outskirts laid bare, devoid of human shadows.

A nondescript, grey car ambled to a halt.

Selena disengaged from the driver's seat, unlocking the rear door, a semblance of a smile on her face: "We're here."

Calling it a 'smile' may be too generous. A 'smirk' was more fitting.

The cheer didn't quite reach her eyes, rendering her countenance all the more artificial and severe.

Her piercing gaze settled on the little boy seated in the car.

"Kid, you're pretty smart. I suppose you understand the situation, right? No matter how skilled you are, you're still just a child. No matter how strongly you encrypt your emails, you can't erase all traces. I have the resources, the influence. If I want to track, I'll track."

She reached out, her crimson nails lightly grazing the boy's tender skin, inducing goosebumps: "Your appearanc