Reboot: Mechanic

Vanessa's expression was cold, almost as if her eyes alone could kill someone when she read the text message that her subordinate had sent.

The text message read: Lyndon Sinclair was just an alias used by Martin Pearce. 

Martin Pearce, a name that Vanessa was extremely familiar with, given that it was her own blood-related uncle. 

"Uncle Martin always held a friendly smile and seemed content with his position in the family. But who would have thought he was just a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to be innocent all this time." Vanessa's eyes were filled with fury. 

She could not fathom how her own blood-related uncle could be this cold-blooded and heartless to scheme for her death just for the family power. 

And now that she had given some thought about it, she realized the reason why she even came to Gearits City was partially related to Martin Pearce. 

She recalled 'accidentally' overhearing his talk with someone else regarding the New Region and how exciting it could be. 

Maybe it was because Martin Pearce understood her too well– to the point that he could anticipate her action with just a little bit of words. 

'I trusted him and that trust had bitten back at me. How hilarious is that.' She chuckled softly, finding herself quite foolish. Being betrayed by your close kin was even more painful than being harmed by an enemy. 

As for double-checking the information, Vanessa didn't bother to confirm it. 

Her subordinates could be trusted, mainly because she had made them swear an oath before they could work for her. Additionally, the text messages were encrypted, something she had taught her subordinates, so it was unique and unable to be replicated by an imposter. 

It was just a shame that she had failed to defend herself against her own close-knit and only thought about strangers. 

In the midst of her anger and frustration, a knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. 

"What is it, Nathan?" Her eyes gradually returned to normal as she asked him. 

There was only Shi Tian other than her here, so it was easy to guess who was knocking on her door. 

"I have something to tell you," Shi Tian's voice resounded from the other side. 

Hearing the tone was quite solemn, Vanessa was dumbfounded. 

'What happened to him?' She wondered silently. 

Getting up from the bed, she walked toward the door, opened it, and asked jokingly, "What's the matter huh? Are you here to apologize for your rude action earlier?" 

However, her expression changed when she saw Shi Tian flashing a solemn expression. She furrowed her brows and calmly waited for his response. 

And to her shock and disbelief, Shi Tian's sentence nearly made her attack him on the spot. 

"I have communicated with Commander Theobold and he agreed that your safety here might not be guaranteed. Given that his soldiers could barely be within the premises due to the Crimson Mage's presence. Therefore, we agreed that it's better to have you live somewhere else in which your safety is guaranteed." 

A few seconds later, Vanessa asked in a low but subtle tone, "Is this Commander Theobold's suggestion or yours, Nathan?" 

Although he knew lying would be better here, Shi Tian was adamant about his decision and refused to lie. Before knocking on the door, he had already readied himself to face her wrath. 

"It's my decision and Commander Theobold supported it." He responded, expecting a punch to the face. After all, he had made the decision entirely alone without informing or notifying her. 

Alas, even a few minutes later, Vanessa didn't seem to show much reaction. 

Instead, she nodded her head. "Very well, is the arrangement ready?" She asked without much emotion.

"Yes, the soldiers outside are ready once you agree to it."

"Okay then, please leave while I pack my stuff." She said expressionless. 

Turning around, she also said, "Thanks for the accommodation in the past weeks." 

Closing the door behind her, Shi Tian could get a glimpse of her back. 

Although she was expressionless and emotionless, he could tell that she was disheartened, almost as if she was backstabbed. 

'This is for the better of us.' He exclaimed inwardly. He knew it was a selfish decision, but he understood that only this way could ensure the two of them wouldn't be used against each other. 

With Theobold's protection, he could surely protect Vanessa well compared to him, who could only deflect a few attacks. 

His skills were inferior, and if he can't even guarantee his own safety, then what makes him qualified to protect others? 

It would be even better if Vanessa held a grudge on this and hated him. 

That way, the enemies would know that going after him wouldn't affect Vanessa a bit. In fact, they would be doing her a favor by eliminating him.

And at that time, he wouldn't need to be concerned about others and worried about himself only at that time. 

A few minutes later, Shi Tian patiently waited in the living room and saw Vanessa coming out of her room. 

She didn't even bother to glance at him as she directly walked to the exit door, treating Shi Tian as if he was some thin air. 

As she exited the apartment, Shi Tian didn't utter a single sound, allowing her to leave smoothly.

Meanwhile, Vanessa was calmly waiting at the elevator, and a few droplets of tears appeared in her eyes. 

She was disappointed that he didn't even attempt to stop her from leaving. She thought they were comrades at the very least, especially after the Horology Restaurant incident. 

'Indeed, my uncle can't be trusted, and strangers definitely can't be trusted either. No one can be relied on.' Vanessa wiped off the droplets of tears and exclaimed inwardly. She now realized how pathetic and a joke she was to believe there was even an ounce of camaraderie from Shi Tian. 

As she turned around, her eyes glanced at the apartment door, seemingly holding a tiny bit of belief that Shi Tian might rush out and apologize. 

But it was just a shame that it never happened and the elevator arrived.