Chapter 1172
Looking at the girl collapsed on the floor, her fists still tightly clenched in a fierce, defensive posture, Corvus felt a complicated swirl of emotions.
The test subject.
Calculating the timeline, she had just turned nineteen.
Subterra Vanguard had been established roughly five or six years ago, slowly
growing into a powerhouse. That meant this girl had been achieving the impossible since she was thirteen or fourteen.
Specter of Subterra Vanguard.
Dr. Nocturne.
Either of those titles alone was enough to strike fear into the hearts of many. To possess both... and at nineteen?
Was this truly the supreme advantage brought on by the "genetic modification"?
If so, it proved that his original vision had been flawless. As long as he could study her, the genetic research would undoubtedly achieve a monumental breakthrough.
She was right.
Instead of wasting time on a half-dead Silas and a stubbornly defiant Theia, striking a deal with her was the far more lucrative choice.
Once she was fully in his grasp, it wouldn't matter that she was the boss of Subterra Vanguard; she'd never have the chance to turn the tables.
As for Theia... Once the research succeeded, there would be plenty of time to track her down.
The thought sent a jolt of excitement through him. He scooped Juniper up and strode out, quickly disappearing into the dark corridors.
The operatives from Sanctum Holdings scattered, fleeing via boats.
After taking out Corvus's closest guards, Ebony Fox frantically searched the smoke- filled compound for her younger sister.
According to the plan, once their mother was safely away, Juniper was supposed to rendezvous with. them Then they would find a way to hold Corvus hostage and force him to reveal their father's location.
But things had gone sideways. Their father had suddenly appeared early and been whisked away by Luella. And there was still no sign of Juniper.
"Ebony Fox." Luella came sprinting back, out of breath, having just safely handed Silas off. "Has she contacted you yet?"
"No." Ebony Fox gripped her gun, pacing the facility like a headless chicken.
"What the hell happened?" Luella scratched her head in mounting panic, trailing closely behind. "Weren't we supposed to meet right here? Do you think..."
Realizing what she was about to say, Luella's voice abruptly cut off.
"Do I think what?" Ebony Fox halted, her bloodshot eyes locking onto the other woman with fierce urgency. "Say it!"
Faced with a fiercely protective older sister, Luella was so terrified her heart practically skipped a beat.
"Corvus suddenly let Mr. Blackwood go, and then he and Juniper both vanished." Luella swallowed hard, voicing her dark suspicion. "Do you think she made a deal with him?"
"A deal?" Ebony Fox thought for a few seconds, her brows knitting together tightly. "You mean... she used her status as the 'test subject' to trade for our father?"
"It's just a guess." Luella nodded slightly. She said it was a guess, but she was a hundred percent certain.
Otherwise, there was absolutely no logical reason Corvus would willingly release his prisoner.
For years, his research had hit a wall specifically because he lacked a proper subject. Now that the ultimate prize had revealed herself, there was no way he'd just walk away.
No wonder Juniper had been so evasive, refusing to share the full details of her rescue plan.
"So you're saying that bastard took my sister?"
The realization slammed into Ebony. Gripping her weapon tighter, she sprinted toward the exit. "That son of a bitch. If he lays a finger on her, I'll tear him apart."
"Wait!" Luella rushed after her, grabbing the impulsive woman by the arm. "Whether you want to hear this or not, Juniper came up with this plan. It's incredibly dangerous, but she definitely knew what she was doing. Right now, the last thing she'd want is for us to risk our lives blindly."
"She's my little sister! I can't just leave her Ebony Fox violently shook off the hold, her emotions
completely spiraling out of control. "If you're scared of dying fine th not. I'm going back for her