Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Helen hesitated for a moment before saying, "Sure, I can get you a ride."

"No, I can take a cab myself. I'd rather not make a big scene going to school."

Helen didn't object. Instead, she said, "Then I'm coming with you for safety. We can't have a repeat of yesterday's incident. It's so dangerous."

I didn't refuse. Another refusal might make her suspicious.

When we arrived at school, I immediately looked for Allen. The moment Allen saw me, he was surprised and then stretched out his arms for a hug. However, spotting Helen behind me, he shrugged and said, "What, brought your own surveillance today?" I cut him off, "She's here for my protection, don't start."

"What danger could you possibly be in at school?" Allen covered his mouth as he spoke, "Well, considering the lab explosion, come check out our new lab. It's absolutely state-of-the-art. The Hilton Group really went all out, all world-class equipment." As Allen led me towards the lab, he raised an eyebrow at Helen and said, "Lab rules, only staff allowed inside."

Helen, ready to throw a punch, was stopped by me, "Cool it, Helen. It's all good inside. Max has replaced all the equipment; there shouldn't be any issues. I'll just have a quick word with the professor and be right out."

Helen huffed, stood by the door with her arms crossed, and glared at Allen.

Once we were in the lab, Allen turned to me, "Alright, spill. What do you need?"

I looked at Allen, my reliable lab partner, and said, "I need to see Richard."

Allen touched my forehead. "Have you lost your mind? Richard is the guy who torched our lab and almost got you killed. And then he walks

free because of some fancy lawyers

swnovem

from Crestview Metropo

I patted his shoulder, "Allen, I've never seen you memorize anything that long. You really remember all that about someone you despise?"

He scoffed, "Of course, he's my enemy. What do you want with him? Aren't you afraid he'll come after you again?"

I sighed deeply, "I might not get to see him, but you can. Can you ask him if he was the one who dug up the dirt from the orphanage?"

"That's it?" Clearly, he was both bewildered and exasperated by my question.

Yeah, I couldn't even get near the place, but he got access right after getting out. This means he was close to Max, so if he and Max were that tight, could they have been putting on some sort of act?

Because right after he got out, Richard knew about Max's identity but kept it hidden and even showed him respect.

This sudden betrayal, exposing him

as the murderer and the mastermind behind the burnt corpse, made me wonder if they were all just playing roles, protecting the real culprit. At that moment, I was truly scared. Could the real murderer be right beside me, playing the part of the perfect ally?

I couldn't even bring myself to think about Max. The very thought was suffocating.

"What's wrong?" Allen touched my hair, "You okay?"

I shook my head, "Just ask him that for me, please." Saying that, I felt as if my soul couldn't keep up with my steps, but I walked out of the lab anyway. Looking at Helen, I felt even more that she wasn't there to protect me but to keep an eye on me.

What secret was I carrying? Or what secret had my parents left with me that made people go to such lengths to come after me?