chapter1010

Connor and Garrett made a promise to each other. No matter what it took, they were going to create that antidote.

"Garrett is a pretty good doctor, right? Maybe he'll figure something out?" Grandpa asked, his voice rough but hopeful.

Connor nodded. "Yeah, he and Kevin are working on the antidote together. Hopefully we'll have some news soon."

Grandpa Samuel let out a long breath, his whole body relaxing. "Good. That's good."

"So, was everything okay while we were gone?"

Mikey hesitated, then decided to just say it. "Since you showed up in Country T and connected with Ansel, Jackson's people have been spreading rumors. They say you're up to something."

Grandpa Samuel gave a short, sharp laugh. Jackson, huh? He thinks just because he's a general now, he runs the whole Capital? Please. When I was a general, he wasn't even born yet. The kid's still wet behind the ears."

Grandpa, your time has passed," Mikey said, half teasing, half serious. Jackson's got a lot of power right now. He's been busy ever since he took office."

Grandpa Samuel snorted. "So what? He's just making friends, building his little alliances. Let him. If he wants to push himself to the edge, I'm not gonna do anything about it. I've seen enough of these types."

Connor agreed quietly. Grandpa's right. Let him tire himself out."

Mikey frowned at Connor. You did a great job in Country T. Everyone wants you back. Are you sure you don't want to think about it?"

Connor paused, then shook his head. No. I like my freedom. I don't think I'd fit in military anymore."

Mikey sighed, disappointment written all over his face. He couldn't shake the feeling that Connor was hiding something. But he never talked about it.

"Lydia is officially working for the government now. You really don't want to consider it?" Mikey asked.

As soon as he said that, Grandpa Samuel leaned in, eager. "Wait, what? Lydia's working for the government?"

Mikey nodded. "Yeah. I ran into her on National Day."

Grandpa Samuel slapped his thigh, eyes wide. "I knew it! I really did see Lydia that

day, but she disappeared in a split second. She's incredible.

"Yeah, she's not just anyone," Mikey said, genuinely admiring her.

"Oh, and Connor," Mikey added, "I heard Jackson ran into Lydia at an event te even tried to chat her up He always wants to compete with you. You should watch out

Connor's eyes turned cold, his voice like ice. "What did you say?"

Jackson and Lydia met? And Jackson tried to flirt with her? How did he not know about this?

"I only heard people talking about it," Mikey said.

There was a loud smack. Grandpa Samuel slapped the table, nearly cracking it.

"That little brat Jackson! I've had

vel

enough of him. If he dares even

think about my

granddaughter-in-law,

teach bim a

lesson he'll never forget."

Mikey just stood there, lost for words.

Connor watched Grandpa Samuel, his face calm but his eyes sharp. I'll handle it myself."

Jackson. Of course. He should have known.

As Mikey helped Mr. Jefferson out the door, the old man leaned in and whispered, "Mikey, is it really true? Jackson tried to hit on Lydia?"

Mikey nodded. "Why would I make something like that up?"

Mr. Jefferson's face turned red with anger. He picked up his cane and took a swing

at Mikey's backside. "You brat! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

He thought for a second that Mikey was just trying to rile up Connor and get him back into politics.

Mikey rubbed his sore back, looking pitiful. "Grandpa, you never asked Besides it's not the kind of thing you talk about openly. Everyone's been whispering and I only heard about it a couple of days ago."