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Chapter 17 - Chapter017

Deborah's POV

It was a quiet weekend morning, and Cora and I were immersed in transforming some dull old clothes into something more stylish.

A sudden knock on the door shattered the tranquility. 

We exchanged puzzled looks — who could be visiting at this hour?

Cautiously, I opened the door, and to my surprise, David was standing there.

"David?" I asked, surprised.

After all, he had never mentioned that he lived nearby.

Leaning casually against the doorframe, he gave me a big smile, but I noticed his eyes drifting past me to where Cora was standing. 

His gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds, a hint of appreciation and curiosity flashing across his eyes.

[I'm completely lovestruck!]

"You live in this building too?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise.

David nodded, his expression casual. "Ever since my father passed, I have applied to move into the Murias government dormitory. You know, my home is not safe."

I blinked in surprise. 

This was the first time he had ever shared something so personal.

Just as I was about to respond, his gaze drifted back to Cora, softening slightly. "I'm David Miller, and are you…?"

"Cora Cox," she answered without hesitation, holding her head high as if daring him to say something.

David's smile froze, and a shadow passed over his eyes. "Peter Cox's daughter?"

"Yes, I am… sorry." Cora's voice was calm, but I could sense a hint of bitterness.

David's brow furrowed slightly before he shrugged it off, a sardonic smile replacing his earlier surprise. "There's no need to apologize. I know my father's death had nothing to do with yours."

An awkward silence settled over us.

Then, Cora's lips twisted into a mirthless smile. "I just hope my father won't end up like yours."

David's expression turned steely, and a wary light flickered in his gaze as if Cora's words held deeper meaning.

"What do you know?" he asked quietly, his voice low and tense.

Sensing the rising tension, I quickly stepped in, trying to defuse the situation.

"David, it's the weekend. Don't you have something better to do than show up at my door?" I teased him lightly.

David's attention shifted back to me, his posture relaxing slightly. He shot me a knowing grin. "Your little puppy said he had something important to share at NO.7."

"Little puppy?" I blinked, confused, before realizing he meant Matthew.

"Don't call him that," I scolded, rolling my eyes. "Why didn't Matthew just come to find me himself?"

David chuckled softly and pulled out his Mobi, waving it in front of me. "I created a group chat, but it seems you were too busy with your little fashion project to notice. But, really, the clothes you two designed look great, especially on Miss Cox — you look stunning."

Cora raised an eyebrow and shrugged nonchalantly. "Sorry, but you're not my type. I like refined intellectuals, not soldiers."

Feigning pain, David clutched his chest. "Ah, the rejection! You wound me, Miss Cox. Those are bookworms, not real gentlemen."

It was then that I realized my Mobi had been on silent mode the entire time. I quickly opened it to find multiple messages from Matthew, all saying he had important intel to share.

"Should we go now?" I asked, turning back to David.

He nodded. "Absolutely."

Just as we were about to leave, Cora stepped forward, eyes glinting with curiosity.

"Where are you going? Can't I come along?"

David shook his head, his expression teasing. "This is an adult conversation, little girl. Better sit this one out."

Cora shot him a glare before turning to me, eyes pleading. "Deborah, please. Don't leave me out."

I hesitated. Cora knew far more than I initially realized, and her concern for her father was genuine. She deserved to know the truth, but I feared what might happen if she got too deeply involved.

Sensing my indecision, Cora took a deep breath, then asked softly, "Is this about those things?"

I nodded slowly.

She squared her shoulders, her gaze steady and determined. "Then count me in."

Her expression told me clearly: [I'm not afraid of anything — except losing my father.]

My heart ached. She was Peter Cox's daughter, tied to one of the most powerful figures in Murias. 

The implications were dangerous, but Cora was my friend — the only one I had left in this place. I couldn't shut her out.

"Take her," I said to David. "She ran away from home because of this. She has the right to know."

David glanced between us, his eyes narrowing slightly. Reluctantly, he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

[Even if you're my type, and I'm a bit taken, I'm afraid you'll mess up everything.]

"She's met Mr Baker," I added quietly. "And she knows his full name: Chad Baker."

David's eyes widened, shock flashing across his face.

For a long moment, he stared at Cora as if seeing her for the first time. Then, slowly, he nodded.

"All right. You can come."

We set off together, heading toward NO.7 Quarry.

When we arrived, Matthew was already there waiting for us.

But he wasn't alone.

Standing beside him was a …

A newcomer to NO.7.