Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 53: A Businesswoman

Chapter 53: A Businesswoman

Lyra’s actions showed she knew social etiquette like the back of her hand.

Despite her frosty demeanor, her manners were as polished as any noble’s. You’d never guess she hailed from Voidstar by her behavior.

Cohen quickly picked up that if he didn’t initiate a conversation, she wouldn’t say much.

Once dessert was served and the waiter left, Cohen decided to cut to the chase. "I heard you signed a contract with the school using my reputation?"

Lyra set down her chopsticks. "I plan to do some business here and want to use your influence. Name your price."

Planet Nagano held massive business opportunities, and to play in that arena, Lyra needed strong backing. It wasn’t like Voidstar, where brute strength ruled. She had already spent over a million on a patent; without connections, it was just money down the drain.

Cohen was taken aback by her directness and smiled. "We’re not that close. Besides, if you want to use my name, this meal should be enough."

On Planet Nagano and throughout the Alliance, few people got to dine with him one-on-one.

Lyra might be an unknown student now, but after this meal, some might see her as a friend or lover of an admiral’s son. People would think twice before crossing her and might even try to cozy up to her.

"A single meal only buys you so much time," Lyra said, pushing aside the dessert. She locked eyes with him, her gaze steady. "I want long-term benefits."

Her ambition was crystal clear. "Whether it’s an investment or a gift, trust me, the returns will tempt you."

Cohen was intrigued by her determination. "How much are we talking about?"

The Whyte family’s status meant many sought their connections, but minor profits wouldn’t catch his interest.

"In a year, maybe not enough for a full warship, but half a ship is possible," Lyra said, leaning in and lowering her voice. "Military funds must be tight these days?"

Retired soldiers’ benefits and death compensations had dwindled in recent years. This was no secret. The admiral’s legion maintained its standards thanks to the Whyte family’s support.

Cohen realized then that Lyra had done her homework. Her point was clear: with finances tight, why play the high and mighty?

He chuckled. "I can’t tell if you want to join the military or do business with them."

"I want both."

Her answer was unexpected but logical. Cohen’s smile faded, and his amber eyes grew serious. "Half a ship a year, are you sure?"

"As long as we cooperate."

"Then thank you, Miss Shedd, for your concern for the soldiers."

They clinked glasses with the white wine on the table and then left separately. Cohen was always trailed by the media, and Lyra didn’t want to be caught with him. Even so, she was followed when she left ten minutes later.

Lyra didn’t react at all. She got into a Lev parked by the road and said, "To the military school’s air rail terminal."

The vibrant night scenery outside morphed into strange, colorful arcs, like an unknown space tunnel, casting shifting lights and shadows on her face.

The car drove farther away and finally stopped at a secluded rocky coast.

Lyra spent the entire ride with her forehead resting against her hand, gazing outside. When the Lev was surrounded and the driver pointed a gun at her, she finally turned her head slightly. "Who sent you?"

The driver took off his hat, revealing a somewhat familiar but menacing face. "Sis Marv, you seem to be living the high life while our boss is furious."

It was Bengal, one of Blackheart vices. The guy was a level six beast-formed Peculiar with streaks of silver in his hair and eyes as fierce as a tiger’s.

"He just can’t stand to see others doing well," Lyra mocked, pushing the gun away with her finger. "What do you want?"

"Not much, he wants me to watch you. Hand over the ’cores’ on time and don’t try any tricks."

In other words, even if the bird flies, she must be tethered. This feeling of always being controlled annoyed Lyra, but in the dim light, the cold gleam in her eyes went unnoticed.

"You’re quite bold. Does Admiral Whyte know you’ve come to Planet Nagano?"

She saw a flicker of guilt in Bengal’s eyes and smirked slightly.

Checking the time, Lyra said casually, "It’s almost curfew. Since you brought me here, you’re responsible for taking me back."

Bengal laughed at her calm tone. "You’ve got some nerve, asking me to take you back."

Suddenly, Lyra snatched the gun from his hand and fired it out the window, killing one of the men.

Bengal was instantly enraged. He jumped over the seat and grabbed her by the neck. "Sis Marv! You’re really a piece of something now, huh?"

Lyra tilted her head slightly, her lips curling in a mocking smile. "Try me and you’ll see which one matters more to Blackheart, you, or his billion-dollar business."

Blackheart had ordered Bengal to monitor Lyra, not harm her. He couldn’t do anything to her.

Meanwhile, Lyra pointed the gun back outside. "Are you taking me back or not?"

He could easily snap her neck, but he couldn’t do that now; at the same time, she could kill them all and still got Blackheart’s forgiveness.

Bengal’s temple throbbed with tension, but the truth was he couldn’t jeopardize Blackheart’s business.

"Sit tight!" he barked, controlling his anger as he returned to the driver’s seat. The others got in, glaring at her with fury.

Lyra sat in the corner, leaning her head on her hand, watching the night sea. The marks on her neck slowly turned red and purple.

The slightly rippling sea had some glowing dots, like small fishes. When predators approached for the glowing food, these "fishes" dimmed and a huge mouth devoured the predators instead.

The roles of predator and prey could switch unexpectedly.

When they reached the island’s transfer point, Bengal personally opened the car door. "Get out! And remember, every time you leave the military school, contact me first!"

He leaned close to her ear, whispering menacingly, "We are always watching you!"

Lyra silently got out of the car, standing in the sea breeze. Her wig and white dress fluttered in the night as she watched the Lev drive away. She whispered, "Good luck."

Bengal drove the Lev through the sea passage. Suddenly, he stopped the car.

The long bridge was windy, accompanied by the sound of crashing waves.

"What’s wrong, Ben?" one of the men asked.

Bengal’s sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. "Get out, get the hell out now!"

Just then, a shell came whizzing toward them.

BOOM—