Chapter 274

Evelyn handed a steaming mug to Rachel, watching as the younger girl wrapped her chilled fingers around the ceramic. "You must be starving. I've got instant ramen in my bag - the ones you gave me two days ago. Let me fix it for you."

Rachel nodded silently, bringing the mug to her lips with trembling hands.

Turning slightly, Evelyn met Rachel's downcast gaze. "This is my fault. I never should have dragged you into my mess."

The thought of what could have happened made Evelyn's stomach churn. If she hadn't been so stubborn, Rachel wouldn't have spent hours locked in that freezing bathroom.

Rachel's lips quirked in a weak attempt at a smile. "Don't blame yourself. Truth is...I'm pretty pathetic." She stared into her mug. "Three months in this program and I still can't hold my own. What kind of agent freezes up during basic hazing?"

The memory of being overpowered and drenched with ice water made Rachel's cheeks burn with shame. Evelyn poured boiling water into the cup noodles, letting them steep before moving to sit beside Rachel. "You're new. Real training takes years. You're young - with enough practice, you'll surpass them all."

Rachel's eyes searched Evelyn's face. "Is it true you're only staying two weeks?"

Evelyn's gaze dropped as she nodded.

"That's...unfair." Rachel's voice cracked. "I finally meet someone decent here, and you're leaving so soon."

Evelyn chuckled, nudging Rachel's shoulder. "You can always reach me through Chloe. Who knows? Maybe I'll visit."

She stood abruptly, her expression hardening. "Though I doubt Wynona and her pack will believe that after today's lesson."

Rachel's eyes widened. "You actually confronted them? But what if-"

"Would hiding make it better?" Evelyn's piercing stare held Rachel in place. "Some people only understand one language. And kindness isn't it."

Rachel swallowed hard, seeing the truth in Evelyn's words.

"Eat up," Evelyn said, gesturing to the noodles. "Tomorrow comes early here."

The next morning...

Evelyn stood at attention in the instructor's office, facing Mr. Lancaster's desk. Winifred and her clique lurked near the door, avoiding eye contact. The memory of last night's confrontation still had Winifred's hands shaking.

Mr. Lancaster slammed a bent fork on his desk. "Care to explain this?"

Evelyn didn't flinch. "Yes, sir. Though I'd suggest asking why they pushed me to that point first."

"Enough!" The instructor's fist hit the desk. "This isn't some back alley brawl! You threaten fellow trainees again, you're gone!"

Winifred hid a smirk behind her hand.

'Rules forbid intimidation between recruits. She's done for.'

Evelyn turned slowly, her gaze locking onto Winifred's smug expression.

'Playing victim? How original.'

"Sir," Evelyn said calmly, "I have no quarrel with them. But locking a recruit in freezing conditions crosses lines. Perhaps ask why they targeted Rachel first?"

Winifred's friend scoffed. "Lies! We never touched her!"

'She can't prove anything anyway.'

Evelyn's fingers twitched at her sides. The game was just beginning.