Rather than look for another opportunity, it was better to kill her now, while she was alone!

Just as she was about to make her move, Marcus Monroe, in the tree next to hers, acted first.

A streak of white light flew toward Leanne Walsh’s chest. It was so fast that Paige Summers barely registered a flash, let alone the completely unsuspecting Leanne Walsh.

She instantly crumpled to the ground.

’Is... she dead?’

Paige Summers was stunned for a moment. She didn’t react until Marcus Monroe climbed down from the tree. She followed him down and went to Leanne Walsh’s side.

Marcus Monroe turned his head and said, "Get the ring."

Paige Summers glanced at where Leanne Walsh had hidden the ring, couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter, and bent down to retrieve it.

Marcus Monroe took the ring and, after a brief inspection, discovered its secret.

Since he had already suspected this was a possibility, he wasn’t too surprised. Of course, he was still in a great mood. A man can’t get rich without a little something on the side, and even he didn’t mind this unexpected windfall!

However, this would require a bit of clean-up.

"Wait here for a moment."

With that, he walked toward Cedric Howell.

Paige Summers, meanwhile, silently watched the woman on the ground. She wasn’t dead; Marcus Monroe had likely just knocked her unconscious with a powerful blow. Watching him drag the corpse over, she more or less guessed his intentions.

’It’s not the right time to make my move now.’

’It’s a bit of a shame.’

’But whatever. In my last life, that woman died a frustrating death. This time, she can just die a different way, I suppose.’

"But... is all this trouble really necessary?" Paige Summers asked, her tone laced with disapproval as she watched Marcus Monroe meticulously stage the scene. He was making it look like a failed rape attempt where the attacker was killed, but not before knocking out his victim. He had even fabricated signs of a struggle in the surrounding area.

Regardless of whether they needed to kill Leanne Walsh, she hadn’t seen their faces. They could have just walked away!

"I know this guy’s older brother. He’s not the sharpest, but he’s incredibly stubborn. If we don’t find a scapegoat, he’ll likely never stop investigating his brother’s death." He wasn’t afraid, but it would be a hassle, and he hated hassles. Especially since he needed to focus on matters at The Citadel, he didn’t want any unforeseen complications. So, it was better to nip this potential trouble in the bud.

Paige Summers was astounded, but now she understood.

After setting everything up, Marcus Monroe stood up and dusted off his hands. Suddenly, he sprang into action. His figure flickered, and in the next instant, he was beside the last "dead" man, Levi Young.

"Get up."

Levi Young didn’t dare to pretend any longer. Gritting his teeth, he rolled over and sat up.

It was only then that Paige Summers discovered, to her surprise, that this man wasn’t dead. Not only was he not dead, but his movements were also quite agile!

"Your acting skills are quite impressive!" she praised him sincerely. It was one thing to have fooled her, but to have almost fooled Marcus Monroe was no small feat.

Moving behind him, Paige Summers quickly tore away the ripped clothing from the wound on his back and discovered something else. The man was wearing a fascinating padded vest. When stabbed, it would ooze "blood"—though it definitely wasn’t human blood. The inner layer of the vest was made of an interesting type of animal hide, extremely soft yet incredibly tough. It gave the impression of being pierced through, but as soon as the Short Sword was removed, it would immediately return to its original state...

Holding the vest that the man tactfully removed and handed over, Paige Summers felt her curiosity stir again.

"Did you make this?"

"Yes."

"Then..." 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Marcus Monroe sighed inwardly and cut her off. "This isn’t urgent."

"Oh, right." Paige Summers rubbed her nose. ’Alright, I was getting a little too relaxed.’

But Levi Young sensed an opportunity in her attitude. With a THUD, he knelt before her and said resolutely, "Spare me! As long as you let me live, I’m willing to slave away for you and will never betray you!"

Paige Summers raised an eyebrow. "You’re asking the wrong person!" ’It’s not like I’m the one who decides if he lives or dies...’

"No! You’re interested in the things I make, aren’t you? I can make many other things, not just this one. As long as you need me, I am at your command! I... I just want to live..."

This man—no, perhaps she should say boy... Paige Summers studied his face. Though he was begging, he didn’t appear subservient. She had a deep sense that he was no simple person. He was quick-witted and decisive, yet possessed a core of pride. Judging by his age, he was probably younger than her.

She felt that there was some sincerity in his words, but she still looked toward Marcus Monroe. "What should we do with him?" She understood very well that she currently lacked the strength to control someone like him.

Marcus Monroe didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he mused, "You think he’s useful?"

’Is he useful?’

’He definitely is.’

Just his method of concealing his breathing was something she was very curious about. Moreover, the material selection and design of the vest were excellent. Although it wasn’t perfect, there were still things to be learned from it...

She gave a slight, honest nod.

"Alright then. You can follow us."