Chapter 48: The Hidden Enemy

Outside the door stood a man in a suit, carrying a gift bag. He seemed to have heard something that piqued his interest, and his smile was so perfect. "Sorry, the door was open, and I accidentally overheard." Irene didn't mind. She pushed the plates on the table aside, gesturing for Emma to clear them away, and led Stefan and Harper to the living room. "Are you here to learn combat from me?" Irene glanced at Harper, who still had a shocked expression on his face. Seeing that explanations wouldn't work, Irene chose not to explain. Stefan adjusted his expensive watch, his eyelids slightly drooping, "Yes, there's something I'd like to ask you." "My boss's sister recently experienced another assassination attempt at school," Harper said. Stefan glanced at him indifferently, "I can't ensure my and my sister's safety. I can bring bodyguards, but my sister is studying, and there are many inconveniences at school." "I've applied for her to stay home from school. I came here to ask for your advice." Irene was silent for a moment. She began to feel curious about who was so determined to kill Stefan and Marta. "My suggestion is that you and Marta learn how to shoot and some basic combat skills, so you have enough techniques to escape if someone controls you," Irene said seriously. "And, of course, improve your physical fitness." Saying this, Irene glanced at Stefan's abdomen. Stefan followed her gaze and looked down, pressing his lips together. Irene's previous comments about his physique were still fresh in his memory. "I was wondering if you'd be willing to be our combat instructor?" Stefan invited. What he didn't say was that he had already consulted Frank, a stern and practical FBI agent. After reviewing all the information and understanding the situation, Frank told him that these attackers might come from Country Q's military or police enforcement systems. He suggested Stefan find an "unconventional" coach. Since Stefan and his sister couldn't train to a level sufficient to counter these attackers in a short time, there was no need to learn standardized military combat techniques. Irene raised an eyebrow. "Sure." Then Irene reached out and squeezed Stefan's arm. This somewhat teasing action stunned Harper. Stefan gave him a look, and Harper wisely swallowed his surprise. From Irene's expression, Stefan could tell she had no romantic intentions. Her fair hands rested on the soft, fine fabric, the pressure unmistakable. Stefan felt his arm itch suddenly, his throat moving up and down. This was a level of intimacy with strangers that Stefan had never experienced before, except with Marta. Irene released her grip, murmuring softly, "Not too bad." She turned and saw the handgun Stefan had placed on the table, picking it up and weighing it. Stefan watched her, her expression suddenly changing. Irene put down the gun, smiling faintly, "Mr. Stefan, you're very lucky." Stefan raised an eyebrow. "This gun isn't normal either." Irene handed the gun to the pale-faced Harper, who also realized something was wrong the moment he received it. "Boss, the weight of this gun is off." The color in Stefan's eyes shifted, like a deep ocean without a trace of light. He slowly ordered, "Find out who was responsible for procuring this gun." Harper bowed his head, "Yes." Irene pondered, "If they can tamper with your new gun, I think I need to check your and Marta's rooms." Stefan nodded, his voice a bit hoarse, "Alright." Irene asked, "When would be convenient?" "After this busy period," Stefan replied. At that moment, a voice came from outside. "Sister Irene, someone has been asking about you lately..." The speaker stopped halfway upon seeing the strangers in the room. It was Emil. Emil looked at Stefan, then at Harper, and asked with a smile, "Sister Irene, is this your boyfriend?" Irene smiled, "No." Stefan immediately felt the faint hostility from the boy dissipate, and he looked at Emil indifferently, lowering his head to drink tea. A little boy who hadn't grown up yet. "Sister Irene, aren't you coming back to the South District these days? Millie and the others miss you." Emil slyly tested by bringing up the girls learning self-defense from Irene. Irene nodded, "Yes, my grandma needs my help lately. We might reopen a detective agency." "That's amazing!" Emil exclaimed. He seemed to want to say something more but closed his mouth. With strangers present, Emil's speech was vague and indirect. Stefan stood up and said indifferently, "I'll step out for a moment." Irene smiled, "It's okay." This was meant for both Stefan and Emil. Emil said, "Sister Irene, you mentioned that if anyone came looking for you, they might be your biological parents. A few days ago, some people came several times, wanting to see you, but you were out. They said they'll come again next month." Irene chuckled softly, "Thank you." She saw Emil out and returned inside. "Miss Irene, are you opening a detective agency?" Stefan frowned slightly. He usually wouldn't pry into others' family affairs, but today, he wanted to ask about this and Irene's background. Stefan pursed his lips, stopping his next words. "Yes," Irene smiled, "The neighbors have already provided many orders, we just need more reputation." "I believe you'll be successful," Stefan smiled warmly, "The detective competition a few days ago was a great opportunity, the 'Oriental' opportunity as the Easterners say." Irene's face relaxed, looking beautiful, "I haven't thanked you for your help." Stefan smiled, "No need." Irene went inside to get something. Madame Kashi was on the phone in her room. "Don't worry, I can persuade Irene to study well with you." "Oh, my dear little Hausman, you can't make up such excuses to fool Grandma Dora because you don't want to teach Irene." Madame Kashi hung up, and Hausman had no words to defend himself. He couldn't say that her granddaughter was just pretending, right? Actually, she was a mercenary feared by enemies? And his boss? Who would believe that! And if his boss found out he said this, he'd be the first to get beaten up. "Grandma, if he doesn't want to, let's not force him." Hausman heard Irene's voice and breathed a sigh of relief, "Grandma Dora, don't worry, I'll teach her well." Madame Kashi hung up, satisfied, and scolded, "He's older than you, you should call him brother." "If I call him brother, he'd kneel in fear," Irene said, amused. Madame Kashi, older and hard of hearing, asked, "What did you say?" "I said I'm getting something for a friend." Irene found some equipment she used for recovery training from the drawer and handed it to Stefan. "These are custom-made by a blacksmith, very suitable for your current condition," Irene said with a smile. "Here's a training plan. Follow the nutritionist's advice and practice for a week first." She smiled brightly, her fair, delicate neckline glowing warmly in the sunlight, like fine jade. For some reason, Stefan quickly looked away as if burned, his ears slightly red. Outside the window, flowers were blooming.