“Yeah,” Cathy said, a bit more at ease. Right before she passed out, Aria had given her a look. At the time, she didn’t understand, but now it made sense.

    Compared to Aria, she was more worried about Owen, who hadn’t undergone specialized training. She thought, ‘What if they use Owen to threaten Aria? Why did Owen have toe to the restricted zone? He better not cause trouble for Aria.

    Meanwhile, Owen, who was navigating through the restricted zone, almost sneezed but managed to suppress it. He continued his pursuit.

    At that moment, Aria’s hands were bound in special handcuffs as Flynt walked beside her. “Do you think Owen will catch up? If he does, I won’t show any mercy.”

    As soon as the smoke grenades were deployed, Aria sensed something was off. She quickly pressed an acupoint on herself as Owen, who was nearest, held his breath and climbed up a tree.

    Aria watched as the others copsed around her.

    They wanted to wipe everyone out. Aria flicked three steel needles to stop them, taking one of their lives in the process.

    Flynt spoke up, “Aria,e with us, and I’ll spare their lives-including Owen’s.”

    Aria had already used up all her steel needles; there was no way for her to stop them from acting. “Fine.”

    Flynt cuffed her hands with a pair of special handcuffs. “Your needlework is impressive, which is why I can’t take any chances with you. We’ll make a stop at the State Security Bureau, then head back to Torrenia.”

    Aria let out a cold chuckle, thinking, ‘He really never changes.

    No matter what Flynt said along the way, Aria kept silent.

    ‘Ned ran off,” Julius said with an ugly expression. “She’s from the State Security Bureau; let her guide us. If she refuses, we’ll use her to threaten the others.”

    Aria’s face stayed expressionless.

    Flynt’s eyes turned sharp. “Ned was your responsibility, not hers. She’s with me. Anyone who touches her dies.”

    Julius scowled. “Flynt, our arrangement didn’t includeing here just to capture some Huthailia woman.”

    “Her safety is my responsibility,” Flynt responded calmly. He thought, ‘With my team making up half of this operation, protecting her won’t be a problem!’

    Aria internally scoffed, thinking, ‘As if the State Security Bureau would kill me. This guy truly talks nonsense.’

    Julius rolled his eyes. “That’s not the point right now. With no guide, how do we secure the technology? If we go into the State Security Bureau blindly, we’ll only get caught.”

    Flynt smirked. “I’ve already prepared for that-you don’t need to worry about it.”

    Gerald agreed. “Sure.”

    When they reached the State Security Bureau’s perimeter, Aria realized why Flynt sounded so sure of himself: someone had delivered a detailed map of the Bureau directly to them.

    “Our surveince covers this area now,” the informant said. “The route has been cleared for you. Keep a low profile. When you reach the researchb, swipe this card.” He handed over an important ess card.

    Noticing Aria’s gaze, he turned toward her before continuing, “Bringing her along is risky. Leave her with me instead.”

    Flynt stepped in front of Aria. “No.”

    The other man looked displeased. “The Director has been nning this for a long time. Don’t ruin it over a woman.”

    Flynt replied, “She’s cuffed, and the keys are with you. She can’t escape, and I’ll keep her by my side at all times.”

    The man said, “If we fail, and the boss mes us, it’ll be your head.”

    “Agreed,” Flynt said as he handed the map to Julius. “Now you can rx.”

    Julius chuckled. “I underestimated you. You even managed to get in touch with a State Security Bureau official.” He led the way forward.

    Flynt turned to Aria. “Aren’t you curious which Director betrayed the State Security Bureau?”