Delete My Love for You novel Chapter 39

Charlotte had barely made it offstage when Herbert’s call came through. “Charlotte, did you get on the wrong side of someone you shouldn’t have?”

He sounded anxious. “Someone’s using some seriously advanced tech to hack into the registration database and pull your personal information!”

Charlotte frowned, her voice low and certain. “Darren.”

There was no one else it could be.

Herbert’s tone sharpened with concern. “You need to be careful—don’t let anyone find the chip. After the competition ends today, come straight back to the lab so we can check it.”

“I understand.”

She hung up and headed for the lounge, hoping for a moment’s rest, but a cluster of dark silhouettes blocked her path.

Leading them was Xena.

Behind her stood four other contestants, their faces set and unfriendly.

Xena’s eyes blazed with barely contained fury, though she didn’t say a word. Instead, one of her cronies spoke for her, voice harsh and menacing. “Number Eight, do you really think winning means you get to walk away with that million-dollar emerald bracelet?”

“You’re dreaming. We’ve already sealed the exits and killed the security cameras. You might win the match, but you won’t live to collect your prize.”

Xena put on a saccharine smile, feigning innocence. “Now, girls, there’s no need for this. It’s just a bracelet. Someone wins, someone loses—I’ve already accepted defeat.”

“Ms. Lancaster, we know how kind and generous you are,” the lackey said righteously. “But everyone knows that bracelet was Mr. Harrington’s gift to you. Who knows what this homewrecker did behind closed doors to get in the way? For all we know, she’s nothing but a gold-digging tramp!”

“We’ll handle this ourselves, Ms. Lancaster. You won’t be involved. Please, have a seat.”

At those words, Xena let out a long, theatrical sigh and looked at Charlotte with mock regret. “You see, Number Eight? I tried to help you. But you really don’t make it easy.”

Fists flew at Charlotte in a blur.

But just as the blows were about to land, something in Charlotte’s eyes changed. The chip’s defense protocol kicked in. Her brain fired off commands, sending a surge of power through her limbs.

With a sudden twist, she broke free from their grasp.

In a heartbeat, bones popped and joints shifted. The four attackers went flying, scattering across the floor like leaves in a storm, crashing down hard, groaning in pain, clutching their arms or shoulders—none of them able to get up.

It had all happened in the blink of an eye.

Xena’s smug smile froze on her face, replaced by shock and terror she couldn’t hide.

Charlotte, breathing steadily, strode toward Xena, each step deliberate and heavy.