Chapter 87

Lucy White never expected to encounter Ian Stone here. What shocked her more was discovering he'd become one of the leaders of the Black Horizon Syndicate.

In her memories, Ian remained that scrawny, stubborn boy. Back in high school, she'd rescued him from bullies in an alleyway. From then on, he'd followed her like a shadow.

When she took taekwondo classes, he joined too. He'd endure every bruise during training without complaint. Within a year, he could spar with her evenly.

But when she skipped grades to enter university, Ian vanished without explanation.

He reappeared years later as a polished returnee, picking her up from campus in a luxury car. Dressed in tailored suits with refined manners, he bore no resemblance to the boy she remembered.

He started asking her out frequently, showering her with gifts. She declined every time—she was still dating Michael Johnson, and no argument would make her entertain other suitors.

After her suicide and rebirth, this new revelation about Ian's identity stunned her.

"Victor Stone... Ian Stone..." Lucy murmured, suddenly recalling the mysterious male lead from the novel.

In the book, Lily Green had rescued an injured man in a parking lot—the same man who later became her powerful patron. The timeline matched perfectly.

Yet the novel never mentioned Ian's pursuit of her. Lucy realized this world held far more complexity than the book portrayed. Every person had their own story beyond Lily's limited perspective.

Just like how the novel depicted Lily as Michael's unattainable first love—a complete fabrication from reality.

"Can't trust everything in books," Lucy massaged her temples.

The trio returned to their cave to rest before their nighttime operation.

Meanwhile, the foraging team ran into trouble.

"Professor Miller, let's pick those wild fruits!" Lily pointed excitedly at hillside trees.

Daniel Miller recalled Lucy's warning, a chill running down his spine. "Perhaps we should gather mushrooms instead?"

"Others are already collecting mushrooms." Lily dismissed his concern. "I'm good at climbing—I'll get them!"

Before Daniel could stop her, she'd scrambled up the tree.

From the crowd's rear, Michael flicked his fingers.

"Ah!" Lily shrieked as she tumbled from the branches.

Daniel instinctively reached to catch her but staggered backward from the impact.

"Watch out!" Robert Lee shouted.

Too late.

Daniel lost his footing and rolled down the slope.

"My arm!" He paled from pain.

The medic examined him and sighed in relief. "Dislocated. I'll reset it."

Daniel's agonized scream echoed through the valley.

Witnessing this, Robert remembered Lucy's prophecy. He gave Lily a meaningful side-eye, suspicion creeping in: Is this woman a walking jinx? Everyone around her seems cursed with misfortune.