"So… your eyes have improved. Impressive."
"Was this supposed to happen?"
"Yes."
"How is that possible, though?" Isn't this a bit too advanced for this time? If something like that exists, then… "What kind of stuff did you give me, anyway?" she asked, curiosity lingered in her gaze.
"Even if I tell you, you won't understand."
"…"
"It's enough that you know it's going to make your body a bit better. As I said, I was trying to prepare you for the nanoparticles. The treatment won't work if your body couldn't handle it."
Her gaze was direct as she said, "Thank you."
"You already owe me a lot. You should give me something in return."
"Oh? Information? Sure… I will give it tomorrow." She answered almost immediately. This man was clearly doing this because he wanted more information to help Mr. Archy. Aden was about to answer when her phone suddenly vibrated. "Let me get that."
"Kasper… did something happen?" she asked. It was already late. Why was he calling her?
"Miss… I just received some news. Lyle Quigly died."
"Huh?"
"Apparently, it's a heart attack. But I already checked, she is healthy. She didn't have any problems in her heart, either. She was even an athlete when she was younger."
Lyle died? She furrowed her brows. She was confident that it was not an accident. But who would kill her? Damn! Gabi cursed inwardly. That old man might think that Gabi had something to do with it! "Alright. Thanks for letting me know. Have a good night."
"You don't look too well?" Aden asked when she ended the call.
"Miss Quigly died."
"Ah, and you don't look that happy? She tried to kill you."
His words deepened the creases in between her brows. For some reason, she couldn't help but suspect him. But why would he kill Lyle? That woman did nothing to him or Archy. "I wasn't planning on killing her."
"Hm? Why?"
"What do you mean by why?"
"She wanted to kill you."
"You— "
"You are still young," he snorted. "In this world, it is better to deal with your enemies swiftly to avoid further complications. The easier to get rid of them, the better."
Now she was seventy percent sure that he was the one who killed her. "You talk as if killing is as easy as cutting pies."
"It is as easy as cutting pies."
She blinked. His words were said without a hint of hesitation. She knew he had killed a lot of people in the past, but to be able to say something like this is just… "I am not like you."
"Why?"
"What does that mean?" she asked, confused.
"Why aren't you like me? People who wanted my life ended up dead. How about you. Are you planning to let them go and let them try again? What if they succeed the second time? Hm?"
Her jaws dropped, unable to say anything.
"You see? People will only hurt you if you let them. So it's better to stop them the first time they show signs of hurting you."
That… Is this the mentality of a ruthless killer?
"Scared?"
"Of — of what?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he got up and stared at her, the corner of his lips lifting into an insidious smirk. "Of monsters."
Monsters.
Gabi stilled. "What is a monster?" she asked herself. Monsters should be ruthless creatures who do not care about life or other people around them. In her previous life, she hasn't directly killed people. Yet she had caused a lot of deaths because of her schemes. So, wasn't she considered a monster too?
"Are you familiar with Frankenstein?" he asked.
"Yes."
"And you know who made it?"
"Yes."
"Then… let me asked you this. Who do you think is the actual monster between the two?"
"The doctor," she answered.
"Then… if given a chance, who are you going to kill? Frankenstein? Or the one who made him?"
"The doctor."
"Those assassins were Frankenstein. Lyle is the doctor. She could create another Frankenstein. Do you understand me?"
Gabi nodded. That comparison is a bit extreme, but she totally got his point.
"She's malicious because she was miserable. She didn't get her way, and she was punished. But… did you really think she would stop there? What made you think that she isn't going to pay someone to kill you again? You are silly enough to warn her, then you let her go just like that. Do you know? People like her are just going to get better in the future. Meaning, she won't use the black market to kill you next time. She would be careful and would be more cautious of the surrounding people. Meaning, you will have a hard time defending yourself, next time."
Gabi nodded. However, she was more concerned about the fact that he was teaching her how to be ruthless. What's his deal, anyway? Why was he acting so strange around her?
"People like her won't stop until they kill their target. They scheme and scheme and scheme until they die. Dealing with them would be very tiring, no?"
"Yes."
"So to save time… you better deal with them while they are still weak. That way, you will have more time to relax."
"So you are saying that you killed Lyle Quigly?"
"I won't say anything that would incriminate myself," he winked at her. "Anyway, you better learn your lesson."
"I have a question."
"Ask."
"What about second chances?"
"What is that?"
"…" Gabi gulped. It seems that Aden was raised in a very ruthless environment. How pitiful. "Personalities aren't set in stones. People change and everyone deserved a second chance. But from your words alone, I could see that you are not someone who gives second chances."
"Ah… yes. I am too lazy to deal with that."
"…" Really? Disbelief flashed in her eyes. What kind of person would say something like that? She sighed inwardly. It seems that her previous assumption was right. This man must have been a trained killer since he was young. He must have had a very sad childhood.