Reboot: Mechanic

Chapter 187 Calm Before The Storm

?

Vanessa's lips curved into a wry smile as she observed the unfolding scenario.

"Seems like they're eager to challenge my abilities," she mused, her tone a blend of amusement and a touch of irony.

Shi Tian's eyes gleamed with a knowing understanding.

"You seem more excited than worried despite the drastic situation we're facing right now. The other patrons here are unknowingly dragged into the mess as well." He said, referring to the current entrapment that they are receiving.

Vanessa nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting to the patrons who were now engaged in hushed conversations, their eyes darting toward the entrance.

It was clear that the patrons were anxious and astounded by the situation, given that they had no idea of what was going on.

Nevertheless, Vanessa was unfazed by their reaction, almost as if their life and death had no effects on her. She was almost like a detached observer of their distress and current unease emotion.

After all, she wasn't going to be the one that would harm their life if her enemies chose to risk it all and commit murder in broad daylight.

"Who do you think is the one that wanted my life this badly, Nathan?" She inquired, her gaze locking onto him.

"I mean like, deploying such manpower and isolating a restaurant in broad daylight should mean they have some influence and power here, right?"

"Who else could it be aside from the Harrett Family?" Shi Tian shrugged his shoulders and gave his opinion.

Both him and Mary had already found some connection between the Harrett Family and its involvement in the current monster wave. So other than the Harrett Family, he couldn't find anyone else to be more suspicious.

However, Shi Tian's thought was quick to be shot down as Vanessa shook her head.

"No, I don't think the Harrett Family is this gutsy, Nathan." She stated, doubting his claim. "One thing for sure is that the Harrett Family is greedy, and a greedy person would always know the benefits of their action."

Shi Tian pondered over her explanation, seemingly recalculating his thought process.

"So you're telling me that the Harrett Family is being framed right now?" He raised an eyebrow and asked.

Vanessa nodded her head.

"When someone seems to be the most likely culprit, it usually isn't them. After all, only a fool would continue to commit a crime despite all suspicions being placed upon you. That's like telling everyone that I'm the criminal, so come get me."

"Then who do you suspect? If you have such doubts, then who else would benefit in this development?"

Vanessa's gaze remained fixed on the unfolding situation outside the restaurant, her voice carrying a hint of speculative contemplation.

"I suspect this is the work of a more elusive force, one that thrives in the shadows but lacks the Harrett Family's inclination for subtlety." She said calmly.

Shi Tian's brows furrowed slightly, a mixture of intrigue and concern coloring his features. "You believe there's another player in the game, someone we haven't encountered before?"

Vanessa's response held a note of caution. "It's a possibility we shouldn't dismiss. The Harrett Family's method of influence relies on indirect control, but what we're seeing now is a direct and bold act. This suggests a different kind of adversary."

As the tension between them mounted, the mystery surrounding the identity of their new adversary deepened.

Together, they shared a realization that the threats they faced weren't limited to those they already knew. A more enigmatic and audacious enemy had emerged, casting a shadow over their already complex predicament.

"Anyway, no point in worrying now and let's enjoy some food first. If the enemies want to come while we're eating, then it's even better." Vanessa exclaimed, pressing the button to call for Tracy.

"I bet you're hoping the enemies would interrupt us in the middle of eating so we don't have to pay for our meal," Shi Tian rolled his eyes.

Though he actually loved her thinking and was quite eager to look forward to that.

Not having to pay for your meal because of an external force affecting you would be fantastic.

"Don't act like you didn't love my idea, Nathan. As far as I'm concerned, you are the most stingiest and calculated person." Vanessa grinned wickedly.

"No comment on that."

"Tsk, pretending to be righteous when you are shrewd as well."

Thankfully, Tracy soon arrived from downstairs, allowing Shi Tian to escape from the topic.

"Madam, what did you need?" Tracy kept a smile on her face, asking what she wanted. Though it was clear that Tracy had been affected by the commotion outside, especially when the patrons are starting to become rowdy and anxious.

She didn't even want to stay here any longer, but Robert Cook, the manager of the Horology Restaurant strictly told his employees to operate as normal.

If even the employees start to panic, then it wouldn't be long for the Horology Restaurant to become a panic place.

Not to mention, it did help a lot when Tracy knew that Vanessa was a generous patron, so she decided to continue to assist and serve her. The 150 Eons she received as tips aren't fake after all.

"I want the dishes of this and this. Oh, and also this, plus some fine wines for the two of us to enjoy," Vanessa spoke with a decisive yet calm tone,

And very quickly, Tracy jotted down all the dishes she wanted on her mini tablet, nodding her head in the process.

"Very well, Madam. The dishes should arrive in 10 minutes or so, whereas I'll find some fine wines for you." She replied, maintaining her professionalism as she ignored the commotion in the lower floor.

Vanessa merely waved her hands, a signal that she could leave.

Once Tracy took her leave to retrieve some wines, Vanessa and Shi Tian remained encased in their private bubble, seemingly unfazed by the tumultuous circumstances.

Amidst the chaos, their conversation flowed as if they were isolated from the world, focused solely on the evening.