[Chapter 103: Following Black Widow to Save Someone]
Daniel paused to think. Several months had already passed since Scarlett purchased the body protection seal. The seal had been steadily releasing its power all this time and was now nearly depleted. According to Scarlett, her younger brother's girlfriend was growing stronger in her troubled state.
Comparing the two situations, it was clear the body protection seal couldn't last much longer. Daniel said, "How about this, Scarlett: find some time, and I'll go with you to New York to see your brother."
"Really?" Scarlett's eyes lit up with joy. "That would be amazing."
Then she suddenly remembered something and asked, "Mr. Cross, did you call me for anything else?"
Daniel smiled. "I've recently refined some remedies that are very good for the body. You might be interested."
"Of course, I am very interested. Tomorrow's the weekend. If you're okay with it, Mr. Cross, I'll book tickets tonight and we can fly straight to New York."
She hesitated, a little embarrassed. "I know this will take up some of your off-hours, Mr. Cross. But please be assured, I won't skimp on paying you what you deserve."
Daniel considered it. Since he had no plans that evening, he agreed, "Sounds good."
"Thank you, Mr. Cross. Just send me your details, and I'll have my assistant book our tickets."
...
At 6 p.m., a chauffeured van pulled into Daniel's driveway. The door opened, and the stunning Scarlett stepped out, waving at Daniel standing by the gate.
"I'm sorry to bother you after work, Mr. Cross."
"It's no problem," Daniel said as he walked toward her. "Our line of work usually gets busy at night anyway."
He stepped closer, taking her in. It had been months since he last saw her, and she looked even more radiant than before. That made sense; she had just landed a role in Michael Bay's The Island, a high-profile sci-fi blockbuster with a budget over a hundred million dollars. It was a coveted break, one that left her in high spirits.
Scarlett was now one of Hollywood's most popular young actresses. Success had definitely sharpened her allure.
"Don't you need to bring anything with you?" Scarlett asked, noticing Daniel's empty hands.
Daniel smiled, "I have what I need."
He climbed into the backseat of the van beside Scarlett.
"Hank, head to the airport," Scarlett ordered her driver and bodyguard.
...
Around 9 p.m., Daniel and Scarlett landed in New York.
In the eyes of the public, Scarlett wasn't a massive star yet, so she wasn't completely covered up. Even with a hat and sunglasses shading half her face, her extraordinary figure still caught many eyes -- curious, admiring, or spiteful.
After all, she was the woman who had an NBA star hooked enough to literally drink her bath water.
Since Daniel was with her, Scarlett hadn't brought a bodyguard this time. Feeling the unwanted stares, she instinctively leaned close to Daniel. He stepped forward, shielding her from view, and Scarlett squeezed his hand gratefully. "Thank you."
After leaving the airport, they got into a luxury hotel's waiting car. Scarlett checked her phone, then said, "My younger brother Hunter is already waiting for us in the lobby."
"Is his girlfriend with him?" Daniel asked.
"Probably not. She usually stays on campus," Scarlett replied.
"Then it's no problem."
...
About forty minutes later, the car stopped at a lavish hotel. Daniel and Scarlett entered, and a young man immediately stood up and waved. He'd been watching the entrance and spotted them right away.
Scarlett didn't rush to check in. Instead, she walked over with Daniel toward the young man.
Hunter was Scarlett's younger twin brother. But they didn't look alike, especially in height. Scarlett listed her public height as 5'3", considered short in Hollywood. Hunter, on the other hand, was well over 6'3". The difference between them was striking.
Daniel recalled Hunter had acted in a few minor Hollywood roles before switching to politics. He even joined a local election team, which explained why Scarlett often voiced support for the campaign.
Hunter ignored his sister's greeting and immediately extended his hand toward Daniel. "You must be Mr. Cross, right?"
Daniel shook his hand with a faint grin. "That's me."
"I'm glad you're finally here," Hunter said excitedly.
Scarlett shot him a scolding look. "Now that you've met your savior, are you going to ignore your sister?"
"Quit messing around, Sis. Right now, I'm waiting for Mr. Cross to save my life."
Daniel studied Hunter carefully. There was no trace of death energy on him, but a faint hint of dark energy lingered almost imperceptibly.
After sitting down, Daniel said, "Hand me the body protection seal so I can check it out."
Hunter quickly pulled a triangular seal from his pocket, sealed tightly in a waterproof pouch -- the same one Daniel had crafted months ago.
Daniel took the seal and immediately sensed its power was almost gone.
"This seal will only last about three more days before it burns out completely," Daniel warned.
Hunter sighed in relief. "Thank goodness you're here, Mr. Cross. I would have been in serious trouble otherwise."
"You can wear a new body protection seal for some more time," Daniel said. "Or, better still, you can take me to see your girlfriend and let me help rid her of whatever's afflicting her. That will solve your problems at the same time."
Hunter didn't hesitate. "Definitely the second option. Mr. Cross, please help Amy. I know she's suffering and in constant pain."
Interestingly, Hunter's girlfriend's name was Amy, the same as another woman Daniel had helped just two days ago.
Daniel nodded and stood up.
...
After quickly checking into the hotel, Scarlett tossed her bags in her room then hurried back downstairs to join Daniel and Hunter for a trip to NY University.
They'd chosen the hotel for its proximity, just a ten-minute walk to the campus. Daniel had suggested Scarlett rest, but she insisted on coming along to see for herself.
After all, she was the one who had covered the bill, and she needed to know it was worth it.
With Hunter leading, the three of them easily entered the campus and headed straight for the dormitories.
Hunter explained, "Since Amy's incident, no one wanted to share her dorm. She's been living alone."
"Do her parents know?" Daniel asked.
"I told them. They came by once, but Amy acted completely normal at the time, and I ended up getting blamed."
Daniel frowned. "It sounds like whatever's attached to her is very cunning. Do you know how this started?"
Hunter's expression darkened. "She got involved with some spirits game. Yeah, it's called Mirror Spirits Game."
Daniel sighed heavily. Another spiritual game to mess with innocent lives.
As they talked, the three reached Amy's dormitory. Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed inside, quick and nervous.
*****
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