Chapter 606

Sensing the doubt in Raymond's voice, Sherman offered a reassuring smile. "Mr. Carmichael, our orders come directly from the Boss. She showed us your profiles herself—she knew Talbot was too cunning to let you off that easily. That's why she sent us to protect you."

"Boss?" Raymond looked utterly confused.

Sherman scratched his head, embarrassed. He'd assumed they already knew who the Boss was, and now he'd let the secret slip.

But since the truth was out, he stopped hiding. "Citrine. She's the leader of the Vermillion Vanguard."

The Boss of the Vermillion Vanguard-second only to the Commanding General in the military hierarchy. Raymond didn't know much about the military, but even he had seen newspaper stories about this legendary leader.

She'd earned a top commendation after just a year in service, and her name appeared again and again in reports of daring rescue missions. The papers described her as: brave and sharp-witted, fearless in the face of danger, and though young, utterly selfless-always putting her soldiers and those she rescued before herself, often risking grave injury in the process.

Her astonishing feats had earned her the title: the Young Boss.

The Young Boss, the undefeated Commander C.

Every international rescue mission she'd led had ended in victory-her record was flawless.

The Carmichaels and Hilda stood frozen in shock.

No one regretted more than old Weston. All his life, he'd admired military heroes. In his younger days, his idol had been General Ogden Winthrop, the legendary leader of the armed forces. But in recent years, it was the undefeated Boss he admired most.

If only he'd known that his idol, Commander C, was Citrine herself, he would have welcomed her home with open arms, never giving her the cold shoulder.

Despite the awe all of them felt, their worry for Citrine's safety overshadowed everything else.

Raymond's voice was urgent. "Captain Sherman, Citrine's still over there. We have to go back for her-now!"

Sherman pointed to a car parked

nearby. "Mr. Carmichael, I have et

vehicle ready for you right up ahead. You and your family need to leave first. We'll go back for the Boss." Raymond hesitated, then spoke solemn "Captain Sherman, I'm

bove?net

coming with you. She's my

daughter-I can't just wallet

Sherman shook his head, refusing firmly. "No, sir. The Boss insisted I get you to safety first."

But Raymond wouldn't back down. "Captain Sherman, please—you must understand how a father worries about his daughter."

Seeing Sherman's uncertainty, Raymond pressed further, "I know how to fight. I won't get in your way."

Sherman hesitated, then finally nodded. "Alright. But you stay close, and you follow our lead. No heroics, understood?"

"Agreed." Raymond didn't even pause before accepting.

As soon as Raymond spoke, Hilda stepped forward, her resolve clear. "I'm coming too."

Travis chimed in, "Me too."

Manley added, "Count me in. Citrine saved my life once-I can't just abandon her."

Weston said simply, "She's my granddaughter-and my hero."

Raymond frowned, irritation

one across his face. "Enough?

just

us is plenty. If we all go we'll slow Citrine down."

Manley bristled. "And why should you be the one to go?"

"Because I'm her father. Because I've spent years boxing and training-I won't be

a liability."