Iris observed the surroundings, trying to look for the rest of her friends. She walked across the hall when someone calls out to her. The voice was unfamiliar so she quickly turned only to find Rikky standing there. This made her flinch. How did he know her name? Does he know about who she is?

"Iris."

He again calls out to her. For now, Iris pretended to be oblivious.

"Yes?"

"How have you been? I know this is the first time we are meeting so you must be startled."

He calmly addressed her

"....I am fine. Is something wrong?"

Iris didn't like the look on this guy's face.

"How's your father? He is dead, right?"

His sudden comment made Iris's eyes go round. Iris now knew that he knows everything. She wanted to go away but she was curious about what he wants.

"What do you want?"

Iris's previous innocent expression changed. Her eyes were sharp along with her tone.

"I don't want anything. I am just making small talk. Tell me, what are you doing here?"

"I got an invite."

"I was referring to you being in The Mercurial. But, smart. Let me rephrase it. What are you playing? Are you trying to revolt against me? How exactly?"

"I could ask you the same thing. You shut down The Mercurial. Why?"

"Look around you. You might recognise some of these people. They are very high officials either in government or military. Why resist against us when everyone is happy?"

"What you do is wrong. Manipulating people, blackmailing, killing them, just for your own sake."

"Let me give you an advice. Everyone is selfish, in one way or another. So you can't blame them for looking out for themselves."

"What is so good for only caring about yourself if you're going to hurt others in the process?"

"You really aren't denying that you are creating a rebellion against me? That isn't so smart considering you are in an enemy territory."

"I don't like to play it safe."

"Give me the USB."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"The thing your father stole, give it."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play games. You know what happened to your father, he got burned to death by his own student. That's what you call karma. Though I felt Logan acted cowardly, he should've slit his throat by his own hands but I guess he still isn't that strong enough to do that. Too bad. You should learn from that. You don't want to end up in the same situation as your dad, do you? Although in your case it will be more fun if what happened to your dad, happened to everyone around you. Let's start with your mother, shall we? Ah, yes, your mother. I pity that poor woman. What about your sister that's apparently living her happily ever after right now? How would it feel if that were to be destroyed? Or what about Logan? You two kind of know each other, right? Though I still don't know if you're friends or not. But if he were to meet the same fate as his teacher, how would....."

Iris who was holding it all in couldn't do it any longer. At first, she tried to ignore whatever the guy in front of her was blabbering about, her knuckles tightened. She didn't want to create a scene. Especially at this critical moment. But damn those people around her, she can't just stand and listen to him say all this bullshit. Without her knowing, her right hand went out of control and she slapped Rikky real hard in the face, interrupting what he was saying. The sound from the slap was so loud that silence fell on the hall. For a few moments no one could believe what they were witnessing. Even Iris couldn't believe that she just slapped him. Though it felt good. Rikky's eyes were wide as he was looking to the left, on the floor. He knew that he was deliberately trying to edge her on but he wasn't expecting her to hit him. What Iris did next, was totally in her control. Grabbing Rikky by the collar and pulling him close, she hissed while glaring,

"If you dare hurt anyone I love, you won't live to see another day. I will ruin you."

She then lets him go, making him stumble a few feet back. Everyone around them were standing, whispering, watching closely. Soon enough, Rikky's body guards surround Iris. Rikky glared at Iris, he felt like killing her at the moment. She had hurt his ego by raising her hand against him in front of everyone. The only reason he hadn't killed her before was because he needed the USB and he also found out Logan knows her. And because of their friendship, he didn't do anything. He takes out his pistol and points at her. Triggering his gun, he is about to shoot when Logan appears on the other end on his gun, in front of Iris.

"Rikky, don't."

He states. Even though his expression and tone was calm, from his eyes one could tell he was glaring at him.

"Get out of the way, Logan!"

Rikky snapped but Logan refused.

"No."

Duncan also comes towards them and stands on the side, looking at Rikky he retorts,

"Rikky, don't do it."

"You both do know who she is, right? Don't take her side....."

"I accept."

Logan blurted out, interrupting him. Only Rikky and Duncan knew what he was talking about. Iris was curious. She mumbled,

"Accept what?"

But Logan didn't answer. He probably didn't hear her.

"That does not change that she has what we need. I am sure of it."

"She does not have it."

"How can you say that? You don't know that..."

"I have it. I can say that because I have it."

Logan raised his voice slightly. Everyone in the area was curious except the people who knew what they were talking about. Iris and Duncan's eyes had went wide. They did not understand why would he say that.

"Don't lie to me. I know that she has it. She took it back from Duncan."

"Yeah, after which she gave it to me."

Rikky lowers his gun, though his grip on it does not loosen.

"....still how can I be sure that she won't try anything? She is a threat to us."

"I will make sure of that. Don't worry, she won't do anything. If she cares about her life and the people around her, then she won't even dare try anything."

At the last comment, Logan took a peek behind him at Iris. Iris couldn't believe her eyes. Logan was emitting such a cold aura that made her wonder if he was the same guy she knew. She didn't know what was going on but decided to stay quiet because she knew Logan must be doing what is the best as she believed in him.

"....fine. I am only letting her go because of you. Don't forget that. It's only for old times sake. Also, give me that USB as soon as you can."

Rikky puts the pistol back and turns around. He then tells the guard to announce that the party is over.

Logan follows after Rikky and Duncan but Iris stops him by grabbing his arm. She wanted to know what was going on.

"Logan..."

"Go home.You can't be here anymore. I can't save you again. So, go. Get out of here quick."

That's all he says before shaking off her hand and leaving. Iris stood there surprised about what just happened. George and Arthur along with Lucy and her friends approach her.

"We need to talk."

"But first we need to get out of here."

"I still am surprised about what just happened."

"Yeah, why did you hit him suddenly?"

"Did he say anything?"

"We can talk all we want, but not here. Let's go."