Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 192: Chapter 192

Shawn looked the same as ever, cold, powerful, and hard to approach. But lately, Zoe noticed how often she was running into Shawn. Like today, he didn't even need to go to the base, but he still showed up just to see her.
Despite her confusion, Zoe thought, 'The more Shawn comes around, the smoother my assassination plan would go.' Setting aside her doubts, she decided to clock out early.
Seeing Zoe step out of her office, Emmett called out, "Ms. Evans, heading out? Let me give you a ride."
"No need," Zoe said, reaching for the elevator button.
But Emmett darted ahead of her. He said, "Ms. Evans, it must be such a hassle for you to come in every day. I hope my work's up to your standards. If there's anything you want changed, just say the word—I'll do better, I promise."
"You're doing fine. Just stop following me everywhere," Zoe said, stopping Emmett before he could squeeze into the elevator with her.
Emmett looked so disappointed, like a puppy that had just been left out in the rain. It was almost enough to make anyone feel bad. He said, "I knew it. I'm just not good enough. I must not have met your expectations, Ms. Evans.
"If you really can't stand me, I can ask the boss to let me go and find someone you like better."
Zoe was speechless. She thought, 'I haven't said a word, but this guy had already made up a whole drama in his head, like I am bullying him for no reason.' She rubbed her forehead and said helplessly, "Alright, come in."
With her permission, Emmett practically bounced into the elevator. He used every second to chat with Zoe, mostly him talking, her listening. When the doors opened, Zoe headed out, and Emmett stuck close behind.
Emmett didn't just clear the way for Zoe, he even held the door. His every move was careful and attentive, like he was escorting his crush. Even after Zoe walked out of the building, Emmett lingered, his eyes practically glued to her.
The moment Shawn saw Emmett sticking to Zoe, his face turned icy cold. He opened the car door and strode over.
That day, Shawn was wearing a rare gray casual suit. Even out of uniform, every move he made radiated an intimidating presence.
As Shawn approached, Emmett shivered under Shawn's deathly stare. He could barely breathe.
Shawn put his arm around Zoe's shoulders and said, "Let's go." With that, he led her away.
Even then, Emmett waved and called after Zoe, "Ms. Evans, take care! If you need anything, just call me. I'm here for you 24/7!" His eagerness was off the charts.
In the car, Shawn stayed silent, his face unreadable. Sitting in the passenger seat, Zoe could sense the subtle tension in the air. She didn't say a word. She really couldn't figure out what Shawn was up to.
Shawn steered the car out toward the edge of the city. Judging by the route, Zoe figured out they were headed for the coast. She thought, 'Is he taking me to the beach?'
As it turned out, the car headed for a quiet stretch of coastline nearby. After parking, Shawn got out and, to Zoe's surprise, opened the car door for her himself.
Zoe thought, 'Such a gentlemanly move doesn't seem like something the Shawn I know would do. Something is up.' She instantly tensed.
Shawn led Zoe to the water's edge, helped her up onto the rocks, and they stood gazing out at the sea. Nothing else that Zoe worried about happened. Shawn said softly, "This spot has the best view of the ocean."
Zoe stared out at the waves, letting herself get lost in the moment. The sea breeze blew straight at her, cool and bracing, clearing her mind and soul. Just taking a deep breath here felt like being revitalized. Her tangled thoughts finally settled into calmness.
It was the first time Zoe had ever really felt the wind's freshness. On the battlefield, she'd always had to keep her nerves taut, pushing herself forward on nothing but grit.
But now, standing here with Shawn, the man she was supposed to kill, the one she should hate with every fiber of her being, Zoe felt a strange sense of peace. She thought, 'What is going on with me?' She couldn't make sense of it.
Just then, Shawn spoke again, "Whenever I'm in a bad mood, or just back from the front, I come here. This place always brings me peace."
His voice was so soft, so gentle, that for a moment, he didn't seem like the fierce legendary warrior from the battlefield, but just an ordinary man standing quietly by her side.
In fact, they were both just ordinary people. It was only when they put on their uniforms and led their men that they had to pursue glory on the battlefield. They did it for the sake of the countless people standing behind them.
Zoe thought, 'Is Shawn opening up to me?' He'd brought her to a place that was his private sanctuary, and for a moment, Zoe felt completely thrown off.
Suddenly, a huge wave crashed against the rocks, sending a spray of seawater right at Zoe's face.
Zoe frowned, about to raise her hand to block it, when a jacket landed perfectly over her head. Shawn's faint, clean scent on the jacket made Zoe freeze for a moment. She was about to step back, but lost her footing on the rocks.
Just then, Shawn said, "Careful." He reached out and caught Zoe, his movement unexpectedly gentle.
Zoe thought, 'Gentle? I must be losing my mind to even think that.' But she almost let herself fall for the warmth in his touch.
Once she steadied herself, Zoe arched a brow, lips curving into a teasing smile as she glanced at Shawn. She said, "So, Mr. Ludwig, you brought me out here to this deserted spot. Are you trying to ask me out on a date?"
Zoe was just testing him, but Shawn answered seriously, "Yes." Zoe blinked, caught off guard. She hadn't expected this side of him.
A real smile broke across her face. She continued, "Really? I thought we were just pretending to be a couple. Don't tell me you're falling for me, Shawn."
To her surprise, Shawn replied, "Yes."
Zoe was stunned. She thought, 'How am I supposed to respond to that?' Just as she was trying to process how much Shawn had changed, her phone started buzzing in her pocket.
She pulled it out and saw it was Yancy calling. Zoe answered.
Yancy's anxious voice crackled through the phone, saying, "Zoe, something's wrong! You need to come to the Ludwig residence right away. Amy's in really bad shape, I don't think she's going to make it!"