The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Jordan nearly lost his footing, stumbling backward a few steps before managing to steady himself. His eyes widened as he locked onto Nova’s gaze—cold, piercing, and utterly unyielding.

He swallowed nervously, forcing a strained smile. “Nova, don’t joke about things like that. If I took you seriously, I’d have to arrest you.” His voice was stiff, his tone serious, but beneath that rigidity lay disbelief. He simply couldn’t accept her words.

He pressed on, “If you really were a fugitive, why would you agree to help me catch other fugitives? You’d be siding with them, not with us. No fugitive ever assists an officer in hunting down their own kind—it’s like handing yourself over willingly.”

What Jordan didn’t realize was that Nova was precisely that rare “exception” he dismissed so easily.

Yet Nova chose not to argue further. Instead, she curved her lips into a faint smile, as though humoring his skepticism. Inwardly, she mused, *Confessing to an officer and still not being believed—that’s the advantage of wearing the disguise of a schoolgirl.*

In truth, Nova’s declaration was a carefully planted test, a subtle psychological ploy. By openly admitting her identity, she baited Jordan to deny it, thereby reinforcing in his mind the belief that “if she were truly a fugitive, she wouldn’t joke about it.”

Even if hints of her fugitive status emerged later, he wouldn’t suspect her. It was a mercenary’s tactic—turning the opponent’s assumptions against them.

With a smooth change of subject, Nova said, “I’m heading out now. Contact me if you need anything.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and strode toward the left staircase on the cafeteria’s second floor, her figure slowly disappearing from sight.

The duel tournament stretched over three intense days, keeping the students buzzing with excitement for the following two days. Despite all the chaos, things remained surprisingly calm on Nova’s front. After their conversation, Jordan hadn’t reached out again—likely still preparing, needing to maintain his cover before confronting the international fugitives directly.

Once the tournament concluded, Fiona watched as her three children returned home together. Her attention lingered especially on Maxwell and Hannah. She recalled how after every past tournament, they came back marked by bruises and wounds, evidence of fierce battles fought. But this year, both appeared unscathed and even in high spirits.

Relief washed over Fiona, and she silently credited Nova for persuading her siblings to avoid reckless fighting.

Seated in her wheelchair, Fiona gently took Nova’s hand in hers and spoke warmly, “Nova, it’s all thanks to you. You’re such a sensible girl.”

“I’ve always believed the most important thing is safety—no bloodshed during competitions. You’ve done wonderfully.”

Hannah, who was sipping water nearby, suddenly choked and spat it out at the phrase “sensible girl.” She couldn’t help but think of all the times Nova had driven her crazy.

Even Maxwell, usually the calm and composed one, couldn’t suppress a bitter smile as he interrupted, “Mom, we’re fine. It’s Zane who got hurt. His arm’s broken and his chin’s busted. Nova did it.” The peace Fiona imagined was far from reality.

Fiona’s heart skipped a beat. She stared at Nova in shock, unable to process the revelation.

It was understandable—Fiona had always seen Nova as well-behaved and sensible, never stepping out of line.

Before he could finish, Nova interrupted, “Mom, would you mind if I took a look at your leg injury?” She stood tall, allowing Fiona to lean on her affectionately, though her voice remained cool and flat.

On the surface, Nova appeared cold-hearted—it was just her way. Deep down, she struggled to express warmth.

She hadn’t mentioned the injury earlier to avoid hurting Fiona. Now, feeling closer to her family, the moment seemed right.

Hannah, no longer hostile toward Nova as she once had been—so long as Nova didn’t cross a line—watched closely.

Hannah knew Fiona well—how incredibly sensitive she was. Since the car accident, Fiona had hidden her injury, never letting anyone see her damaged legs. Nova’s blunt words felt like salt in an open wound.

Furious, Hannah snapped at Nova, “What’s wrong with you? Are you doing this on purpose? You know Mom got hurt because of you. Why bring it up? You’ve gone too far! You—”

Before Hannah could finish, Nova cut in firmly, “I can heal Mom’s injury. So let me care for her.” Her tone was resolute, unwavering.

The tension hung in the air, but beneath it was a fragile thread of hope.