The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59

In the cutthroat world of business, there was one silent but ironclad rule: never, under any circumstances, get involved with the black market.

Reputable business circles had always steered clear of those shadowy dealings, aware that even a fleeting connection to illegal enterprises could bring down the wealthiest dynasties in the blink of an eye.

Yet, behind closed doors, some daring—or desperate—individuals secretly forged alliances with the black market to gain a competitive edge.

For privileged children like Claire, Hannah, and Maxwell, crossing paths with black market figures felt almost like a scene from a distant legend—more surreal than encountering any hidden prodigy on campus.

They had heard whispers and rumors about these elusive masters of the underground, but none had ever come face to face with them.

Still, people often tend to dismiss threats that seem far away, while becoming obsessed with what feels tangible and immediate—like the black market lurking just beneath the surface.

As Claire spoke, her eyes never left Nova’s face, searching for any flicker of reaction. She hoped that the mere mention of the “black market” would stir up painful memories for Nova—memories of humiliation, suffering, and the deep scars she carried. Maybe it would even make her shudder with fear. Claire longed to see Nova falter, to watch her tremble.

But Nova remained utterly composed, revealing no sign of fear or unease.

Claire’s mind raced: *Is her disguise really that flawless?* Frustration tightened her fists, but she had a backup plan ready.

“I know this because I have connections in the black market,” Claire said smoothly, her voice dripping with confidence.

“To be honest, the people showing up tonight are from the neighboring gang, Verdant Reign, and their boss is here too. They’re closing a deal. Hannie, you and your brother should come with us.”

She smiled slyly, her tone teasing, “I have a way in. We can eavesdrop on what they’re really plotting. It’ll be exciting—like stepping into a thriller!”

At last, Nova’s gaze locked onto Claire’s, sharp and cold—a look that could only be described as courting danger.

Claire misread it as intrigue, inwardly triumphant. *Look at Nova, stunned into silence just hearing that I’m tied to the black market. With all her scars, she’s probably never even met a black market bigwig. And me? I know the elite of Verdant Reign.*

Claire snorted, lifting her chin arrogantly. “But I’d never drag some scarred mess along. Who knows if she’d screw everything up.”

Every word was a deliberate jab aimed straight at Nova.

In the past, Hannah would have eagerly joined in Claire’s taunts without hesitation, but now she remained silent, holding herself back.

“What a pathetic little game,” Nova scoffed, her voice icy.

Maxwell stepped forward, positioning himself protectively beside her. “Nova’s right. This childish nonsense isn’t worth it. I’m not going.”

Claire’s face flushed with anger. “You… You…” she stammered, then quickly masked her frustration with a smug smirk. “When I bring back inside information, I won’t be sharing it with you.”

In her mind, she gloated, *They’re just jealous of my connections to Verdant Reign’s elites. Yes! That must be it.*

Claire turned to Hannah, her voice dripping with false cheer, “Hannie, let’s go!”

Dragging Hannah away, Claire left the group just as Sophia and Ethan arrived.

Zane trailed behind Ethan, standing about thirty feet away, his eyes fixed wistfully on Nova, though he didn’t dare come any closer.

“Hey, Nova,” Sophia greeted warmly, linking arms with her. She noticed Nova was dressed in her usual black attire—no glamorous gown for this grand event. Sophia was used to Nova’s casual disregard for formal occasions.

“Nova, come on, let’s head to the socialite area,” Sophia suggested, slipping her arm through Nova’s and smiling brightly.

This strict division between upstairs and downstairs mirrored the chasm between the underworld and legitimate society—the latter never daring to provoke the former.

Nova shook her head. “No need to cause trouble. Just drop my name and have them invite us up.”

She was determined to discover what gave the head of Verdant Reign the audacity to stake a claim on Ravenport turf she already controlled.

Victor hadn’t expected such boldness. He thought, *The head of Verdant Reign is secretly negotiating with some big players, and now she wants to throw her name around and barge in? If this backfires, Frostwave Bar might have a new owner.*

Still, knowing Nova’s capabilities, Victor dared not question her. “Understood.”

Meanwhile, Claire guided Hannah through the socialite circle, convincing several others—including Zane and Jessica—to sneak upstairs and spy on the black market dealings.

Though the Free Combat Club and Taekwondo Club typically clashed, they had maintained a fragile truce since the fugitive incident.

What made Claire most proud was persuading Nova’s father, Charles, to join their little espionage group.

After a business deal collapsed, Charles had no choice but to seek contacts in the black market. When he saw Hannah among the group, he tried to dissuade her, but Hannah was determined to go. Reluctantly, Charles agreed to join.

Claire felt like the leader of the pack, proudly guiding them. “Up ahead is the main staircase, but that’s exclusive to the black market. If we barged in, we’d be killed—forget about spying on those big shots.”

“But there’s another way.” She led the group around the spiral staircase, gesturing like a tour guide. “See that? That’s the second-floor access. But we can’t sneak up, or we’ll—”

Before she could finish, Claire froze. Every person around her turned to face the spiral staircase.

At its entrance, Nova strode forward like an underworld queen, being respectfully escorted upstairs by figures from the second floor.