Hidden Blade

Chapter 19: The Queen Arrives

Regaining Composure

Rex slouched in the driver’s seat of his car, parked just outside a 24-hour diner, his eyes fixed on the flickering neon sign that read OPEN ALL NIGHT. The events of the past few days—Sophia, the Bennett family, and that suffocating ultimatum—replayed in his mind like a broken record, each loop adding another layer of exhaustion to his already frayed nerves.

He took a deep breath, the kind that felt like lifting the weight of the world off his chest, even if only for a moment. "Alright, Rex, time to hit the reset button," he muttered, reaching for the coffee cup sitting at the console. The coffee had long gone cold, but it didn’t matter. It was more a prop for his tired hands than a source of comfort.

“You’ve survived worse. " This is just another storm,” he said aloud, trying to convince himself. His mind flickered to that absurdly chaotic mission in Karachi years ago—pretending to be a diplomat, bribing a local official with three chickens, and sneaking past armed guards. Compared to that, this was almost laughable.

The vibration of his phone shattered the momentary silence. Rex glanced down to see a reminder flashing on the screen:

Pick-up duty: Catherine. ETA: 10:30 PM.

His stomach dropped like a stone. If there was anyone in the world who could match the Bennett family in sheer intimidation, it was Catherine Carlson—his sister, his protector, and, on occasion, his personal nightmare.

“Great,” he groaned, tossing the coffee cup into the trash. “The real boss fight starts now.”

The Queen Arrives

The airport terminal was alive with activity, a symphony of rolling luggage, announcements, and the chatter of travelers. Rex stood at the arrivals gate, his keys spinning anxiously around his finger as his eyes scanned the crowd. His posture was tense, and he mumbled to himself like a man awaiting a courtroom verdict.

“Please let the flight be delayed. Just an hour. Or two. Or maybe… indefinitely.”

But his silent prayer went unanswered. Through the throng of weary travelers emerged Katherine Carlson, a beacon of poise and precision. Her tailored trench coat flared with every purposeful stride, her stiletto heels clicking sharply against the polished floors. Even the sound of her luggage wheels seemed to hum with authority.

Rex immediately straightened, his nerves kicking into overdrive. He plastered on a sheepish grin, jogging toward her with an energy that screamed," Don’t kill me.

“Hey, sis! Right on time, huh?” he said, his voice forced but enthusiastic.

Katherine paused, lowering her sunglasses to reveal sharp, piercing eyes that could cut through steel. Her lips curved into a smile—one that was far from comforting.

“Right on time? " Yes,” she said coolly. “But you, Rex? A bit late, don’t you think?”

Rex laughed nervously, grabbing her suitcase with an exaggerated flourish. The moment he lifted it, his arm nearly buckled under the weight.

“What the—Katherine! What did you pack? Gold bars? A backup anvil?”

Katherine tilted her head, her expression one of mild amusement. “Just a few files and a spare pair of shoes." Feeling weak, little brother?”

Rex resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead grinning through the strain. Without another word, he trailed behind her obediently, dragging the suitcase as though it were his penance.

The “Interrogation”

The taxi rumbled to life as Katherine settled into the passenger seat with the grace of a queen taking her throne. She buckled her seatbelt and glanced around the car, her sharp eyes taking in every detail. Finally, she leaned back and smirked.

“So… this is the legendary taxi I’ve heard so much about?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Rex scratched the back of his head, forcing a chuckle. “Yeah, it’s… uh, reliable. Good mileage, gets me from A to B.”

Katherine raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening into a cold laugh. “Reliable, huh? And you’re driving this while planning to marry a Bennett heiress? Have you lost your mind, Rex?”

Rex’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, the car wobbling slightly as he fumbled for words. “Sis, your intel is as sharp as ever. But it’s not exactly like that—”

“Not like that?” Katherine cut him off, her gaze narrowing to a point sharp enough to draw blood.

“Don’t insult me with half-truths.” The Bennetts are trash, Rex. They’re not even worth the dirt on our shoes. And yet you think you can marry one of them? What’s next? Joining their circus act?”

“It’s not about the Bennetts,” Rex said, his voice rising defensively.

It’s about Sophia. She’s different.”

Katherine’s expression darkened, her voice dropping to an icy calm.

“Different or not, she’s tied to that family. And if you think for one second that their poison won’t seep into your life, you’re a fool. Mark my words, Rex—they’ll destroy you.”

Rex opened his mouth to argue again, but Katherine silenced him with a raised hand. Her tone turned steely, the weight of her words crushing any rebuttal he might have had.

“Listen to me, Rex. No one knows you like I do. No one else has defended you, protected you, or pulled you out of the fire more times than I can count. Until someone can do all that—and more—you can forget about getting my blessing.”

Rex slumped in his seat, his energy deflating like a balloon.

“You’re impossible,” he muttered under his breath.

“I’m thorough,” Katherine corrected with a faint smile. “And you’re welcome.”