Chapter 240: Chapter 240: Rewarding Merits
Archer opened his mouth, a million words on the tip of his tongue. But when he saw the determined look in Grace’s eyes, they all melted away into a helpless smile. "I guess I’m pretty lucky to have found someone so wonderful. I can only imagine how jealous everyone else would be if they knew."
Grace lifted her chin, her tone a little smug. "Of course. You totally hit the jackpot with me, you know? You’d better treat me well from now on."
"COUGH, COUGH, COUGH..." The two senior officers at their side couldn’t take it anymore. Having been subjected to such a blatant display of affection, and seeing the two had no intention of stopping, they couldn’t resist clearing their throats to remind them.
It was a reminder to the young couple that they weren’t alone and should stop flirting as if they were the only ones there.
Grace, only then remembering they had company, snatched her hand back, her face flushing red.
"Hahaha, Grace, we’ve heard all about what you did," one of the senior officers said, chuckling as he looked at her with eyes full of approval. "You were incredibly brave, truly remarkable. You’ve earned the title of hero. You saved a very outstanding soldier and prevented a great loss for our country. If it weren’t for you, we might have lost one of our nation’s pillars."
The old man next to him hmphed. "Disregarding your own safety... that kind of behavior is foolish. At a time like that, you should have retreated first, called the police, and let them handle it."
"Sir, I have to disagree. If we had left then, what would have happened to the innocent civilians who stepped up to help? They might have become the target for that criminal’s rage, and who knows how many more people would have died."
"Oh, right. I heard a civilian was injured while helping. Was he brought to the hospital? Is he out of danger now?" Grace asked, her face stern as she refuted the officer’s point.
’In that situation, if I had left with Archer, Vulture wouldn’t have been able to find him and would’ve definitely taken his anger out on the others.’
’It would have taken time for the police to arrive. By the time they got there, the number of casualties might not have been so low.’
"He’s fine. His injuries weren’t light, but they were able to save him," Archer said, patting the back of Grace’s hand to reassure her.
"Old Yates, that’s enough," the officer who had spoken first said lightly, glancing at the man beside him.
The old man gave a stubborn hmph. "Fine. I didn’t know the full situation. I apologize. You were very brave, and that’s commendable. But in the future, no matter what happens, I still want you to think of your own safety first. You can only think about helping others once you’ve ensured you’re safe."
"Your life is precious, too."
Grace could feel the concern in his tone.
’What he said just now... it seems he was just worried I’d get hurt.’
She couldn’t help but feel a little surprised, and she stared at him for a long moment.
Perhaps Grace’s stare was too direct, as the old man grew flustered. He scowled and glared at her, snapping, "What are you looking at?"
"Sir, were you worried about me just now?" Grace asked bluntly. "But I don’t think we’ve ever met. Do you know me?"
The man opened his mouth, but in the end, just hmphed and turned his face away, saying nothing more.
"Hahaha, Old Yates, still sulking? It’s been so many years, and you’re still so childish," the other old man said, unable to hold back his laughter. "That’s Eugene Yates. You might want to go home and ask your parents about him. They’ll definitely know who he is."
"And let me introduce myself. I’m Lucas Wallace. Archer used to be one of my soldiers."
"Elder Wallace, Elder Yates," Grace greeted them respectfully.
Lucas Wallace smiled. "This Vulture... he’s an incredibly arrogant drug lord. We sent several undercover agents after him before, and they all died at his hands—horribly. He’s also tortured and killed many of the officers sent to capture him, even sending their bodies back to taunt us."
"He’s an irredeemable monster. This time, he snuck into the country and killed a number of innocent people. You two have truly performed a great service."
Grace thought for a moment before speaking. "Actually, the credit doesn’t belong to just the two of us. Everyone who stepped up to help deserves credit. If you’re really going to assign merit, they need to be included."
"If they hadn’t run out to help without a moment’s hesitation, we might not have made it out alive."
The admiration in Lucas Wallace’s eyes deepened as he looked at Grace.
’To not be greedy for credit... such a quality is truly rare these days.’
’It’s been many years since I’ve seen a young person of such fine character.’
His eyes full of fondness for Grace, Lucas Wallace thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, you’ll all be given credit. But the contributions aren’t all equal. Yours is the greatest."
"Everyone there can attest to it. If it weren’t for you, several more people would have died."
"Someone will be in touch with you both later regarding the official commendation."
"Alright, we won’t keep you two lovebirds any longer. We’ll be on our way."
With that, Lucas Wallace stood up and led Eugene Yates out of the room.
After they left, Grace turned to Archer, her face full of curiosity. "Okay, tell me honestly, who exactly is that Old Yates? Does he know me?"
"Even though his words sounded harsh, it was obvious he was concerned about me."
"It’s so strange. I’m sure I’ve never met him before."
"Him? He was your father’s old commanding officer. They had a great relationship. He was very reluctant to let your dad go when he transferred to a civilian post back home. But your dad wanted to spend more time with your mom and be there for you kids as you grew up, so he was insistent."
"He probably even held you when you were a baby. You just don’t remember," Archer said, smiling at Grace.
Grace blinked. "Really? Dad was that incredible? He never talks about any of his accomplishments at home."
"Classified," Archer said, putting a finger to his lips.
Grace couldn’t help but sigh. "Your lives must be so tiring. Everything you do has to be kept secret. You can’t even tell the people closest to you."
"It’s even worse for the undercover agents. They don’t even dare to sleep too deeply, afraid they might talk in their sleep and accidentally expose themselves. If that happens, it’s not just their own lives on the line; they could end up getting their families killed, too."
"You’re all truly great people."
"You’re great, too. If you hadn’t saved me, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you right now." Archer reached out and stroked the top of Grace’s head.
"I’m so sleepy, Archer. I’m going to go back and get some sleep first. By the way, since we ended up in the hospital over the New Year, my parents aren’t worried, are they? Did anyone go tell them we’re okay?" Grace yawned. The sudden release after being so wound up left her feeling utterly exhausted.
"Yes, the commanders arranged for someone to go to your house and let them know you’re safe. We haven’t told them about our injuries yet. They shouldn’t know," Archer confirmed with a nod.
Grace finally breathed a sigh of relief. "That’s good. I’m so sleepy, Archer..."
"Come on up. Sleep here with me..." Archer patted the space beside him, his voice laced with temptation.
Her mind sluggish with exhaustion, Grace stared at him for a long moment before nodding. She stood up from her wheelchair and slid right under the covers beside him.
