*Alex*
I lay awake in my bed for a long time after Chloe agreed to help me spy on Mr. Chen. I knew it was my best hope for garnering information on my old rival. However, I also knew it could prove to be quite dangerous for Chloe.
I intended to take steps to keep her as safe as possible, but there would be no guarantees. This was the real world, not a spy novel. If something happened, I might not be able to help her in the last chapter.
I wrestled with myself for hours, trying to decide if I should change my mind or not. I could always tell Chloe that the operation was off. Only it seemed like a huge waste of an opportunity.
The horizon turned pink with the heralds of dawn, and I still hadn't slept. I assuaged my guilty conscience with the knowledge that Chloe was intelligent, canny, a
