Veiled Vendetta

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Izzy had already left the cafe and when everyone was leaving Luiz realized Izzy had forgotten her phone. Luiz looked out but Izzy had already left sight. Luiz thought 'She is probably heading to her apartment.' He then picked up her phone and headed out. While he was on his way, Izzy's phone rang. The caller ID said, DJ. Luiz picked her the phone and DJ said 'Izzy we didn't get anything.' Luiz replied 'Sorry, but this is Luiz. Izzy forgot her phone I am on my way to give it to her.' DJ replied 'Oh, ok. You can just bring it to the apartment.' Luiz ended the call and when he was about to turn it off the lock screen caught his eye. The lock screen picture was of Izzy and Izaiah, Izaiah had his arms around Izzy and they were smiling. Luiz immediately recognized Izaih and said 'Izaiah?' under his breath.

After returning Izzy's phone at her apartment, Luiz made his way back home, his thoughts consumed by the image he saw on Izzy's lock screen. As he lay in bed, questions filled his mind. 'What was the connection between Izzy and Izaiah? Did they share a relationship? Could that be why Izzy was inquisitive about Izaiah? What led Izzy to transfer here? What motives lie behind her actions?'

Izzy, wanting to delve into the Avenue company's information, feigned plans with her friends to make a swift exit. As she arrived at her apartment, planning to change clothes, the doorbell interrupted her. She opened the door to find Luiz standing there, his usual calm expression intact. Luiz handed her the phone, saying, 'You left this in the cafe, so I came to return it.' Izzy thanked him and offered, 'Why don't you stay for a while?' Luiz politely declined, citing unfinished tasks at home, exchanged goodbyes, and left, prompting Izzy to shut the door.

Listening to today's audio recordings from the principal's office proved fruitless for Izzy; there was nothing substantial. Meanwhile, the twins arrived and reported, 'We didn't get anything.' Izzy sighed in response, saying, 'It's fine. Maybe they're laying low for now.'

Days passed with no significant developments. The formation of the student council elevated its members to an elite status, garnering widespread respect across the school. Some council members, like Blake, Jade, and Jay, embraced the adoration, while others, including Izzy, viewed it indifferently. To their amusement, students conducted polls comparing various pairs among the council members—Nina with Blake, Alex with Evy, and even between Jade and Jayden. There was also a debate over the attractiveness of Alex and Luiz. It became a trend for students to see the council as idols.

During breaks, the group walked together to lunch, surrounded by their "fans" eager to offer gifts. Despite their attempts to decline, they found it challenging to refuse the tokens of admiration. Meanwhile, Chris and Vivian, observing this from a distance, felt increasingly irritated by the attention lavished on the junior student council. Their annoyance was compounded by the school principal and teachers, who seemed to capitalize on the attention, benefitting from the free publicity generated by the students' fan culture.

Izzy observed a shift in Luiz's behavior towards her lately. He seemed distant, yet his actions reflected a sense of hidden concern, a classic "Tsundere" behavior. However, Izzy refrained from dwelling on Luiz's conduct as her primary focus remained on her investigations regarding the Avenue Company and its potential connection with Saebom High School. Meanwhile, DJ and BJ, the twins, dedicated their efforts to probing Avenue Company, while Izzy continued her nightly expeditions to unearth information about her brother. Regrettably, despite their collective efforts, progress remained elusive.

Izzy hurriedly tapped into the live feed from the principal's office after school in W City. As she monitored the audio recordings, they mostly featured routine school discussions between the principal and the vice-principal, nothing of consequence. In a lull of interest, she switched to the live audio feed and eavesdropped on the ongoing conversation in the principal's office. Initially mundane chatter between the principal and someone on the phone unfolded, centering on paperwork and school affairs. However, Izzy's attention piqued when the principal mentioned the absence of a girl and her guardian, reassuring the caller that they weren't at the school. His remarks about safeguarding a boy's belongings in a safe intrigued Izzy further. The conversation took a sudden turn to Avenue Company's involvement and their request to manipulate a boy's grades. As Izzy pieced together the conversation's significance, she quietly exclaimed, "Bingo," recognizing a breakthrough in her investigation.

Izzy, alarmed by BJ's call, quickly turned her motorbike around and rushed back to W City. As she approached her apartment, BJ and DJ were standing outside, looking visibly concerned. Izzy asked, 'What's wrong?' BJ replied urgently, 'We've found something disturbing in our investigation. Let's head inside and talk about it.' They hurried into the apartment, a sense of urgency permeating the atmosphere.