Little Miss Mute (EDITING)

✿Chapter 06✿

Did you know? The sentence "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter in the English alphabet

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"Late again, McMillan." Ms. Lowes sauntered back to her desk, leaving Angus in a state of slack-jawed bewilderment. "Don't let it become a trend. Have a seat."

Angus rose at a glacial pace, temporarily robbed of his usual eloquence. Unfazed, Ms. Lowes seamlessly resumed her discourse, unfurling the topic like a well-rehearsed script.

"As you're aware, the ultimate class caters to our exceptional alumni," she began. "But let's park that discussion for a moment. We need to dive into the labyrinth of MUTE-tech."

I caught my breath. MUTE-tech, the clandestine brainchild of Spyros Niarchos, stood as a formidable piece in the puzzle—a company veiled in shadows, entwined with a criminal empire. MUTE-tech peddled an extravagant gene-mapping service promising to "maximize the M1 gene potential" of its clientele. According to the snippets I'd scavenged, the CEO insisted gene mapping was the only scientific route to unveil a person's strengths and weaknesses. Life without this genetic compass was a wild shot in the dark, he argued in a rare magazine feature.

Yet, MUTE-tech hoarded its secrets, steadfastly refusing to unveil the alchemy behind its gene-map wizardry. Skeptics claimed the whole enterprise was a charade, an illusion concocted by MUTE-tech to deceive its trusting patrons.

Given Spyros Niarchos' dubious track record, my inclination leaned heavily toward these allegations.

"Are you somehow tied to MUTE-tech?" Angus eyed Ms. Lowes before glancing at Brad Niarchos.

"Absolutely not!" Ms. Lowes responded sharply. "Give me some credit!"

The mere insinuation seemed to offend her sensibilities. Brad, on the other hand, wore an expression of mild amusement. He gestured to his impeccable self.

"Do I strike you as someone yearning to maximize their genetic potential?" he quipped. "Feel free to tell me." Lifting a foot, he joked, "Perhaps the shoes could use an upgrade. I did have reservations about them when I bought them."

"MUTE-tech is a corrupt and perilous organization," Ms. Lowes interjected. "We've been on a mission to dismantle them."

"Which, unfortunately, is no easy feat," Brad added. Abruptly, his smile vanished, revealing a face that spoke more of formidable intellect than typical teenage charm. "Legally, MUTE-tech is a fortress," he continued. "There's no visible link with the Niarchos Empire—none that would hold up in court. If there were, MUTE-tech would have crumbled when dear Uncle Spyros disappeared." His dazzling smile returned, casting a radiant glow across the room. "But you're probably aware of all this, well-versed in the nuances of MUTE-tech."

"Not really. No," Angus responded, now pressed against the door, vigilant and cautious.

Ms. Lowes arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow.

"Really?" she prodded. "With your background, I find it hard to believe you're completely in the dark about MUTE-tech."

Angus flinched, a subtle shift in his demeanor that didn't elude me. I could almost sense a chill emanating from him.

"I don't know what you mean," Angus replied, maintaining a composed facade.

Ms. Lowes remained silent, a satisfied look on her face. She turned to me and remarked, "Heard from any old friends lately?"

Angus burst into hearty laughter, startling everyone. "Excuse me for laughing, but this all sounds rather unbelievable. What exactly do you want from us? We're not detectives."