Chapter 4 Reunion in Disguise

• Captain Wintree shot Troy a sharp glare. She knew it had been a mix-up, but the memory of him harassing her in the alley still lingered. Frustrated, she ran a background check on him yet was shocked to find no results in the database.
• There wasn't much on him—just that he appeared out of nowhere and got wealthy quickly. Yet, what really stood out was his name. It sparked a memory.
• "Your name is Troy Leif?" she asked, her tone sharp.
• Troy grinned. "Come on, officer. You already took my ID. Why the sudden interest?"
• "You—a creep like you—don't deserve that name!" she snapped, her anger flaring.
• Troy blinked, wholly baffled. He had no idea why she was getting so worked up.
• After a pause, Captain Wintree took a deep breath and warned, "There's something off about you. You better start talking before we figure it out alone."
• She wasn't wrong. Troy's background was definitely complicated.
• After years spent overseas, always looking over his shoulder and working for others, Troy grew weary. He sought stability and a family he could count on. Ultimately, he built something big—a formidable entity swiftly emerging in foreign lands.
• The Geod was that force, with Troy as its leader, recognized by outsiders as the Reaper.
• Noticing Captain Wintree's intense gaze, Troy smiled and leaned in casually. "If you're so keen to know me, perhaps we should begin with introductions. Isn’t that how blind dates go?"
• Irritated, Captain Wintree rolled her eyes. "It's Lia Wintree."
• Those words hit Troy like a punch. Her name rang through his head, unlocking memories he hadn't thought about in years. He reflected, This officer standing before me... she's the same girl I grew up with!
• Lia noticed his sudden change and felt a wave of unease. What’s with the teary, soft eyes? Is this creep for real, or is he just acting? she wondered.
• "Lia! It's me, your little brother!" Troy unexpectedly blurted out, making her jump.
• Lia's expression grew serious. "My brother? Who are you kidding? If you don't start talking sense right now, calling me 'Mom' won't save you."
• Troy raised an eyebrow and asked calmly, "Is your little brother named Troy Leif?"
• Lia froze, confused. "Wait, how do you know about my brother?"
• Troy smiled gently, knowing this wouldn't be easy. "I'm your brother. We were all adopted by Donald Bolton at the orphanage. I'm the youngest—remember? I swear to you, it's me."
• Her eyes widened in shock. "No way. Troy disappeared ten years ago—there's no way he's still alive. You're trying to trick me."
• Lia looked him over, suspicion growing. "With my position, anyone could dig up that info. So, what's your game, pretending to be him?"
• Troy knew she wouldn't trust him without proof, so he brought up some memories only they would know.
• "Lia, remember when we were kids, and I used to peek at you and Cass when you were in the bath? That's why you both started calling me 'creep.'"
• He gave her a teasing smile. "Plus, how I loved setting off firecrackers when you were in the bathroom? You were wearing a brand-new jacket once, and I mistakenly blew it up."
• Lia's tough exterior began to crack. Tears filled her eyes as memories surged back. She gazed at him, caught between doubt and hope.
• Troy continued softly, "You taught me my first poem, remember? 'A heart in pain seeks a healer, minds linked by fate. How much grief can one man bear? Like a band of fools...'"
• Lia smiled through tears and finished the line, "...Like a band of fools chasing lost desires."
• Even though she was strong and independent, Lia had never fully gotten over losing her brother. Now, standing in front of him, she couldn't stop her tears from flowing.
• "Creep... Is... it really you?" she whispered, her voice shaky.
• Troy confirmed, "It's me, Lia. I'm back."
• Without another word, they embraced, the warmth of the hug bringing back the bond they'd shared as kids. Meanwhile, Troy couldn't help but notice the difference. Lia had grown into a beautiful, strong woman, and he was well aware of the changes.
• As they hugged, he couldn't stop himself from blurting out, "Lia, you've really 'grown up.'"
• Lia blushed, quickly pulling away. This wasn't the time or place for this. She still had to keep it professional. "You're still talking nonsense after all these years. You're just as much of a creep as before!"
• Troy laughed, reaching out to touch her hand. "I only meant that your eyes appear larger. What's on your mind?"
• Lia gave him a playful shove. "No limits, right? You've gotten even bolder—still a creep, even with your sister around."