Ch 15: First step is to get Money- Part 2

Selene followed the clerk into his office, her expression neutral despite the flicker of hesitation she noticed in his movements.

It was subtle—the slight stiffness in his shoulders, the way his fingers tapped nervously against the desk as he gestured for her to sit.

She took a seat without a word, watching as he settled behind his desk, his polite smile faltering at the edges.

She could already tell that the clerk was suspicious about her and her identity.

He didn't want to deal with this.

Not because he suspected anything criminal—no, his unease came from something much simpler.

The Vale name.

Selene had encountered this reaction countless times before. A mixture of caution and reluctance, as if her mere presence meant trouble.

Deciding to ease his concerns before he could say anything, she spoke first.

"I understand your hesitation. I'm sure it's not everyday someone like me comes in to make a personal withdrawal. If it makes you feel more at ease, I can take a biometric test to prove my identity." 

She said smoothly, but even she knew that she was not the best at diplomacy. Her voice did not have the same range or convincing tone that most wealthy people had.

So, she had to make a compromise and give this clear a way out.

The clerk's eyes widened slightly, then quickly flickered with relief.

It was exactly the kind of reassurance he needed.

"Ah—of course, Miss Vale. I'll prepare the test right away" 

He said, his voice more confident now. With a way to check her claim, he seemed much more willing to cooperate with her.

Selene nodded and leaned back in her chair, keeping her posture relaxed as the clerk hurried out.

When he returned, he carried a biometric scanner, placing it carefully on the desk before gesturing for her to proceed.

Selene placed her hand against the scanner, letting it process her fingerprints, palm structure, and genetic markers.

A moment later, the screen flashed:

Verified.

The clerk paled.

For a moment, he simply sat there, staring at the screen like it had personally betrayed him.

Then, realizing his mistake, he abruptly stood up and bowed his head.

"I—I deeply apologize, Miss Vale! I meant no offense earlier—I was only following protocol!" 

He stammered as he made his excuses.

Selene waved him off with a small smile, not wanting to make the situation more awkward.

"It's fine. It happens more often than you'd think."

The clerk looked visibly relieved, his tense shoulders loosening.

"Thank you for your understanding. Now—how can I assist you today?" 

He said, clearing his throat. 

Selene's expression turned serious.

"I need to open a new account. One under a different name, with a large transfer of funds." 

She said with as much confidence as she could muster.

The clerk's relief flickered into suspicion.

A request like that…?

He hesitated, as if debating whether he should question her further.

But then, he remembered the mistake he had just made—and how easily she had overlooked it.

He swallowed his curiosity and simply nodded.

"Of course, Miss Vale. I'll take care of it immediately."

Selene watched as he worked, setting up the new account and processing the transfer.

Within minutes, it was done.

Her money was now safely stored away—untraceable by her family.

Now, there was just one more thing she needed.

"One last request. I'd like to withdraw a portion of the funds in cash." 

She said. 

The clerk's fingers froze over the keyboard.

"Cash?"

He echoed, his voice uncertain.

Selene simply nodded. 

"As much as I can carry."

It was an unusual request—especially for someone from a powerful family. Also, who carried cash in this cashless economy? It was a big red signal for people to come and harass someone.

Most people relied on digital transactions since carrying that much physical money was both risky and inconvenient.

But the clerk had already made a mistake once.

So instead of questioning her, he simply nodded and began processing the withdrawal.

When the clerk finally handed over the bag of cash, Selene could feel the weight of curious gazes around the bank.

People were watching.

Some subtly. Others not so much.

Even the clerk looked a bit nervous on her behalf.

"Are you sure you don't need security to escort you?" h

He asked hesitantly.

Selene smiled, gripping the bag firmly.

"I'll be fine." 

She assured him.

She didn't tell him the truth.

That she had no intention of staying in the city long enough for anyone to come after her.

Once she was outside the safe zone, she would disappear.

And no one—not her family, not the authorities—would be able to find her.

With that thought in mind, she turned and walked out of the bank.

She kept her steps measured, her posture calm, her expression unreadable.

To anyone watching, she was just another privileged girl who had no idea how dangerous it was to carry that much money alone.

But she knew better.

She had lived through an apocalypse.

She had survived worse than greedy eyes and opportunistic thieves.

Still, she remained cautious.

She didn't rush. Didn't turn her head too quickly. Didn't give any indication that she was aware of the stares following her.

Then—

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar figure.

A man, walking towards the bank entrance.

Her breath hitched.

Ethan Park.

Her heart stopped for just a moment.

But her instincts kicked in before her emotions could take over.

She forced herself to keep walking.

To not react.

To not look at him again.

There was no reason for her to get involved with him.

Not now.

Not ever.

She kept moving, her focus trained on the street ahead.

She didn't see the way Ethan's head suddenly snapped in her direction.

Didn't see the flicker of shock in his normally unreadable expression.

Didn't see the way his posture stiffened, his gaze locked onto her retreating figure as if recognizing something he wasn't supposed to.

By the time she disappeared into the crowded streets, his eyes were still lingering on the spot where she had been—his mind racing with unspoken thoughts.

Because for the briefest second, he had the strangest feeling.

Like he had just seen a ghost. Even his mutter escaped his lips as he continued to stare at her lost figure.

"That was…"