"Kiss of Revenge" and "Code Lyoko" belong to their rightful owners. For new readers, welcome. :) For those who have already read the first version of this story, I hope this rewrite is a big improvement. :) Honestly the first version was choppy, and undescriptive. x'D Next chapter should be up within a few days. :)

"The control of information is something the elite always does, particularly in a despotic form of government. Information, knowledge, is power. If you can control information, you can control people."

-Tom Clancy

Prologue

A magnificent hospital towered over Yumi's tall, willowy stature. It looked almost as if it could touch the sky.

But despite the awe-inspiring sight, the woman glowered with deep hatred. A screen-operated bulletin board displayed a dashing photo of the hospital's director, Dr. Stern. Every contour of his handsome face and every tousle of his brown hair was perfectly delineated by the tiny pixels.

Yumi laughed in disbelief.

She was going to wipe that smile off his face.

Twelve years ago, a medical malpractice error resulted in the death of her beloved mother. Casting her eyes downward, she remembered the promise she made to herself after the failed operation.

She was going to return the favor someday—and kill the director with her bare hands.

Chapter 1: Office Politics

"Ah, Miss Ishiyama, we've been impatiently awaiting your arrival."

Yumi mustered a pretty smile to Director Stern as she spoke with him in his office.

So this was the man that killed her mother.

It had been a long time since the director held a surgical knife. Now he was a rich and powerful director of one of the most influential hospitals in the world. Brilliant red carpets adorned the planked flooring, and a matching lacquered desk stood as the impressive centerpiece. Behind it overhung a polished glass armoire containing a vast array of trinkets and rewards, and panoramic windows extended down three out of the four sides of the room.

"Likewise," Yumi replied, politely shaking his hand. "I've been looking forward to this day for quite a while..."

Before the director could say anything more, there came a knock on the door. It creaked open to reveal a head of blond hair and a handsome, structured face to go along with it. A pair of glasses sat on top of his nose bridge, in front of his large blue eyes.

"I can see that I'm late," he said. His tone of voice was calm, professional.

"Ah, Dr. Belpois, come in, come in!" The director smiled in Yumi's direction. "Miss Ishiyama, this is Dr. Jeremie Belpois, from Department of Surgery."

"You have quite the reputation," Jeremie said as he likewise shook hands with Yumi. "I heard that you were considerably skilled at your previous hospital."

"You can't believe everything you hear." Yumi shrugged.

"You indeed show great promise," chimed in Director Stern. "I'm sure you'll fit in well with the rest of our respected and honorable staff. Montpellier General Hospital isn't so popular for nothing."

Respected and honorable, her ass. "You flatter me," Yumi feigned.

"By the way," asked the director, "where's Ulrich?"

"Dr. Stern is currently operating," Jeremie answered. "He said he'll try his best to make it, but didn't promise anything."

"Dr. Stern?" Yumi asked. Isn't that the director's name?

"Yes, my son, Ulrich," said the director. His face furrowed with disappointment. "My apologies, Miss Ishiyama, I thought I told him to keep his schedule open for today."

A son? That was a pleasant surprise. "Getting close to him could be a good way to get close to the director," Yumi thought.

"Well, Dr. Stern is exceptionally dedicated when it comes to his patients," Jeremie mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "After all, he's acclaimed by Discover Magazine as one of the most innovative surgeons of our time."

"Ah, but Dr. Belpois, you were on that list as well," laughed the director.

Jeremie chuckled. "I'd say I'm not as skilled at the knife.."

Most innovative surgeons of their time? Yumi was thoroughly impressed; these people were absolutely powerful. It should come as no surprise they covered up their negligence so seamlessly. It warned her to be more wary of them.

"Well, Ishiyama, sorry for digressing." The director acknowledged her again. "Shall we proceed to the welcome lunch?"

"Excuse me?"

"A lunch, in your honor." With a kind smile, Jeremie opened the door and motioned for her to get going. "After you."

The director took them to an undoubtedly expensive restaurant. The interior was embellished with tatami mats, screen dividers, and flaxen lighting—everything that was needed to convey a faux oriental atmosphere. No efforts were wasted as the director obviously looked into Yumi's background.

"Dr. Ishiyama, correct me if I'm wrong, but you worked at a hospital in Sceaux?"

Yumi found herself sitting across from the director, alongside Jeremie. "Yes."

"Your parents must miss you," Jeremie commented. "Sceaux is quite far from here."

"Well, actually-" Yumi paused to clear her throat.

At the mention of her parents, she grasped firmly onto the hem of her skirt.

A million thoughts on how she could avoid the subject swirled around in her head. She decided it was time to acknowledge her point of interest, her target.

Yumi instantly straightened her posture. "-That reminds me, Director Stern, you have a son that works at Montpellier General, as well?"

Director Stern nodded. "My son, Ulrich. He is a surgeon at the hospital. Apologies again for his absence, Dr. Ishiyama. I really would have liked for him to introduce himself to you."

"I can introduce them," Jeremie offered.

"Ah, no…" The director waved off the proposition. "You have better ways to use your time."

"But it's my job to support you, Director, and your son."

"Ishiyama, isn't Belpois such a great guy?" The director beamed in utter appreciation. "It's my plan to have him and Ulrich bring Montpellier General Hospital into its finest era."

Jeremie bowed his head in respect. This man, Yumi realized, was a very trusted ally to the director. He must know a lot about the hospital, and Director Stern.

She made a mental note to keep him on her good side. "You must trust them very much," she decided to remark.

"Ulrich is passionate and extremely talented, but he's very stubborn," informed the Director. "But Belpois here—he's very well-rounded. Together, they make a formidable team."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that, Director."

"Please, stop being so modest. I'm sure that with any unexpected event, the hospital can overcome it without a hitch…"

Yumi had narrowed her eyes slightly. "Any unexpected event?" she cut in, struggling to keep her voice level. She couldn't stop herself. "Are you aware of anything like that?"

"Are you thinking of something in particular?" The director was curious, oblivious to her sudden malignancy.

"No..." Yumi relaxed her eyes, faking a casual demeanor. "Just, patients can be very sensitive nowadays," she elaborated. "They make a big deal over even the littlest of things. In fact, I remember seeing a medical malpractice suit on the news yesterday.."

The director's expression darkened. Yumi bit her tongue, realizing that she had pushed too hard. She uneasily took a sip of her tea.

"You don't have to worry about anything like that at our hospital," Jeremie said firmly. "Our patients trust our doctors very much."

"I see.." Yumi nodded slowly. Maybe Jeremie didn't know of the accident. Twelve years is a long time, after all. "I didn't mean to imply anything. I apologize," she concluded.

The rest of lunch proceeded calmly. Just by laughing and smiling, Yumi slowly gained the director's trust. But although pretending was easy, it was draining, too.

"I must get going." The director excused himself early. "Belpois, don't forget to escort Ishiyama back to the hospital."

"Thank you for lunch." Yumi stood up and bowed low.

After the director made his leave, Yumi heard an exhausted sigh. She turned to Jeremie, shooting him a questioning look.

"Faking smiles is very tiring," the blond doctor said, as if to himself.

Yumi was taken aback. "Excuse me?"

"You don't want to get on the director's bad side. The way you were digging back there, it made him nervous." Jeremie shook his head.

Yumi stood speechless. He completely had her.

The way Jeremie acted was all office politics, but Yumi was under the impression that he was foremost devoted to the director. That made him dangerous.

"Perhaps there really was something on your mind?" Jeremie smiled at Yumi knowingly, sending a chill down her spine. His face was calculating and unreadable.

Jeremie was nobody's fool. He could see right through her. Yumi suddenly felt exposed and vulnerable.

She needed to be careful around him.

"I don't know why you would say something like that," Yumi shot back, crossing her arms. Two could play at this game. "Dr. Belpois, you are being absolutely absurd."

Jeremie only chuckled in response. "Well in any event, we should get going..."

Author's Note: Please don't forget to leave a review of your thoughts! :)