Ryan's revelation sparked my intense curiosity.I pressed for more details, asking, "And? Is there anything else?""No... You know the situation, and I was on borrowed time. Plus, when I started investigating, I realized that finding even this bit of information was quite a lot of trouble," Ryan replied earnestly."When did you think about looking into this?" I was curious."It was after returning to Bibury and recalling when we first met, along with everything that happened afterward. I wanted to help you figure out the things you've been suspicious about. But once I started digging, I found out how peculiar it all was."I had complete faith in Ryan's words. It seemed my parents were not what I expected. They weren't northerners, and certainly not from Bibury."Finding that old teacher was incredibly difficult, and the old man is almost 90 years old now, but he's sharp as a tack, with a remarkably clear mind. He said he felt uneasy after getting that large sum of money, so he de
When Atlas heard the impatient tone on the other side of the line, he smiled calmly and said, "That's not a problem. Give me a number, and I'll send it over for you."The kidnapper abruptly hung up.The IT specialist slammed his fist on the table in frustration, saying, "I was so close!"Atlas, with a composed expression, said, "Don't worry! We still have a chance. Be prepared."As expected, the phone he held tightly rang again. It was a video call, and he quickly answered. The camera showed only a white ceiling and a hanging lamp.I glanced at the screen, and it was clear that the camera was pointing at the ceiling."Let me see that notebook." The disguised voice from the other end seemed impatient. "I said, the hostage is in my hands. How I deal with him depends on how you cooperate."Atlas said calmly, "Hold on. I'll show it to you.""Hurry up! Don't play any tricks!" It seemed the kidnapper was a cunning one.Atlas leisurely took out his phone and found a photo in the gall
Atlas's eyes lit up, and he looked at me. "Where?"He took a step closer, and I showed him my phone screen. "The place where my dad’s been tied up seems to be my home."Atlas glanced at the screen of my phone and then focused his gaze on me, asking, "Are you sure?"I nodded vigorously and said, "I'm sure! When he sent you the video just now, I saw the ceiling light. I thought that the light was strangely familiar. I remember now—it was the chandelier in our living room at home!"Then, addressing the high-ranking official, I said, "Our home is in the compound of the Nomunal College!"The high-ranking official pondered for a moment and then turned to Atlas. "The distance from that compound to Wanjia Supermarket is about 5 minutes!"Atlas decisively declared, "Hurry on over!"The official immediately issued orders, and swift actions were taken.We quickly got up and headed outside. Mike stomped, saying, "Why didn't I think of that? After completing the procedures yesterday, I hand
Atlas quickly stepped in. "I'm from the real estate agency."I glanced at Atlas, unsure of his intentions. He added, "There's been an issue with the paperwork, so we came to discuss it with the landlord and buyer.""They just left," Bernard informed Atlas eagerly. "I was wondering why those people came.""Oh! They're from a renovation company. They were trying to get some business," Atlas casually explained.I understood that Atlas was trying to avoid unnecessary attention."How long have they been gone?" Atlas continued to ask."Not long, about ten minutes," Bernard said warmly. "I was wondering why he seemed upset."At that moment, Cane quickly came upstairs, locked eyes with Atlas, and said to everyone, "We're leaving!"I quickly bid Bernard goodbye, locked the door, and went downstairs with Atlas.Downstairs, Cane whispered something to Atlas. Atlas's expression visibly froze, and my heart skipped a beat. Knowing Atlas as well as I did, that expression indicated that the si
Neil suddenly knelt. "I-I didn't mean to. I got carried away for a moment."Vincent's eyes widened, filled with rage. "Get up and get to the point!"Despair was evident in Neil’s eyes. He was still kneeling, appearing utterly hopeless."Someone, help him up! What's the matter with you?!" Vincent roared in anger, looking at the driver. "Tell the truth!"Two plainclothes officers lifted Neil, his face already pale."A-A few days ago, I met a guy at a restaurant. We hit it off, and he's from out of town. He had an accent. He claimed to be unfamiliar with our small town, so we had a couple of meals together. I-I showed him around."Neil confessed to the process of how he got acquainted with Navi.Atlas extended his hand to Cane, who immediately flipped through his phone and handed it to Atlas.I didn't understand what Atlas was doing.Atlas's sharp gaze locked onto Neil as he handed the phone to him. "Take a look. Is this him?"He let Neil glance at the screen's photo.Neil nodd
Neil continued confessing, "He mentioned that he didn't have trustworthy connections in the north and needed someone reliable to manage things while he was frequently away.""Get to the point!" Vincent was infuriated."It happened to be my child's birthday, and h-he gave my child a gift, along with some money. Obviously, I couldn't act oblivious. I had to reciprocate. So, I helped him find a house in the Nomunal College residential area.""How kind of you!" Vincent scolded sternly. "Why did he give you 15 thousand dollars? You've really proven yourself helpful."With a mournful expression, Neil looked at Vincent, trembling with fear."He said he had a lot going on recently. After buying the house, he needed to renovate it. He asked me to oversee it and considered it compensation for my hard work," Neil explained. "I didn't do much. I helped a bit, and he paid for my efforts, and...""He's a suspect! You've been with me for so many years, yet you've broken the law!" Vincent roared
Vincent ordered, "Notify the Department of Transportation to track this vehicle immediately."Atlas said to Vincent, "Let's go to the Department of Transportation. It's faster that way."Then, he turned to Cane and said, "Get our people to cooperate with the airport security. We can't let him take the hostage away!"I looked at Atlas and asked, "Are you saying he's planning to escape?""He won't stay in this Bibury right now. After all, he's not familiar here," Atlas affirmed, "He has confirmed that the notebook is in our hands. He might be looking for an alternative plan."Vincent ordered to take Neil away, who shouted desperately, wanting to explain. However, Vincent ignored his cries and walked away with determined strides.I gave one last glance at Neil, feeling disdain for this man. He sold out his entire life and future for 15 thousand dollars.We followed Vincent out of the office, heading straight to the Department of Transportation.In the car, I asked Cane, "How did y
"Wow, that’s a big job! What time can you get here? The handover team is planning to go at noon. Are you coming?" Another voice asked with a loud and coarse tone.A burst of laughter came from the other side. "It's okay, you're almost done. You guys go straight after the shift change, I'll be an hour behind.""Let me estimate the time. Isn't it just to the airport and back?" asked the voice on this end."Yes, directly to the airport and then back. I just passed Greenhill, so about 20 minutes more. You guys get ready, and I'll catch up after I return.""All right, let us know if there are any changes.""Got it."The announcements in the group ended. It seemed that the car had indeed left the city and was heading to the airport.Atlas immediately said to Cane, "Notify the airport to be on high alert. We'll head there right away."Vincent immediately told Atlas, "We'll bring our people with you. It'll help with coordinating with the airport people.""Then please switch to another