Downstairs, Atlas had already set the table, but I didn't see anyone delivering the meal.As soon as I saw the delicious spread, I felt invigorated, almost unable to control myself. I was eager to dig in right away.Atlas seated me and skillfully sliced the steak, placing it before me. I wasted no time and started eating. The lobster here was exquisite, and I indulged in its flavors.While eating, I looked at Atlas and asked, "Do you think it's possible to find clues about Gemma?"It had been a wish of mine to find my parents' biological daughter.Atlas shook his head. "It's hard to say since we're not insiders of Navi's organization. But I've already instructed Dylan to get close to the senior members around Navi. However, this requires careful negotiation, and we can't rush it, or it could be dangerous.""Is Navi's headquarters here?" He shook his head. "No, I just came back from there this morning."I caught onto something. "You've been there before?""Yeah. I went straigh
He had no choice but to compromise and left the room with me. Standing at the door, he pointed to several villas below. "Our people are staying there.”I glanced down, marveling at the beautiful surroundings. Each villa was perfectly spaced among the lush greenery. Our villa was relatively larger, with a sparkling blue swimming pool nearby. It truly was a leisurely place."Let's go see them," I suggested, leading the way down the path. Atlas happily followed beside me. "Arnold said he'd leave once I’m with you. I need to ask when he's planning to leave."Just then, Atlas's phone rang. He quickly stopped, and I looked at him, listening intently as he answered the call.He simply responded with an "okay," and I couldn't hear what was said on the other end."Good. Have someone keep an eye on things." Atlas instructed before hanging up.I hurriedly asked, "What's going on?""Navi left the main residence. It seems like he's meeting someone and planning something.”"What do you mea
Hana looked at her and asked her something in Cirencester's language, which I didn't understand.Anya lowered her gaze. "My home used to be here in Trestlewood.”In that instant, Anya's face darkened. I looked to Hana, who translated their conversation for me.I gently patted Anya's hand and said, "I'm sorry."Though Anya shook her head, her emotions seemed affected. She spoke softly and rapidly.Hana translated swiftly, relaying Anya's words almost as soon as she spoke them. "She says, ‘My family used to live in this city, and my parents ran a small business. My mother sold souvenirs and other items, while my father sold amulets. Though the business was small, we lived comfortably. My father loved us and often took us on outings.'"I kept my eyes on Anya's beautiful, innocent face, now tinged with a hint of sorrow.Anya's recounting seemed somewhat pitiful, and she was completely immersed in her memories. Her ability to recall everything from her childhood made me envious, as
As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I shouldn't have rubbed salt in Anya's wounds like that.Arton had already opened two coconuts, handing one to Hana and another to Anya."I'm sorry," I said sincerely.Anya shook her head. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she said, "It's not your fault, Mrs. Chloe."Then she continued, and Hana continued to translate for me. "It's because, one day, the person who robbed that crate of goods appeared before Navi and recognized my father."My father also recognized him, but he couldn't speak by then. He was mute, pointing at that person and trying to explain to Navi, gesturing and making noises. He wanted to tell Navi that the person was the one who robbed us and that he was innocent."At first, that person was nervous, but when he saw my father's condition, he became brazen. He accused my father of embezzling his money right in front of him."I shook my head helplessly, knowing the likely outcome.As Anya looked at me, I noti
My tone came off as clearly dismissive. Atlas pinched my cheek. "Seems like you're trying to get rid of me. You’re a wild girl, aren’t you?”I smirked. "Come on, you said you had something to take care of. I can't just tag along and bother you, right?”When he heard me say that, he had no choice but to let go. "I'll make sure to come back for dinner with everyone."He looked at me affectionately and raised an eyebrow before turning and leaving.I cursed under my breath, "Can't he tone it down? There’s so many people around."As soon as he left, I turned to Anya, bending down to get her attention. "You're the tour guide. Let's go get some fresh air."Sure enough, she wiped her tears and smiled. "Okay."I couldn’t just stay cooped up in the room. The beach didn’t appeal to me much, and although the seaside here wasn’t as tranquil as in Foswood, it was better than doing nothing.Plus, I needed to keep Anya occupied so she wouldn’t dwell on those tragic memories.Hana asked Anya
I glanced back occasionally, but couldn't see anything suspicious.Arnold noticed me looking around and softly asked, "What's wrong?"I averted my gaze and said, "Nothing."I stopped worrying about it after a few glances with no hint of trouble. After all, a 'professional' soldier was trailing behind us. He couldn't possibly miss any shady characters. When we reached the clothing market, Arnold frowned and said, "We shouldn’t buy any clothes here.”When Anya heard Arnold's comment, she suddenly seemed to remember something. She stuck out her tongue, looked at me, and said, "Mrs. Chloe, I... I forgot."She seemed eager to express herself, but couldn’t seem to remember the words for what she wanted to say.Hana communicated with her for a moment, then looked at me and said, "She means she forgot that the clothes here are too cheap."I glanced at Arnold and said to Anya, "It's okay. Let's buy a set as backup. It might come in handy, right?"I had noticed that the local girls her
Anya was stunned by the sudden turn of events, and I shouted, "Anya!"Arton reacted quickly too. He dropped what he was holding and grabbed Anya, running toward us.The lobby erupted into chaos. People scattered in all directions, screaming and ducking for cover. Some even fell to the ground.I dared not look back, but I could vaguely sense gunfire behind us, aimed at us.Arnold pulled both of us with him and ran toward the bar, where the back entrance would lead to a safe passage.But just then, Arnold stumbled, his body jerked, and he suddenly let go of my arm. I was flung away by the momentum and fell to the ground. I heard Hana exclaim, "Arnold!”I quickly looked at Arnold and saw that he had been shot in the upper arm. He ignored his injury and pressed Hana against the wall behind the bar. Then, he reached back to grab my ankle and pulled me toward him, hiding us behind the bar."Arnold, you're injured!" I shouted. He shielded me, extending his injured arm to protect us. Th
The group stood stunned, gazing at the handsome man before them as if he were a god descended to earth. Then, they reacted to Atlas's words, quickly getting up and rushing outside, leaving only a few of us behind.I suddenly shouted nervously, "Arton! Anya!"As I called out, Arton responded, "We're here!"Following the sound, I saw Arton protecting Anya, emerging from behind another part of the bar.When I saw they were unharmed, I collapsed into Atlas's arms in relief."Thank heavens," I breathed out.He patted my back reassuringly. "It's okay. Don't be afraid.""Arnold is injured." I quickly looked at Atlas. "We need to take him to the hospital."Hana was squatting beside Arnold, holding his injured arm.Arnold looked at Atlas and asked, "What's going on? Whose men are they?"Atlas didn't answer his question. He barked an order at his men. "Take him to the hospital immediately!"Arnold tried to get up. Hana and I helped him to his feet."There’s no need for that, it's jus