Ch. 671..680

Chapter 671: Has Been Missing for A Week

They stayed in the town of Tekapo for a week. They could see the blue sky every morning and the starry sky every night. And there was the crystalline Lake Tekapo beside them.

The townspeople were enthusiastic and hospitable. They would greet them every day.

After a week, Stella had learnt some simple greetings.

The place was indeed a Shangri-la.

It seemed to insulate them from the external disturbances when staying in this place.

On the day of departure, Stella was reluctant to leave there. She leaned against the window of the car and looked outside.

The townspeople waved goodbye to them from a distance.

Clarence said, "If you like this place so much, we can come here once a year."

Stella drew her attention back and looked at him, "Really?"

Clarence smiled and pulled her into his arms, "What do I lie to you for?"

Stella said, "Next time, we bring Noah here."

The car drove out of the town and headed for Christchurch.

They had reached the hotel at night.

They planned to stay for a night and departed to Semporna the next morning by their private jet.

At midnight, when Stella was in a mist of sleep, she felt that Clarence woke up and picked up a call.

After a while, she was woken up.

Clarence gazed at her and said softly, "Baby, we might have to skip the trip to Semporna."

Clarence said, "We should go to London now."

Hearing the word "London", Stella's sleepiness faded away.

Clarence kissed her forehead, "Get up, I have packed your things."

It was midnight when they left Christchurch. The city was silent.

After getting up the plane, Stella grabbed Clarence's cuff and she controlled her shivering voice, "Anything happened?"

Clarence held her hand, "I don't know the exact situation. So, I can't tell you now."

Clarence did not answer her directly, she was more worried. If it was nothing serious, Clarence wouldn't change the plan to Semporna and depart at midnight.

It must be... Something happened to that person.

On the plane to London, Stella leaned against Clarence. Neither did she speak or sleep.

Possibly hours had passed, sunlight shone in through the window.

And after a period of time, sunlight faded away from the cabin. It fell in the silent night mode again.

Finally, the plane landed.

Someone had been waiting for them on the tarmac.

Clarence brought Stella into the car.

The nearer they got to the destination, the more nervous Stella was.

Her mind was messy. She could not calm herself down.

After an hour, the black car parked in front of a private hospital. Except for police cars, there were a lot of bodyguards standing there.

Stella clenched her fists tighter once she went down the car.

Clarence approached her and held her hand. Then, they walked into the hospital.

The bodyguards let them in.

After entering the hospital, there were police standing there and recording something.

The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.

Just then, a man walked out from the side, "Mr. Conrad, Ms. Radomil, please follow me."

Stella remembered him. He was William's assistant.

The assistant brought them to the ward on the top floor and said, "The ward downstairs is just a camouflage, Mr. William is here."

Stella looked at the man lying on the bed with an oxygen tube through the window. Her guess had been confirmed.

She found herself struggling to speak, "What happened?"

The assistant said, "Yesterday afternoon, after Mr. William left the house, he was attacked. The attacker was well prepared and we lost badly. Mr. William was hurt severely and fell into a coma. He was still in a dangerous phase."

Why...

Those people have been spying on us for some time. They are hostile. They have robbed our goods a few times and they even use their guns to threaten the suppliers. It causes the company to lose heavily. Clarence said, "Have you investigated their background?"

The assistant shook his head, "They're desperados. They will sacrifice themselves for the sake of money."

They want money, but who would give it to them?

We have investigated everyone in the company and ruled out the irrelevant.

Stella pursed her lips, "Daniel comes back because of this incident?"

The assistant nodded, "Yes."

Then he...

Daniel has been missing for a week.

Stella opened her eyes widely, "What?"

The assistant said, "Daniel had traced the group of people a week ago. Before he went missing, he sent us an address. But when we arrived, he had disappeared with those people." "William was attacked yesterday because he got a lead on Daniel and he left in a rush. However, he didn't expect that it was just a trap."

After Stella heard that, she was so shocked that she started to stagger and almost tumble on the floor.

William fainted after he was shot by the gun. He was still in danger. Meanwhile, Daniel had been missing for one week. No one knew whether he was dead or alive... Sherry was pregnant and she was waiting for him in City N.

Clarence held her and sat on the sofa.

The assistant saw that and nodded to them, "Mr. Conrad, Ms. Radomil, please take a rest here. I have other things to deal with. Excuse me."

After saying that, the assistant left.

Stella held Clarence's hand. She choked, "I..."

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something but just failed.

Clarence patted her back gently and kissed her hair. He consoled her silently.

Stella closed her eyes and the corners of her eyes were moist.

She never expected that she would meet William again in such a situation.

She should have...she should have pretended that she did not know anything at the beginning and talked to him nicely.

Although her memory about her biological father were long gone.

But whether it was the watch or the ring, or the fact that he went back to revenge in a different face, including the fact that he chose not to tell her the truth and not to tell her who he really was, all his actions were aimed to not let her be in a dilemma.

He was a wonderful husband and father in every way.

However, she never faced it and kept dodging him.

Stella gripped Clarence's clothes and sobbed silently. And she cried louder and louder.

She did not manage to ask how he had been doing these years and whether he had lived a good life. She wanted to ask him about the past and about her lost memory.

She didn't even manage to call him "daddy" once.

Chapter 672: I Won't Risk My Life

Stella did not know how long it had been. She gradually stopped crying, and began to whimper.

After she cried out loud, she calmed down a lot.

Stella understood that it was useless to regret at this time.

All she could do was to pray that William would overcome this safely.

After Stella settled her mind, Clarence said, "Stay here. I'll go out and take a look."

Stella's eyes were red, and she nodded, "Okay."

After Clarence left, Stella looked at the glass wall not far away and nipped her lower lip.

After a while, she took out her phone.

The last chat message from Sherry was on the day before yesterday. Sherry said that Elaine accompanied her to the prenatal care checkup, and the doctor said that her baby was healthy.

Stella couldn't break the news to her.

She put down her phone and leaned against the wall.

A few seconds later, it suddenly occurred to Stella that Emmett had called her a week ago.

Stella got up, went to the corridor, and made a call to Emmett.

Emmett's voice came through the other end after ringing for a long time, "Stella."

Stella said, "When you called me a week ago, were you going to tell me about Daniel's disappearance?"

Emmett paused at the other end of the phone, "You knew all about it? I wanted to discuss with you about whether to tell Sherry first, but then I thought about it and decided not to."

Stella said, "I'm in London now."

Then...you saw William too? How is he doing now?

He's still not out of the woods.

Emmett said, "I can't go there right now. Let me know if anything happens."

Stella nodded gently, "Okay."

She hung up the call and slowly crouched down against the wall.

After a long time, Clarence came back to her, got down on one knee, and stroked her head, "Why are you out?”

Stella raised her head to look at him, "Nothing. Did you find anything?"

Clarence helped her up, "Let's go to the hotel first. I'll tell you the details later."

Stella turned her head to look at the ward, "But..."

Doctors are keeping an eye here, and they will notify us if anything happens. It won't be of much help even if you stay here.

Stella followed Clarence out of the hospital, head drooping.

Clarence's phone rang once they arrived at the hotel. It was a call from City N.

Stella opened her suitcase and took out some clothes into the bathroom.

When she walked out of the bathroom, Clarence had already gone.

Stella poured a glass of water and sat on the sofa.

Before long, she received a phone call from Sherry.

Sherry said, "Stella, how is it? Is Semporna fun?"

Stella pursed her lips, "I haven't gone to Semporna yet."

Didn't you say you were going there a day ago? Did you miss your flight?

Sherry said, "Oh. Ah, I forgot you guys took a private plane. Then where are you guys now?"

Stella looked out of the window and was silent for a few seconds before saying, "We're still in Christchurch now. Clarence has some matters to deal with."

Mr. Conrad has said to accompany you to go out and have fun but now he's still working? By the way, he has handed over the Conrad Group to Justin. What are his plans after that?

I don't know. I haven't asked him about that yet. He should have his own decision.

It's understandable. Mr. Conrad is quite capable, so whatever he does would be fine.

Stella asked, "How are Chan and Winnie doing now?"

Oh, the two of them. Winnie came to the studio two days ago. I asked her indirectly, and it seems that there's no progress. Moreover, I always feel that Winnie acts oddly whenever she mentions Channing. Does she know something?

Stella said, "I don't think so. Chan can't tell her."

Sherry chimed in with her and nodded, "I think so."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Sherry said, "I'll leave you guys alone. Have a good time and send me pictures when you get to Semporna."

Before she hung up the call, Stella suddenly said, "Sherry."

Sherry replied, "What's wrong?"

Are you still having severe pregnancy reactions lately?

I feel better now and not as bad as before.

Stella said, "I'd better ask Alisa to cook for you every day. It's not healthy to eat takeout every day."

No need to bother. Daniel has taught me to cook a few simple dishes before. I'm figuring it out these days, and I've already made some progress in cooking.

Sherry continued, "I have to raise my child in the future and can't always rely on others. It's good for me to learn these things early."

Stella said, "You can rely on me."

Of course, didn't we agree to raise the child together in the future?

Stella smiled, "Yup."

There was a sound coming from Sherry's side at this time.

It was not difficult to guess from the sound that it was Elaine who had broken the bowl.

Sherry said, "Stella, I'll hang up first, bye."

After hanging up, Stella held the phone and let out a long breath.

The sky was shrouded by darkness.

Stella sat on the sofa for the night, and only when it was almost dawn did she feel sleepy and lean gently on the side.

When Clarence returned to the room, she had just fallen asleep for a short time. Her slender eyebrows frowned slightly and was in a fitful sleep.

Clarence bent down, picked her up, and walked towards the bedroom.

When he was about the lay her on the bed, Stella woke up.

Her voice was a bit hoarse, "You're back."

Clarence said, "Go back to sleep."

Stella said, "I don't want to sleep. I want to go to the hospital."

Be good. I'll take you there when you wake up.

Stella looked up at him, "Are you still going out?"

No, I'll stay with you.

Clarence put her on the bed and then laid next to her.

Stella opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, "Got any news about Daniel?"

Not yet, but I have found out who shot and attacked William.

Didn't you say that they were all paid to do their jobs?

Clarence put his arms around her waist, "We have to find them to know whom they are receiving money from."

After hearing this, Stella could not help but frown, "Are you going to..."

Clarence knew what she was thinking and comforted her, "Don't worry, I won't risk my life. Besides, they're not qualified enough to let me go there personally."

So what to do now...?

They hijacked a cargo ship last night and prepared to escape. But unfortunately, the cargo ship is owned by the James family.

Stella was stunned, "The James family?"

Clarence said, "I've contacted Darnell James, and he will handle it."

Those people have guns, Darnell...

Clarence said, "Everyone reveres Darnell and addresses him as Master of Riverside. He didn't earn this title for nothing."

Stella thought about it and felt that he had got a point.

After all, before she had even met Darnell, he had already left her an impression of a scary and bloodthirsty man.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 673: You Deserve All This

Stella did not sleep for two hours before she woke up.

Clarence couldn't fall asleep either, and he opened his eyes just as soon as she moved.

Stella turned her head to look at him and said in a low voice, "Did I wake you up? You keep on sleeping. I just..."

Clarence grabbed her by the wrist when she talked halfway.

He dragged her into his arms and muttered in a husky voice, "Are you hungry?"

Then sleep a little longer.

Stella did not talk again and just quietly reclined on his chest.

Clarence's heartbeat was pounding steadily and powerfully, and it made her feel reassured.

Stella could not help but think that she could still rely on Clarence when she did not know what to do, but what about Clarence? Who could he rely on?

From the time Noah fell ill to the time when the two of them were lured to Riverside City, knew all the truth, and returned to City N, Clarence spent almost half of the month dealing with everything of the Conrad Group. He held a board meeting, took Justin back, and gave up the position of president of the Conrad Group.

These things all happened within the last two or three months.

Except for the night that they knew about the truth, Stella never saw Clarence raise the curtain on his feelings after that. He bore it all alone and made the decision himself.

The matter had not even come to an end yet. Clarence had been involved in these feuds again because of her.

After a long time, Stella's faint voice sounded, "Clarence."

The man replied quietly, "Hmm?"

Clarence paused, "For what?"

Stella said, "If it isn't for me, you wouldn't have to bother with these things at all."

Clarence tightened his arms around her waist, "Are you still drowsy and not able to think clearly?"

She reached out and pushed him away, "I'm serious. You're supposed to be taking a break after the matter with the Conrad Group is over, but..."

Clarence said, "You are right to say so, but I think you can replace the word 'thank you' with 'honey' next time, and I'll be happier with that." Dang it.

This man just couldn't quit jesting for over a minute.

Stella got out of his arms, "Alright, get up if you can't fall asleep."

After saying that, she turned over and got out of bed.

Clarence looked at her, slowly sat up, and the corners of his lips turned up slightly.

When they arrived at the hospital, they saw that it was heavy guarded.

The elevator had just stopped at the top floor when William's assistant hurried out of the ward and said to them, "Mr. Conrad, Ms. Radomil, Mr. William is out of danger. I was just about to inform you." At the word, Stella rushed towards the ward.

William was no longer lying in the intensive care unit like yesterday, and there was no longer a layer of glass in between.

By standing next to the hospital bed, Stella could see more clearly how badly William was hurt, and he seemed to be lifeless.

Her eyes were brimmed with tears again when she looked at this.

The assistant and Clarence walked into the ward.

Stella took a deep breath and held back her tears, "Did the doctor say when he would wake up?”

The assistant shook his head, "Not yet, but don't worry, Ms. Radomil, Mr. William will be fine. Twenty years ago, his situation was much more serious than now, and he came through the crisis as well." It was also the past of William that Stella had been deliberately not to ask.

In that explosion, the main target of Lyndon Steward was William, and Lyndon would definitely try to put him to death.

However, William survived in such a peril. How much pain had he suffered? When Stella thought of it, her heart ached severely.

Stella could imagine the feeling of the pain penetrating the bones and eroding the veins.

Clarence put his arm around her shoulder, "Since he has over the hump, he'll wake up sooner and later, don't worry."

Stella nodded dully. Suddenly something occurred to her and she looked at the assistant, "Where's Aaron? Where's he now?"

The assistant said, "After Daniel disappeared, Mr. William sent Aaron away, and Aaron is now in a very safe place."

Hearing that, Stella let out a sigh of relief.

Daniel was the one in the most dangerous situation now.

Meanwhile, in City N, Nathan delivered the last stack of documents to the president's office, "Young Master Justin, everything's here."

Justin sat at his desk and smiled faintly at him, "It's been hard for you."

It's all that I should do, Nathan added, "Young Master Justin, if there's nothing else, I..."

Justin wheeled himself to the sofa, picked up the teapot, and said, "No need to rush. I'm dizzy from reading the documents. Come talk to me."

Nathan spoke tentatively, "Young Master Justin, any problem?"

No, you've organized all these very well. I want to have a casual chat with you.

Nathan stood aside silently.

Justin picked up the cup of tea, held out his hand, and signaled him, "Have a seat."

Nathan nodded and sat down opposite him.

Justin poured another cup of tea and placed it in front of Nathan, "Have a try. It tastes quite good."

Thank you, Young Master.

After Nathan finished his tea, Justin said, "Thanks to you all this time. Otherwise, I wouldn't have caught up so quickly. So I'll give you half a month off to take a good rest."

Nathan said, "You're welcome, Young Master. It's all credited to Mr. Conrad. Since you have now gotten into the swing of the business of the Conrad Group, I...”

Justin refilled the empty cup with tea and said with a smile, "You've been in the Conrad Group for so many years and have helped Clarence solve a lot of troubles. You deserve better based on your ability. However, you can see that I'm new to the Conrad Group, and there are many things I'm not familiar with yet, so I still have to trouble you for a while."

Nathan probably did not expect Justin to say this and was stunned for a while, "Young Master, I..."

Justin added, "The position of vice president of the Conrad Group is still vacant now, and I believe that you are competent enough to fill it. On top of that, I'll give you five percent of the dividends on shares. In the future, you don't have to deal with the chores such as files delivery, and you only have to do your share of the work. What do you think?"

Nathan got up immediately, and Justin smiled, "Don't be nervous, you've been working here for so long, so you deserve all this."

Thank you for your kindness, Younger Master Justin. It's just that I plan to take a break for a while after working for such a long time. As for the position of vice president, you should reserve it for someone more capable.

In my heart, no one is more suitable for this position than you. I know it's been hard for you. So how about this. How about I extend the leave to a month for you?

Young Master...

Don't rush to reject me first. Go back and think about it. I'll reserve the position of vice president for you forever, Justin added, "Of course, if you leave because you don't want to work for me, then I won't stop you."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 674: Two Men Were Fighting for Nathan

After Nathan left the CEO's office, he felt that the back of his shirt was soaked in sweat.

He simply packed up and left Conrad Group directly.

On the way, Nathan picked up a phone call. After hanging up, he called Clarence.

From the other end of the line, Clarence said indifferently, "Speak."

"Mr. Conrad, I got the news just now. The payment for those people was wired from an overseas account in Phoebe Steward's name. The account was opened in New York City twenty years ago. A large amount of money was wired into the account every year. I guess it was gained from the illegal deeds that Armand Bernard has been doing.

This account number is quite confidential. There's only transfer-in but no withdrawal at all. No one else, including Phoebe Steward, knows about this account."""

Clarence asked, "Have you found when Lyndon Steward left City N?"

Nathan answered, "William and we have sent our men to all entrances and exits of City N. Even if he chose to steal into another country, he couldn't have left quietly without alerting us. Hence there's one possibility..."

Either Lyndon was able to escape through underground, or someone helped him flee away. The person must be someone that they wouldn't investigate or suspect.

After a few seconds, Clarence said, "I'll stay in London for a while longer. If anything happens in City N, deal with it with Maxwell. Please also keep an eye on Stella's studio. If they are too busy, you can send two helpers over."

Nathan answered and said with hesitation, "Mr. Conrad..."

However, Nathan held back his words in silence.

Clarence asked, "Are you getting married?"

Nathan gaped, "How could it be possible?"

He was too busy to find a girlfriend. Who would he marry to?

Why are you stammering then? Do you want me to send you an invitation for a speech?

He regretted it, if only he could speak directly just now.

With Clarence's remark, Nathan felt like what he was going to say would sound like he was blaming Clarence, mixed with threats and showing-off.

After a short while of silence, Nathan continued, "Young Master Justin had a talk to me today."

What benefits did he offer?

He asked me to be the deputy president with a five percent dividend.

Clarence said, "That's nice. You can give me more lucky money for my wedding."

Nathan choked up.

Suddenly, he realized that Clarence seemed to have succeeded in his marriage proposal.

Nathan let out a dry laugh and said, "If I reject Master Justin's offer, may I skip the lucky money for your wedding?"

Dream on. After a few seconds, Clarence added, "It's all up to you if you want to accept his offer or not. Make your own decision. Don't mind about me."

I won't go.

Clarence said, "It's your own decision. You can't blame me for it in the future."

Nathan said solemnly, "Mr. Conrad, do you know why it has taken you such a long time to gain Ms. Radomil's heart? It's because you have an extremely sharp tongue."

So what? I've won her heart.

Nathan smiled wryly. What could he say? He decided to follow this man himself.

Clarence spoke again, "All right. You can go back on your word at any time without telling me."

Nathan held the phone, heaving a sigh. He wondered why he had become so popular suddenly as two men were "fighting" for him.

One of them was gentle and kind, and the other was cold-hearted and ruthless, bad-tempered, and sharp-tongued.

It was quite a challenge to make the choice, wasn't it?

On the other side, Stella heard the footsteps in the corridor. She walked over quietly, only to find that Clarence was standing in front of the window, lost in thought.

She walked over and asked, "What happened? Who has called just now?"

Clarence turned to look at her and sighed, "Sadly, your vacant position without any competition might lose the only one candidate."

Stella was confused, wondering what nonsense he was talking about.

Clarence withdrew his gaze and looked forward. After a while, he said, "Nathan will probably stay in Conrad Group."

It took a few seconds for Stella to understand what he meant just now.

Trying to hold back her laughter, she stood next to him and asked, "Don't you want him to stay in Conrad Group?"

What does it have anything to do with me? I can't make any decision for him. Or he would blame me in the future if he think working for me is no better than staying in Conrad Group. "That makes sense. If he continued working for you, he would become bald before turning thirty."

Clarence corrected her. "He is thirty-one."

He sounded as if it was normal for a thirty-one-year-old man to become bald.

It started drizzling outside the window.

After a while, Clarence asked, "Do you think I've given him too much pressure?"

A bit. Think about it. You even asked him to wash dishes. As long as you need him, he will appear immediately. He's always twenty-four hours standby. I guess he does have a lot of pressure.” Clarence turned to look at her. Do you know how much he earns a year?"

Stella chose to shut up.

Clarence continued, "Justin promised him a five-percent dividend. According to the average profit of Conrad Group, it will be ten times his current annual salary. I can understand why he's interested.

Of course, the amount was only based on the average profit of Conrad Group when I was still the CEO. After I quit, Conrad Group's profit will remain normal in the following two years, but it will go down later. Then he won't get as much as the current salary I've offered him.

Stella muttered, "Even though this is the case, he would've made enough money with the dividend in the following two years.

Clarence turned to stare at her expressionlessly.

Stella held back her smile. "Can't you just directly tell him you want him to continue working for you?"

No, I can't. It would look like I want to constrain him.

Stella thought for a moment and felt that his words made sense.

At this point, a doctor and a few nurses came to measure William's body temperature.

Stella said, "I'll go back to the ward."

Clarence nodded.

After she entered the ward, Clarence stared at his phone. After a long while, he sent Nathan a message. "I'll give you a raise and hire an assistant for you."

After sending the message, Clarence put his cell phone into his trousers pocket and went into the ward.

In the ward, a doctor was changing dressing for William's wound.

Looking at the horrible wound, Stella felt her hair stand on the end.

Clarence walked over and stood next to her. Covering her eyes with one hand, he whispered, "Don't look."

With shaky breathing, she was clenching his sleeve tightly.

The pain had spread all over her body through her vision.

Twenty minutes later when Nathan finished showering and came out of the bathroom, he saw Clarence's message, and he was startled; his phone almost dropped on the floor.

He wondered if Mr. Conrad had been bewitched.0000☐☐☐

Chapter 675: He Called You Retarded

Stella had stayed in the ward for three days, but William had no sign of waking up.

On the fourth day, when she looked up from her draft book, she saw William's finger move.

Stella immediately stood up and called a doctor over.

The doctor checked William up and said, "It's his instinctive reaction, but his consciousness hasn't completely recovered yet. It'll take a few more days for him to wake up."

Is his life still in danger? asked Stella.

As long as his wound didn't get inflammation and cause high fever, he would be fine. The doctor added, "However, he has a bit consciousness now. Please talk to him more. He can hear it, and it will stimulate him to wake up."

Stella nodded. "Thanks, Doc."

After the doctor left, she sat down again. Staring at the draft book on the tea table, she didn't pick it up. Instead, she walked to the bed and sat down next to it.

Looking at the man on the bed, she seemed to have found something familiar from this face that was strange to her.

Stella didn't know what to say to him. After a while, she said, "Two weeks ago, I went to a jewelry exhibition. I saw the ring you used to propose to my mother and learned about the history of the ring and where it ended up.

"In fact, I'm pretty curious about your past. I want to know the stories between you and my mother as well as the things in my childhood. In the Stewards' Mansion, Mr. Thomas told me some of them, but those stories seemed to be quite blurred to me. I couldn't recall any of it at all.

Over the years, I've been having the same dream. There's a big fire. I wanted to rush in, but a hand dragged me and took me away from that place."

"I know you must be like me. We both want to know what on earth happened after that explosion and why my mother would take me... Moreover, I also want to know how you survived that explosion.

If... If my mother had known you were still alive, she must be quite happy. We wouldn't have met after so many years. Probably I have already called you Dad. Our family of three would be together forever."" When Stella finished her words, her voice became hoarse, and her eyes reddened."

The man on the bed didn't react, but a tear slipped down from the corner of his eye.

Suddenly, Stella became quite emotional and failed to control it. She trotted out of the ward, looked at the sky, and took a deep breath, holding back her tears.

Although she had no idea when William would wake up, she was confident that he had heard what she said just now.

Sitting on the bench in the corridor, she held her cell phone and lowered her head, lost in thought.

Since William got shot, a lot of troubles appeared in Complex Corporation.

When the company was in crisis, William's assistant took Clarence to a meeting.

Many senior executives in Complex Corporation were against this move as Clarence was just an outsider in their opinion. He didn't have the right to manage anything about the company. Much to their surprise, Clarence only spent two days to find their business partner, who was threatened by the group of mobsters.

The supply chain recovered, and the company instantly was operated as usual.

However, there was still a significant impact on the company. It couldn't return to how it used to be in such a short time.

Two weeks passed in a blink.

Those mobsters who had attacked William were planning to go to Italy after robbing the cargo ship. However, they were stopped in the Adriatic Sea.

They looked at the giant cruise in front and the flag with the emblem of James. They exchanged glances with each other, armed themselves, and got ready to defend.

However, nothing happened on the cruise.

The mobsters had been hiding on the sea for a while, so they were out of water and food.

Hence, there must be something they needed on the cruise.

Without any hesitation, they boarded the cruise, fully armed.

There was no one on the deck. On a dining table were fresh food and champagnes.

The mobsters first went around with guns to check if there was anything wrong. When they had confirmed that there was no one else, they started to feast, drinking champagnes like they were drinking water. After they had their fill, they looked at this luxury cruise greedily. They kicked open a door on the deck and entered the cruise with guns.

It was quiet on the way.

However, the mobsters didn't relax but felt tenser and tenser.

Someone suggested, "It doesn't seem right. Let's retreat."

Another man scolded him, "Get out of here, you coward. Don't be a drag."

One said, "I saw 'James' on the flag. We'd better go back. I'm afraid we'll offend the Master of Riverside."

The man who scolded the first one said in disdain, "What are you so afraid of? No matter how tough Master of Riverside is, he can only stay in Riverside City. We just run away after grabbing a few things. He won't know who we are."

They discussed a bit and still continued marching on.

Then they arrived in front of a door. Looking at the light from the inside, they looked excited in bloodthirst.

When they kicked the door open, about to kill and rob, they were pointed by guns at their foreheads.

They also held up their guns and pointed at the men in front.

All of a sudden, the whole room was filled with murderous intents.

Inside the room, Darnell was sitting at a card table, looking at them in a languid way. He said indifferently, "Why are you guys so worked up? Didn't you enjoy my hospitality?"

The mobster who called his teammate a coward asked, "Who are you?"

Darnell turned to him, deadpan. He murmured, "You don't deserve to know".

The mobster didn't hear him clearly, so her asked his teammate, "What did he say?"

The other mobster answered, "He called you retarded."

The talkative mobster's expression changed dramatically. A wave of anger surged in his heart. When he was about to pull the trigger, his wrist was twisted by a man. The next second, his gun dropped on the floor. Before he could react, his knees were kicked. He knelt down with a loud bang.

It happened way too fast. Other mobsters hadn't seen clearly what the other party had done.

They were shocked. Looking at the man standing in front of them who came out of nowhere, they gripped their guns tightly.

Right then, the man dragged the talkative mobster to the card table.

The mobster looked horrified. "You... Who the hell are you?"

Darnell looked over at him and said flatly, "Since you are so curious, let's play poker. If you win, I'll tell you who I am." "What... What if I lost?"0000

Chapter 676: Something Happened in Riverside City

Darnell answered in a cold tone, "If you lost, you have to leave your eyes here." The mobster was frightened. When he was about to stand up, he got pressed.

He turned around, only to see the man who quickly removed his gun just now.

Darnell said, "Come on. Don't waste time. There's a long line behind you."

Right after he finished speaking, the mobster was dragged to stand up by the man behind him.

The mobster was about 6 foot 5 and never lost in a fight. However, he couldn't even fight against the man who was half-head shorter than he.

He wondered who those people were.

The mobster stood while trembling. "What... What to play?" he asked.

Darnell's fingers knocked on the table. "Up to you."

Draw three cards and compare the points together.

Darnell raised his thin lips and pushed the deck to the mobster, hinting at him to draw first.

The mobster checked the cards carefully. After confirming there was no special mark, he turned the cards over and drew three cards quickly.

When he was in the casino, he always played such a game with others.

When the opponent lost a few points, he would cut the same number of fingers of the opponent.

He had never expected that he would become the threatened one today.

After he finished drawing, Darnell drew three cards randomly from the cards in front. Then he raised his hand to hint at the mobster to show his cards first. The mobster inhaled deeply. Wiping off the sweat on his forehead, he licked his fingers and slowly turned one card up.

It was ten.

Since they were comparing the points, ten was the biggest. Jack, Queen, and King were all null, which meant zero points.

Seeing it was ten, the mobster relaxed a bit. Shaking off the sweat from his hand, he looked over at Darnell, watching Darnell show his card.

Darnell slightly moved his slender fingers and turned over the first card.

It was an Ace, meaning only one point.

The mobster was quite delighted. His complacent smile revealed his confidence that he would win.

His partners also cheered for him while watching nearby.

The mobster, now more assured, turned over the second card.

However, it was a King.

The mobster was taken aback. On impulse, before Darnell turned up his card, the mobster flipped over the third one.

It was a joker.

That meant he had two cards with zero points.

Hence, he had ten points in total.

The mobster held his breath, looking at Darnell with still a ray of hope.

He hoped that the total points of Darnell's cards couldn't reach ten points.

Under his gaze, Darnell turned over his second card.

It was two.

The mobster's heart jumped back to his chest. He laughed aloud.

However, a few seconds later, he couldn't laugh anymore when seeing Darnell's third card.

It was eight. Hence, Darnell got eleven points in total.

Coincidentally, he got one point more than the mobster.

No! It's impossible! You cheated! the mobster yelled.

Darnell tossed the cards back and said flatly, "Leave your eyes."

When the mobster was about to resist, "Bang!" his knee got a shot.

Other mobsters also started shooting.

However, before they shot, Darnell's men acted quickly.

They shot the mobsters on their wrists, making them exclaim in pain along with the gunshot.

Darnell said, "I intended to give each of you a chance to gamble with me. Now it's not necessary."

While howling, one of the mobsters asked through gritted teeth, "Are you... Are you Master of Riverside?"

The gamble is over. You won't get any award even you've guessed it right.

We... We had no grudge against you. Why do you...

Darnell snorted. "No grudge? You've robbed my cargo ship. Now I just want to get back my own stuff as well as the interest from you. Is there anything wrong?" "We didn't know it was your ship. Our employer prepared ahead. We just..."

Darnell stood up and asked in a cold tone, "Who is your employer?"

We... We don't know. You should know our rules. We're paid to work and will never look into the employer's information.

The talkative mobster also lay on the floor and echoed, "We are just paid to work. We truly... don't know..."

Before he finished speaking, he fainted in pain.

Right then, one of Darnell's men rushed in and reported solemnly, "Excuse me, Master. Something happened in Riverside City."

Two days later, When Stella had just sent her latest design drafts to Sherry, she saw a news pop on her phone screen.

She saw Riverside City on the title, so she tabbed to read it.

Stella stood up immediately after glancing at the content.

Several elders of the James family were found dead in their houses two days ago. They died miserably, and the scenes were quite bloody.

Those elders usually didn't go out. The only place that they often went to was the ancestral hall of the James family. The suspect who had the biggest grudge with them was Darnell, who was getting rid of the outdated rules of the family.

However, when they were dead, Darnell happened to have left Riverside City. No one knew where he was.

There was a family rule of the James family- none of their family members could leave Riverside City. However, Darnell didn't obey it at all.

Hence, he was even more suspected.

After the elders were murdered, all their families gathered together, unwilling to bury them. They put the dead bodies in the mourning hall, forcing Darnell to give an explanation.

Even Hilbert spoke on Darnell's behalf, but he failed to calm them down.

Since those elders were quite famous and respected in Riverside City, there were a lot of discussions about their death.

However, Darnell didn't show up at all, nor did he explain this incident.

Gradually, all people believed that it was he who had killed those elders.

When reading the news, Stella gripped her phone tightly. Suddenly, she recalled that Clarence told her half a month ago that the mobsters who attacked William were the same ones who robbed the cargo ship of the James family.

She guessed that Darnell must have left Riverside City to deal with this matter.

However, after Darnell went out of town, several elders in his family were murdered. Darnell was suspected the most because he wasn't in Riverside City and couldn't explain himself.

Firstly, William was attacked. Then she and Clarence arrived in London. Later, Clarence got the clues and contacted Darnell, who left Riverside City to deal with the mobsters. Finally, the incident happened in Riverside City.

All of those matters...

Stella didn't think they were coincidences.

She suddenly felt a chill down the spine, wondering if those people who had murdered the elders were the ones that worked with Joanna and drugged Noah.

What on earth do they want? Or, who on earth was their target?

Stella immediately unlocked her phone screen and dialed Archer's number.

His phone was off.

She paled, feeling as if all her strength had been drained.

Stella tried to calm down and called Ms. Anderson.

Her phone was off as well.

Stella closed her eyes, gritting her teeth tightly. She tasted blood.

With the last calmness, she called Channing.

The call was through finally.

Before Channing spoke, Stella said, "Chan, go to find Maxwell now. Then pick up Sherry and Elaine. You must stay together. Before I call again, you can't go anywhere."

Chapter 677: Don’t Be Afraid. I’m With You

After hanging up the phone, Stella felt her temples were popping. Her heart was racing as if it would jump out of her chest.

She tried to calm herself down. Then she dialed Sherry's phone.

Sherry was taking photos of models. She swiped to answer the call. "Yes, Stella? What's up?"

Stella asked, "Are you in the studio?"

Yes, I am. I'm quite busy now. I'll call you back later.

Stella said, "Sherry, listen. Something happened in Riverside City. I'm not certain if those people have the plan to carry on in City N. I've asked Chan to find you all. You must be careful in the following few days."

Sherry was taken aback. She nodded subconsciously, "Oh, I see. Okay. I'll go find Elaine right after shooting."

Okay. Call me if you need any help.

Putting away her phone, Stella took a deep breath.

Although she might have been oversensitive, she could tell how ruthless those people were because they had killed several elders in Riverside City in just one night.

Hence, Stella must guarantee the safety of her family and friends.

She tried to call Archer and Dolores again, but their phones were still powered off.

Stella heard a weak voice from the bed when she was about to walk out of the ward. "Stella..."

At first, she thought she had misheard.

Then William called her again, "Stella..."

Stella hurried to the bed, only to find that William had opened his eyes. However, his eyes had no focus yet. Raising his hand, he seemed to be trying to grab something. Stella bent over and held his hand. She said between sobs, "I'm here."

William stared at the ceiling for a while. Then his eyes finally got the focus. He tilted his head to look at her with a weak smile. "Dad is here. Don't be afraid," he whispered. Upon hearing it, Stella couldn't hold back her emotion any longer. Fear and the unknown horror surged in her heart. She burst into tears.

William tried hard to raise another hand, patting her on the head. He comforted her, "It's alright."

Stella cried for a long time before gradually calming down. She wiped off her tears and said, "I'll call the doctor over."

Soon, the doctor came in to have an overall checkup on William.

Except that he was still fragile, William was fine.

The doctor said he needed to recover in peace. It would be better if he had limited visitors.

After the doctor left, William sat up while leaning against the bedhead. He said, "Stella, you said something had happened in Riverside City on the phone." Stella poured a glass of water for him. "You heard it?"

Yeah, faintly. But I didn't hear it clearly. What happened? asked William.

Stella said, "The doctor said you need to recover in peace. Please leave those matters alone."

William took the glass, had a few sips and coughed. "What about Daniel? Has he been found?" Stella frowned slightly, shaking her head.

After a pause, she added, "Clarence is helping you manage the company. Don't worry."

William was silent for a moment.

Stella knew that Clarence didn't leave him a good impression before.

She didn't continue with this subject. Stella stood up and said, "I'm going to check with the doctor about your diet."

Then she walked out of the ward.

While walking in the corridor, Stella received a call from Channing. He said he had arrived at the studio. Later, they would do what they should do. He asked her not to be worried. Stella nodded and said, "Okay. Just wait and see. There shouldn't be no other matters."

Noah had been missing now, so she didn't want any of them to be hurt again.

Moreover, something had happened in Riverside City, so Stella wondered if those people's next target would be Elaine.

After hanging up the phone, Stella adjusted her breath and entered the doctor's office.

The doctor said William could only take liquid food for now. He could have some light dishes in two days.

Coming out of the office, Stella went shopping in the convenience store downstairs. When she returned to the ward, Clarence and William's assistant had arrived.

Since they were talking about business, Stella closed the door in silence and waited for them while sitting on the bench outside.

She unlocked the phone, staring at Noah's photo. Her eyes were reddened.

Her tears dripped on the screen of her phone.

After a moment, she raised her head and closed her eyes to hold back her tears.

Then, her hands were held by someone. He whispered to her, "Have you seen the news?"

Stella opened her eyes, only to find that Clarence had come out of the ward. He was squatting in front of her.

She lowered her head and muffled, "I couldn't get in touch with Archer and Ms. Anderson. I'm afraid..."

Clarence pinched her reddish nose. "Don't be afraid. I'm here with you."

Stella was taken aback. Suddenly, an idea came to her mind. "You..."

After the incident happened in the James family, they were taken to a secured place, said Clarence.

Wasn't Noah under medical treatment in the lab? Since something happened to Darnell James, what about the lab? Stella asked.

They are all quite safe. But it's a big group of people, so they are also a big target. For the time being, they can't leave Riverside City. Don't worry, OK?

Stella choked with sobs, "But... I've called Archer and Ms. Anderson, and I couldn't reach them at all."

Clarence explained, "It's because a lot of people are looking for them. I'll contact them in the evening, all right?"

Stella raised her hand to wipe off her tears. "I see."

Clarence saw that she was still upset, and his heart softened. Approaching her, he pecked on her lips and said, "You look so adorable when crying." Stella was speechless.

When she reached out to push him, her hands were pressed by Clarence.

Clarence curled up his lips into a faint smile and slowly moved backward. "Where have you been just now?" he asked.

Stella whispered in a crying tone, "I bought something downstairs."

Had lunch?

Clarence said, "Come. Let's go for lunch."

Stella looked back at the ward. "The doctor said he needs to rest more..."

No worries. His assistant is briefing the work status simply. It'll end soon, said Clarence.

Stella suddenly thought of something. She kept silent and left with him.

Clarence asked, "What would you like to eat?"

Anything is fine.

Since William has woken up, you should rest assured. Let's dine out.

Stella nodded in agreement. "Okay."

Clarence might be surprised because she was so cooperative. He turned to look at her, raising his brows.

Under his gaze, Stella tidied her hair up and said solemnly, "I just think you are too pitiful to be kicked out. I decided to be obedient to you."

After a few seconds of silence, Clarence asked, "Said who I was kicked out?"

That's pretty obvious, isn't it?00000

Chapter 678: Everything Was Fine

City N.

When Channing arrived at the studio, Elaine still hadn't known anything about the incident in Riverside City.

She held back her excitement, waving at Channing. When a customer came to pay the bill, she went back to her position.

When Sherry came over, they had just bid farewell to the last customers.

It was getting dark outside.

Channing said, "Let's go. Let me drive you girls home."

Elaine looked at him and then at Sherry. She asked curiously, "Has Stella come back? Will we have dinner together?"

Sherry shook her head. "Stella called me just now. Something happened in Riverside City. Elaine, do you want to contact your family?"

Elaine was startled. "Riverside City? What happened?"

Channing pulled out his phone and tabbed to open the news for her.

Elaine took it over immediately. When she read the news, her face turned pale immediately. Her hands were trembling when pinching the phone. Her lips parted, but she couldn't utter any sound at all. Although she disliked those elders and thought they were too old-fashioned and inflexible, after all, they had watched her grow up.

She could never accept that they were murdered at the same time in one night.

Besides, the suspect turned out to be...

Looking at her pale face, Sherry whispered, "Are those your families?"

After a long while, Elaine came back to her senses. "No... None... I must call my dad."

As she spoke, she pulled out her phone.

The call wasn't connected until a long while later. Elaine quickly said, "Dad? How..."

Franklin interrupted her, "Elaine, stay in City N. No matter who offers to take you back to Riverside City, don't come back. All right?"

Elaine answered in confusion. She stammered, "I... I got it. Are you and Great-grandpa all right?"

We are both fine. Elaine could hear a lot of noises at Franklin's end. He reminded her again, "You can't trust anyone from the James family. Remember. Any of them." After that, he quickly hung up the phone.

Elaine gripped the phone, looking dull.

She had been well-protected in the past twenty years, never worried about food and clothes, and never experienced such an incident.

Sherry patted her on the shoulder. "Let's go home."

Since they came out of the studio, Maxwell had been following them.

After sending them back to the apartment, Channing didn't leave. He stayed in the guest room.

Downstairs, Maxwell called Clarence. "Mr. Conrad, everything is fine in City N."

Clarence replied, "Sent more men to follow them. Be alert."

Of course, Mr. Conrad.

When Clarence and Stella finished lunch and went back to the ward, William's assistant had left. William was sitting on the bed, dealing with some documents. Clarence had read through those documents already. However, if those things were to be executed, William's signature was needed.

Hence, it wouldn't be a challenging job for him. All William needed to do was to sign his name.

Stella didn't stop him. She poured a glass of warm water for him.

Upon hearing the sound, William raised his head and pinched his nose bridge. "You are back," he said.

Stella said, "If you feel tired, please take a rest first."

William said, "I've been lying on the bed for almost a month. Now I feel weak even after dealing with such a trifle."

You've just woken up, so you haven't completely recovered yet. The doctor said you need to rest well, said Stella.

There are a few documents left. I'll be done after signing them.

Clarence walked over and said, "The basic operations of the company are stable now. I don't think you can continue transferring Complex Corporation back to domestic right now." William kept silent for a moment. "I'll consider it in the near future."

Darnell James has found those mobsters, but he didn't find Daniel. They said Daniel was possibly taken away by Lyndon Steward, said Clarence.

William frowned, clenching his hands into fists.

Stella turned to look at Clarence and repeated in surprise, "Lyndon Steward?"

Clarence hummed. "Lyndon Steward could be the one who had planned everything that happened to Complex Corporation recently as well as the gunshot incident this time." "Isn't he in City N? Why..."

He should have left City N already, said Clarence.

So many people are looking for him now. How did he flee out successfully?

Clarence pursed his thin lips and didn't answer.

William murmured, "He must have prepared for himself a way out. Otherwise, we would have found the clues after looking for him for such a long time."

In the beginning, when something happened to Complex Corporation, William didn't suspect Lyndon for it.

Until Daniel went missing and things got out of control, William realized that the enemy was well prepared.

The enemy should only be Lyndon, who had been hiding for months.

Clarence said, "We can't ensure where he is right now. Most likely, he'll do something again."

William said, "Since we know who the manipulator is, I have a way to fight against him."

If so, Stella and I will go back to City N in a few days then, said Clarence.

As soon as he finished his words, silence blanketed the ward.

The atmosphere wasn't too bad, but neither good at all.

William looked over at Stella. "Stella, could you help me check with the doctor to see when my dressing is going to be changed in the afternoon?" Stella parted her lips. When she was about to speak, she met Clarence's eyes. He slightly tilted his head, hinting at her to leave the ward.

Stella pressed her lips and answered. Lowering her head, she walked out.

She knew it was an excuse for them to send her away, so she didn't go to find the doctor. Instead, she was walking back and forth in the garden downstairs.

It was early afternoon. The sun was shining, but it wasn't hot at all. Stella could feel the cool breeze from time to time.

She walked for a long while before sitting down on a bench in the tree shadow.

Twenty minutes later, Clarence's figure appeared nearby. He walked to her against the light.

He sat down next to Stella, resting his arms on the back of the chair. Then he stroke her hair and asked, "Are you getting bored?"

Stella shook her head. She asked, "What did you talk about?"

Clarence raised his eyebrows. "It's a secret between men."

Stella curled her lips. "Forget it."

Clarence smiled in silence. "Let's go back to City N tomorrow evening, OK?"

What about William...

He's awake, isn't he? He's fine. We've done what we could do. Clarence continued, "Moreover, there are also people in City N you're concerned about, right?" Stella nodded slightly. However, William was still in the ward. She was worried because no one was taking care of him.

Clarence saw through her mind.

He added slowly, "After he has dealt with the matters here, he'll go back to City N as well."

Chapter 679: You're Engaged To Him

After going back to the hotel, Clarence contacted someone in Riverside City.

In London, it was 2 to 3 p.m. at this time. While in Riverside City, it was already late at night.

Through the video call, Stella saw Noah lying in the crib and sleeping soundly, completely undisturbed by everything that was happening outside.

Dolores and Archer were also at the side.

This place was the mansion of Dolores's mother. Since her mother married Bancroft, fifty or sixty years had passed so far. The mansion was almost deserted. With Bancroft's death, no one in the James family knew this place.

When Clarence investigated Dolores's past in Riverside City, he found this mansion. Therefore, the people he sent over there were staying in this place.

After the James family encountered the accident this time, Darnell became the main suspect.

Archer quickly sensed the crisis and when he was just about to evacuate with the people in the entire lab, he met Clarence's men and they were directly brought here.

Dolores was picked up from the James' Mansion and she arrived almost simultaneously with them.

When the news of the death of several family elders spread and those people intended to take this opportunity to make use of this matter, the lab and place where Dolores stayed were already empty. Seeing that they were all fine, Stella was relieved. As it was late at night at the other end, she hung up the phone after saying only a few sentences.

Clarence asked, "Are you relieved now?"

Stella looked at him, "Did you foresee that something would happen? If it had been slightly slower, it might have..."

Clarence replied lightly, "Riverside City isn't peaceful. Whether or not Darnell is there, dangers may happen at any time. Similar things have happened once, I absolutely won't let it happen again."

Stella lowered her head and smiled.

Clarence was indeed more thoughtful and meticulous than her.

After a while, she said, "What about Darnell, how is he now? Since such a serious incident has happened, the James family won't easily..."

Don't worry, he's fine.

Stella kept silent for a while and said, "Are we going back to City N tomorrow night?"

Clarence said yes.

"What about Daniel? If he was really taken away by Lyndon, then now he is...”

In peril.

Clarence held her hand, Don't worry, since Lyndon chose to take him away, it indicates that Daniel still has a use to him. Before he gets what he wants, Daniel is always his bargaining chip, so he won't kill him."""

Stella gently pursed her lips, "But even so, Daniel is still in a very dangerous situation. I don't know...how to tell Sherry."

These things are unexpected. No one would want to see such an outcome, so you don't have to blame yourself for it. If she asks, you can just tell the truth. If she doesn't, you can choose not to say anything. Stella lowered her head and did not reply.

Clarence stroke her hair, "Leave it for now. You've come to London for almost half a month but you stay in the hospital every day. Do you want me to take you out for a walk?"

The next day, Sherry and Elaine arrived at the studio as usual.

After Channing dropped them off, he intended to leave.

Sherry called him, "Chan, where are you going?"

Channing replied, "Shooting. Today is the last episode and there are also promotional photos and materials to be shot."

Sherry nodded, "Okay, keep in touch at all times. You should be careful."

Okay, Maxwell is right outside. Just call him if you guys need anything.

After Channing left, Elaine changed into her uniform and began to work in earnest.

Sherry walked to Stella's office, leant on the desk and looked out the window in a daze.

She had not contacted Daniel for over a month.

Sherry originally did not think so much about it and felt that Daniel might just be busy and she should not always disturb him.

But after experiencing a tense and frightening night yesterday, the uneasiness in her heart was instantly magnified to the point that she could not control at all.

After thinking for a long time, Sherry took out her phone and dialled Emmett's number.

After she got through, she felt him out softly, "Emmett, are you busy?"

Emmett hesitated for a while before responding, “Not really. What's the matter?”

No, no, no, nothing important. I just want to ask if Daniel contacted you recently, I...I have something to tell him but I haven't been able to contact him.

There was no sound coming from the person on the other end of the phone.

Sherry could not help but grip the phone tighter and even slowed down her breath, "Is...something wrong with him?"

Emmett then answered, "No, the company in London has a lot of matters to be handled so he doesn't really have time. I often can't get in touch with him either." Hearing this, Sherry heaved a sigh of relief and was glad that nothing happened to him.

Emmett added, "Sherry, Daniel may not be able to return for the time being. If you need any help, feel free to tell me."

Sherry smiled, "Thank you. I just go to the studio and go back home every day so there is nothing that needs help. If there is, I won't hesitate to call you." After chatting with Emmett for a while, Sherry hung up the phone and let out a long breath.

Although she heard from Emmett that Daniel was busy dealing with the matters in the company, for some reason, she still could not be totally relieved. Sherry could not help but put her hand on the belly. The little one inside her was three to four months old. She could feel his existence more clearly. Sherry was low-spirited for the entire day and she had nothing to do in the studio.

Fortunately, the new picture had been shot last night and she just needed to hand it over to the post-production staff.

Just as she was walking back and forth in the studio, a figure appeared at the door.

Caesar scurried to Elaine, "Elaine, are you okay?"

Elaine was a bit bewildered and subconsciously said, "I'm fine... Uncle, what's wrong?"

Caesar took off his glasses and rubbed his brow, "I heard something happened to the James family and someone would hurt you, I'm afraid that you... But anyway, it's good to see that you're alright." Elaine did not get it, "Why would someone hurt me?"

Caesar raised his eyes and saw that the studio was a bit crowded. So, he pulled Elaine to the pantry on the side and whispered, "Have you forgotten that you're engaged to Darnell?"

Upon hearing this, Elaine was completely dumbstruck.

Oh, how could she have forgotten about this matter?

Caesar continued saying, "Now everyone in the James family can't find Darnell, so they naturally regard his escape as an admission of guilt of murdering the family elders. And since you're Darnell's fiancée, inevitably they may vent their anger on you."

Elaine's entire face turned red, "But...but..."

I know that this marriage is not what you want but those elders were killed tragically. The James family is now in turmoil and some people want to fish in troubled water and take advantage of the issue. Thus, you're their biggest target.00000

Chapter 680: Bring Trouble and Danger

Elaine froze for a long time before saying anxiously, "Then are my father and great grandfather also in danger? They..."

Caesar gripped her shoulders and comforted her, "Elaine, don't worry. At least for now, no one in the James family dares to harm them because those people haven't found their Achilles' heel to deal with them. And you, are the Achilles' heel that they can use to threaten them."

Without waiting for Elaine to respond, Caesar added, "Think about it. If you're safe and sound, won't your father and great grandfather be able to deal with those people in Riverside City without worry?" Elaine subconsciously nodded.

On the contrary, if you fall into the hands of those people, your father and great grandfather will be worried about your safety and be forced to cooperate with those people.

Then...what should I do now?

Caesar responded, "Don't be afraid, Elaine. I'll protect you. I'll take you out of City N tonight."

Elaine said, "But Stella told us to wait for her to come back. My father also told me to stay in City N and not to run around."

Caesar sighed soundlessly, "What they said is right. However, the situation now can shift anytime, Elaine. Those people already know that you're in City N and they'll definitely try their best to find you. Moreover, have you thought about it, their target is originally you. If you insist on staying in City N, you might bring danger to Ms. Radomil."

When Elaine heard this, her pupils slightly dilated as if she felt that what he said made sense.

Caesar stroked her head, "I'll take you out of City N to a place where no one can find you. When things are over, I'll send you back to Riverside City." "Won't this hold you back?"

Caesar smiled, "I've been away from Riverside City for ten years. Everyone thinks I'm dead. They had no idea I'm still alive, so how would they find my whereabouts? Elaine, it's the safest for you to follow me now."

Seeing Elaine was apparently going to change her mind, Caesar added, "How about this. I'll come to pick you up at 8 p.m. tonight, but remember not to tell anyone about your intention to leave City N. It might be spread widely."

Elaine whispered, "Can't I even tell Stella?"

Caesar answered, "Ms. Radomil definitely wants to keep you in City N but do you want to put her in danger?"

Elaine shook her head, "No."

Elaine, trust me. I won't harm you.

Elaine took a breath, "I'll go with you."

Caesar said gratefully, "Then I'll go to make arrangements first. I'll come to pick you up at 8 p.m."

Elaine waved at his back, "See you later."

After Caesar left, Elaine came out of the pantry.

Sherry saw this and walked over, "What were you two talking about that could take so long?"

Being asked by her, Elaine's face unnaturally turned red. She stammered, "No...nothing. My uncle just asked me if anything happened to the James family. He didn't say any other thing!"

After saying that, she hurriedly walked to the cashier. She took several deep breaths before gradually calming down.

Sherry tsked inwardly. This young woman was obviously bad at lying. She looked so nervous as if the words 'I lied' were written on her face.

However, Sherry thought that this was others' family business and it was not her place to pry, much less to handle it. So, she continued to walk around leisurely.

At 7.30 p.m., Sherry locked the door of the studio and said to Elaine brightly, "What do you want to eat tonight? My treat!"

Elaine answered softly, "Sherry, you go back first. I want to walk around nearby."

She looked around, "What's there to see nearby? If you want to buy something, I'll take you to the mall."

Elaine stammered, "No, I just...want to walk around..."

Sherry stared at her suspiciously, "Tell me honestly, what exactly did your uncle tell you when he came today." "No, I..."

I can tell whether you lie or not. Don't try to fool me. I could tell Stella and let her handle you.

Elaine hurriedly pulled her, "Don't, Sherry. I just...just..."

With her head drooped, she muttered, "Something bad happened to the James family and many people want to take me back to threaten my great grandfather and father. If I stay in City N now, it'll only bring trouble to you and danger to Stella."

Sherry asked, "So what did your uncle tell you?"

He said he would take me to a very safe place and when things were over, he would send me back to Riverside City.

Sherry thought about it, "What your uncle said makes sense too."

Hearing that she also agreed with this approach, Elaine's eyes lit up. "It makes sense, right? I feel the same way, so..."

My arse, what your uncle said is right but don't you remember what your father said?

Elaine was stunned for a few seconds, "He let me stay right in City N..."

"He also said that you shouldn't trust anyone in the James family. You forgot it?”

When Elaine was on the phone yesterday, Sherry was next to her so she heard them clearly.

Elaine answered, But my uncle left Riverside City ten years ago. He's not considered a member of the James family now and my father doesn't know he's still alive. Moreover, when I was a child, he treated me very well. He wouldn't lie to me, and surely wouldn't do such a thing as using me to threaten my father and my great grandfather like those people."""

Sherry said, "I don't know your uncle well but I feel that your father had a point in what he said. The current situation is that unless your father comes to take you to Riverside City, you mustn't go with anyone who wants to take you to any place."

But don't want to hold back Stella and you all here.

Sherry looked at the young woman's face with bewilderment and cluelessness and said, "How about this. You call your father now and talk to him about the current situation. If your father agrees that you should go with your uncle, I won't stop you. But if he doesn't agree, you have to go home with me."

Elaine felt that this was a good solution so she hurriedly took out her phone.

But, no one answered the call.

Elaine looked at Sherry, "He didn't answer..."

Sherry held her hand, "Okay, then you should go home with me now. City N is still safe currently. It isn't too late for you to leave with your uncle after your father agrees. It won't be so rushed that you have to leave tonight, right?"

Elaine felt that sounded reasonable.

Elaine responded, "My uncle said he would come to pick me up at 8 p.m. I'll wait for him here and tell him about this."

Sherry glanced at the time. It was ten to eight.

She said, "Alright, then I'll accompany you. What do you want to eat later, steamboat, barbecue, or street food?"

Elaine answered, "Barbecue! I want to eat barbecued meat!"

Okay, let's go eat that later.