Ch. 1081..1090

Chapter 1081

Before Genevieve could even recompose herself on the couch, Timothy's words traveled into her ears and made her freeze.

Hypnotized me? What does he mean?

The psychologist glanced at Genevieve and tentatively said, "She was suffering from severe depression previously. If I undo the hypnosis, she'll recall those things again..." "Did you not hear what I told you?" Timothy angrily cut off the psychologist's words.

He then took two steps closer to the psychologist and pressed down on the trigger slightly, gritting out, "I want you to undo the hypnosis done on her right now, or else I'm going to kill you!" The psychologist knew that Timothy was on the verge of a mental breakdown and that he was not joking with his threats.

At the end of the day, the psychologist was only human; she did not want to lose her life arguing with Timothy. Thus, she took in a deep breath and lit the sleep-inducing candle on the table.

Genevieve struggled upright on the couch and frowned at Timothy. "What hypnosis are you talking about? Was I hypnotized?"

Timothy ignored her as he continued to keep his gun aimed at the psychologist.

Getting dragged to the military hospital and treated poorly the entire way did nothing to help Genevieve's growing temper.

She wanted to just storm out of the room, but right then, a gentle voice crawled into her ears and into her brain.

Soon, she lost consciousness and collapsed on the couch.

Armand was in the middle of having a meal with several management-level individuals when he received the call from Cooper. It was then he found out that Timothy had abruptly taken Genevieve away while she was eating with Charlotte.

Instantly, he left the restaurant and called Steven to instruct him to find out where Timothy had taken Genevieve.

Right as Armand ended the call, the psychologist called him to tell him that Timothy had brought Genevieve to the military hospital and forced her to undo her hypnosis on Genevieve.

The hypnosis was undone, but before Genevieve awoke, Timothy took her away again.

The memory of Genevieve's terrible state back then surfaced in Armand's mind, and his heart sank. At that moment, he felt the urge to kill Timothy.

Upon finding out from Steven that Timothy had taken Genevieve to the airport, he rushed there.

Armand drove without a care for his safety. His efforts paid off, for he managed to intercept Timothy's car before Timothy left the highway.

When Timothy stepped out of the car, Armand saw the unconscious Genevieve in the backseat of the other man's vehicle. In his fury, he punched Timothy in the face.

"Timothy, what the f*ck are you doing?"

Armand had done everything he could to make Genevieve forget about those matters so that she could finally live a carefree life. Everything had been going on the right track, but Timothy's actions had nullified his efforts.

Timothy only stared at Armand coldly after the latter punched him. "Do you know who took Jojo away? It was Zephyr. Zephyr doesn't even know Johanna! He's Genevieve's brother, and he was targeting Genevieve! He didn't dare to lay a finger on Genevieve, so he went after the ones around her instead. That's why he took Johanna!"

The look in Armand's eyes darkened when the man realized what Timothy was trying to say. "So you're going to use Genevieve to exchange for Johanna?"

"This is Zephyr's matter with Genevieve. What does Johanna have to do with this?"

Before Armand could say anything to that, Timothy went on, "Genevieve has a rare blood type, so everyone is helping her out because they're scared that she might die. You've put all of your focus on her too. You told me that you'd help me look for Jojo, but what have you found after all this time? You clearly don't even care about this!"

"I've already used everything I could, but you know how sly Zephyr is..."

"I don't want to hear your excuses!" Timothy bellowed. "Armand Faulkner, you would be even more anxious than I am now if Genevieve was the one who was taken away! What Zephyr wanted when he took Johanna away was Genevieve, so I'm going to get her back now."

"You could have told me if you knew that Zephyr was behind this, and I would've thought of a way to deal with this," Armand gritted out as he grabbed Timothy's collar. "You know how bad a state Genev was in previously. She tried to kill herself! How dare you ask the psychologist to undo the hypnosis on her?"

"What's the point of telling you that? You'll always think of Genevieve first." Timothy sneered. "If I don't undo the hypnosis on her, how will she know about her relationship with Zephyr?"

Chapter 1082

Armand couldn't hold himself back and delivered another punch to Timothy's face.

He hollered angrily, "Timothy, you must be nuts! If Genev didn't coincidentally save Johanna in Xedells back then, do you think you can get to know her and end up with her?"

"You want to settle scores, huh? Sure!" Timothy grabbed Armand's clothes and roared, "We've been friends for decades. Have I ever denied helping you? If it weren't for me, would you still be together with Genevieve? If I hadn't done everything I could to seek aid for Mandy, she would be dead by now! Even if my wife does owe Genevieve one, I've returned the favor in full!"

They were squabbling when the sky turned dark without warning. It started raining, and both men were soon drenched from the rain.

Timothy wiped the rain away from his eyes and choked out, "Armand, you have children, but so do I. My daughter isn't even one year old yet. You love Genevieve, but so does Jack. She is also protected by Cooper and her granddad, but my wife doesn't have anyone."

He demanded, "My wife did nothing wrong. Why was she dragged into someone else's matter? Why does she have to suffer? According to you, Zephyr is a sly man. He's also part of the ruthless mafia. Do you know how worried I was after he kidnapped her? I'm afraid he'll hurt her. I'm literally going crazy imagining all the possibilities. All I want is to get her back."

Armand had no idea that it was Zephyr who brought Johanna away secretly.

After a short silence, he said, "I understand your feelings, but you can't use Genevieve to get Johanna back. I'll go to Lostaria and get Johanna back instead." Timothy sneered, "This should be between Genevieve and Zephyr. Otherwise, Zephyr wouldn't have kidnapped Jojo. You won't contribute anything by going there." He paused before asking, "Armand, do you think Genevieve's life is more important than my wife's?"

"I've never thought that way. Besides, you know what Genevieve went through!" Armand hissed as his eyes turned red. "Do you want to force her off the edge again?" Genevieve had been through a lot, so Armand would never allow her to fall into another bottomless pit.

Timothy stood there, his expression as cold as winter.

Armand wiped the rainwater off his face and belatedly realized Genevieve had climbed out of the car. Her hair and clothes were partially wet as she gazed at them, sorrow evident in her gaze. Without hesitation, Armand strode over to her, wanting to ask her to get into the car, but Genevieve flung her arms around him and gave him a tight hug.

Armand lowered his head and hugged her quietly.

A while later, Genevieve released her grip and said to Timothy in a low voice, "I'll head to Lostaria and bring Jojo back. Mando will send me to the airport."

Timothy knew Genevieve was no longer hypnotized, so he got into his car and left.

Armand pulled Genevieve into his car and got a towel to dry her hair. However, Genevieve held his hand and pressed it to her cheek.

Sensing the warmness of his palm, she asked with misty eyes, "Was it tough?"

"Of course not. I know you love me." Armand inched nearer to kiss her. "I'm the one to blame as I didn't protect you well."

Genevieve shook her head.

She raised her hand to touch Armand's heart through his shirt. Her eyes turned red as she said, "After Jack learned you didn't have long to live, he started scheming. He deliberately abducted me and locked me up so I'd grow to hate him. He then gave his heart to you..."

Armand knew his heart wasn't Ethan's, but he didn't expect that it was Jack's.

"I owe him a lot, so when Lilian wanted Mandy, I allowed her to adopt Mandy," Genevieve said sadly. "However, I had no idea that Jack lay on the operation table willingly on the day I left Dartan.”

Genevieve broke down, tears streaming down her cheeks. "He's so cruel to use his own life to make me owe him a favor that can never be returned. That way, I can never forget him for the rest of my life."

Chapter 1083

Genevieve had never loved Jack, but he loved her dearly. In fact, she was the reason he could survive. He could do anything for her and adored her children, too. She knew she had wasted Jack's time and owed him a lot.

Initially, she could slowly return the favor together with Armand. She gave Amanda to him and Lilian so Amanda could take care of them when they grew old.

Alas, Jack didn't let that happen. He used his life to save Armand so she would owe him a huge favor.

It was only then that Armand realized Genevieve's previous breakdown wasn't just about Amanda's faked death and Charice's matter. It was because she felt guilty over Jack's sacrifice, too. She couldn't get over the fact that she owed Jack too much and was drowning in guilt.

Armand's heart clenched painfully as he pulled her into his arms. Wiping her tears away, he said gently, "Darling, don't blame yourself. I'm the one who got his heart, so I'm the one who owes him one. I don't mind if you can't forget him as long as you are healthy."

"Look at me." He cradled her face and met her eyes. "I'm your husband, your loved one. I should be shouldering all your burdens."

Tears gushed down Genevieve's cheeks as she buried her face in Armand's chest and hugged him tightly.

The rain eased up, and the sun was beginning to show itself. After crying her heart out and hearing Armand's comforting words, Genevieve quickly regained her composure as the negative feelings in her heart receded.

She told Armand to drive her to the airport.

On the way there, Armand contacted the airline to charter a plane.

When they arrived at the airport, the bodyguards Steven sent were already there.

At the gate, she gave Armand a hug and said gently, "Someone needs to take care of Lucian and Mandy, so you should stay. I can head to Lostaria myself."

Armand gazed at her, a turmoil of emotions flashing across his dark eyes.

Brushing a finger across his cheek, Genevieve flashed a smile. "After Zephyr faked his death, he stopped sending his men to Chanaea. He's afraid of you and also needs my help, so he won't let me die. Even if he calls the shots in Lostaria, he won't lay a hand on me."

After a pause, she added, "You also assigned a few bodyguards to protect me, so I'll be fine." She stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. "I'll be in contact after I arrive."

Armand replied, "Okay."

He cradled her cheek and deepened the kiss, showing her how much he loved her.

After the kiss ended, he released her and whispered, "I'll be waiting for your return."

He knew Genevieve was stubborn and wouldn't change her mind no matter what he said, so he decided to let her go. If something happened to Genevieve, he wouldn't live on alone either.

Genevieve watched Armand get into his car before she entered the departure hall with the bodyguards and headed to the lounge.

The airline was still trying to find a pilot, so it would take a while before she could board the plane. In the lounge, she gave Lilian a call.

Lilian said, "I heard you're not doing well."

Lilian wasn't in Chanaea. However, Jack had left his men here, and she would occasionally talk to Amanda over the phone, so she was well-informed of the situation here.

Genevieve chuckled. "I'm much better now. I'm actually heading to Lostaria to handle some matters. Can you help me contact Mr. Foster?"

Foster was the leader of the biggest underground organization in Dartan, but his business hadn't infiltrated Lostaria yet. Even so, people in their industry usually had spies all over the world. When Genevieve was in Dartan, she had accompanied Jack to celebrate Foster's birthday once.

As Jack didn't want her to get involved with the underground circles, she only got to meet Foster that one time.

After receiving Genevieve's phone call, Foster learned about her request and agreed to help her without hesitation.

When Jack took over Helt Corporation, he helped Foster's organization directly and indirectly. Thus, they were closely connected now.

Foster would definitely help Genevieve for his godson's sake.

After flying for over ten hours, she arrived at Flobury International Airport in Lostaria the following afternoon.

Foster's men in Lostaria came to the airport to pick her up.

Genevieve was walking out of the airport when she brushed past someone. The person's looks caused her to halt in her tracks in shock, but when she whipped around, there was no one in sight.

Chapter 1084

As one of the languages Genevieve mastered was Irushean, she could communicate with Foster's men smoothly.

The journey from the airport to her hotel took over one hour, so she took the chance to familiarize herself with the mafia's influence in Lostaria.

Zephyr might be ruthless, but he was also a capable leader.

After the President died, the Carlo family didn't start any internal strife. Under the new president, Zephyr's lead, they annexed many territories, inflicting fear in the other two mafia families. Genevieve asked, "Is there a pretty Aplothian lady by his side?"

The man who talked to her shook his head. "Osborn's whereabouts are kept a secret. We've been here for a few years but never even got to meet him once."

Genevieve's brows furrowed. It looks like finding Zephyr in Lostaria is going to be more challenging than I thought.

At the hotel, Genevieve switched on her laptop and connected to the WiFi. She then sent a text to Armand. Less than two minutes later, he sent her a video call request. Genevieve answered his call to realize that he was preparing breakfast in the kitchen with an apron around his waist.

She glanced at the time on her laptop. It was afternoon here but seven o'clock in the morning back in Chanaea. "If you're busy, you can put on earphones to talk to me." Armand turned over his shoulder to look at her before resuming preparing sandwiches. "I want to look at you. You can also look at me."

Genevieve rested her chin on her palm and chuckled. "Mando, I'd like to have a sandwich, too."

"I'll make a few more and vacuum pack them to deliver by air," Armand told her. "If the cargo plane is fast enough, you can eat it around ten hours later."

Genevieve hummed in acknowledgment. After chatting briefly, she told him about her current situation.

"I can't find him, but he calls the shots in Lostaria. He has spies everywhere, so I believe he knows I'm here," she said.

Let's see if Zephyr will come to me.

Armand placed the breakfast on the dining table before asking the housekeeper to wake the kids. He then went out with his phone to continue talking to Genevieve.

"A few days ago, Sally escorted someone to Lostaria on business. You can contact her," he said.

Afraid that Genevieve would land in danger in Lostaria without knowing it, Armand informed her that a client asked Jerry to find someone who shared the same blood type as her. The said client was in Lostaria Sally was in Lostaria for work, so she would also be investigating who the client was.

"She thinks you have Ethan's heart, so she should treat you well." Genevieve was baffled. "Why did she offer to help when this matter benefits me, though?"

Armand had no answer for that.

Right then, Amanda hopped out of the house, holding a sandwich in her hands. She was already dressed in her school uniform.

"Daddy, what are you doing in the garden?"

"I'm talking to your mommy." Armand waited until she came over to him before squatting down. He then turned the camera to Amanda.

Amanda gazed at Genevieve. "Mommy, where are you? Why do you need to video call Daddy?"

"I'm on a business trip now. I called him as I missed him," Genevieve said softly. "I miss you, too."

"Mommy, I miss you too! I miss you so, so much!" Amanda blew her a few kisses.

They chatted for a while before Armand told Amanda to head back into the house to eat. She was going to be late for school if she dawdled any longer. He then talked to Genevieve briefly before hanging up. After Lucian and Amanda packed their bags, Armand sent them to school.

He dropped them at the school and drove away. Amanda's brows were scrunched up as she walked into the school grounds with Lucian. "Lucian, something seems off to me."

Lucian shot her a look. "Did you have too much for breakfast?"

Amanda shook his head. "This morning, Mommy and Daddy talked in a video call. Mommy said she was on a business trip. Aunt Jojo said she went on a business trip too, but she still isn't back after so long."

She was afraid her mother wouldn't return.

Lucian took her hand. His voice was high-pitched but solemn as he said, "Mommy left on a business trip and will be back in a few days."

Hearing his assurance, Amanda promptly forgot all about her worries.

Chapter 1085

Genevieve had been in Lostaria for days, but Zephyr had still yet to come to her.

She wanted to use the Carlo family to relay a message to Zephyr, but those who weren't core members of the family would never get to see him.

It was Sally who gave Genevieve an important clue. "Evangeline Sheraton is Zephyr's fiancee."

Genevieve knew the Sheratons as they were one of the three mafia families in Lostaria.

Evangeline was the daughter of a mafia family, but she often attended various socialite gatherings without bothering to hide her whereabouts.

After a bit of investigation, Genevieve found out that Chanel was holding a party at a hotel in Fairlake today, and Evangeline was on the list of attendees. She immediately contacted Cooper.

Cooper knew many bigwigs in the fashion industry. Soon, he contacted the person in charge of Chanel and got Genevieve an invitation to the event.

It had never crossed Cooper's mind that Armand would allow Genevieve to go to Lostaria alone. He had met Zephyr previously and knew how cruel the man could be.

Genevieve was related by blood to him, so he wouldn't let her off easily.

Deep down, Cooper grew anxious. He wanted to persuade Genevieve to change her mind but couldn't bring himself to say that out loud. He proceeded to give Sally a call. "Bring Genev back home safely." After a pause, he added, "I'll agree to any condition you state."

Genevieve packed up and left the hotel. Her bodyguards drove her to Fairlake. Radford was not far away from Fairlake, so the journey only took two and a half hours by car.

Upon arrival, Genevieve went to Chanel and bought a vintage long gown. She then went to style herself up.

At five-thirty, Genevieve walked into TOR Hotel.

The brand hadn't publicized tonight's party and only invited the top celebrities and rich socialites in Epea.

The venue was packed with exquisitely dressed celebrities.

Genevieve's gaze swept across the crowd. She spotted a few celebrities and Epean socialites. Nevertheless, Evangeline was nowhere to be seen.

The organizer had invited Evangeline, but there was a chance she might not show up.

The dinner began at seven sharp. Everyone found the seats with their names and sat down to enjoy the show. It was then that Genevieve saw Evangeline sauntering into the hall.

Evangeline had golden locks and cerulean blue eyes. Clad in a black embroidered gown, she was given a warm welcome by a server the moment she entered.

Evangeline sat down at the table nearest to the stage, which was some distance away from Genevieve's table. Hence, Genevieve had to wait until dinner came to an end before she was able to talk to Evangeline.

When Genevieve returned to her seat, a server was serving a dish and accidentally spilled some gravy on her gown.

The server's face turned pale as he apologized profusely.

"It's fine." Genevieve wasn't bothered as she had bought this dress on a whim. The gravy smelled unpleasant, so she got up and went to the restroom to clean up.

Outside the hall, a man was standing by the window in the corridor. He was clad in a black suit that complimented his tall figure.

However, he sported a buzz cut, and his eyes beneath his thick brows were expressionless.

Genevieve pushed the door open and walked out to see him there. She immediately halted in her tracks.

Her pupils constricted. "P-Patrick?"

The man's sharp features reminded her of the young man who died in her arms in the pouring rain years ago.

The man's face resembled Patrick's even though his aura and gaze were different from the Patrick she knew. Genevieve wondered if she was dreaming.

Lifting his head, the man gave her a calm look and spoke in Irushean, "You've got the wrong person."

"I'm sorry." Genevieve snapped back to reality as she apologized hastily and left.

I know that isn't Patrick. After all, I scattered half his ashes into the sea.

She entered the restroom and used the dry cleaning detergent on the sink to get rid of the gravy on her gown. Confusion filled her heart when she recalled the man from earlier. That man looks exactly like Patrick. Are they really not related?

Chapter 1086

When Genevieve returned to the hall, she realized the man was nowhere to be seen in the corridor anymore. It felt like she had imagined their encounter earlier.

When the dinner came to an end, Genevieve wanted to go to Evangeline's table to talk to her.

However, Evangeline was pretty famous in Lostaria, so many people wanted to strike up an acquaintance with her. As Evangeline was flanked by her bodyguards, Genevieve couldn't even squeeze her way in. Suddenly, Genevieve felt someone stuffing something into her right hand.

She walked out of the hall before opening the note in her hand. After reading the contents, she paled and strode toward the elevator hurriedly.

At the lobby, Genevieve's bodyguards came up to her. She told them, "I'll stay the night in this hotel and return to Radford tomorrow morning."

She then checked-in at the hotel.

After changing her clothes, Genevieve came out of her room. She told her bodyguards she wanted to eat at a restaurant and dismissed them. At the entrance, she hailed a taxi.

The taxi drove along the road for some time before speeding up suddenly.

Sensing something amiss, Genevieve grabbed the handle and turned to look at the driver.

The car was dark, and she could only see a blurry side profile of a man.

The man glanced at the car behind them and spoke in fluent Chanaean, "Who are you? They are obviously after you."

They had just met in the hotel earlier, so Genevieve guessed he wasn't just an ordinary bodyguard. "Do you know Osborn Carlo?"

Frank replied calmly, "The Carlo family rarely assassinates people. They always kill their targets in public. If the Carlo family is tailing us, you'd be dead by now."

Genevieve glanced at the rearview mirror and noticed a car trying to catch up to them in the traffic.

If Zephyr didn't send anyone after me, who else wants me captured?

Frank floored the accelerator and weaved through the traffic deftly.

His driving skills were excellent as he shook the other car off a few moments later.

As their car drove into a tunnel, Genevieve finally broke the silence. "Back at the hotel, you claimed you didn't know who Patrick was but gave me a note asking to meet me. Who are you?" Frank said nothing.

Soon, the car exited the tunnel. Frank made a few turns before parking the vehicle by the river.

Frank switched on the light in the car and showed Genevieve a sketch of a man that looked exactly like him. However, the man in the sketch was younger and looked more cheerful. "Someone called Johanna gave me this sketch," he said.

At once, Genevieve raised her head and gazed at Frank anxiously. "Have you seen Johanna? I'm her friend. I came to Lostaria to bring her back home."

"First, you'll have to answer my questions." Frank pointed at the sketch and asked, "Is he called Patrick Sullivan?"

"Yes." Genevieve's heart ached when she recalled Patrick.

Frank narrowed his eyes. "You seemed shocked to see me at the hotel earlier and lost your composure. Are you close to him?"

There couldn't be two people who resembled each other without being biologically related. Genevieve soon guessed Frank's identity.

However, the man was observant, so Genevieve dared not reveal her true emotions.

He met Johanna previously, so he might know where she is. I need his help. He can't learn of Patrick's death for now.

Pursing her lips, she said, "We're close to each other. Patrick grew up in Xedells, Chanaea. However, he was an orphan and was abandoned in a trash can after he was born. My husband's bodyguard brought him up. He is often sent overseas to deal with our overseas branches' business. If he's in the country, he'll be tasked to protect me."

Chapter 1087

"You look like him." Genevieve gazed at Frank. "I didn't ask him to come to Lostaria with me, so I was shocked to see you earlier."

Frank asked, "Do you have his photo?"

Previously, Patrick took photos for Genevieve when he was her bodyguard. There were also a few photos of them both which Genevieve had saved in her email inbox.

She found the photos in her inbox and showed them to Frank.

Frank was so engrossed in observing the photos that he didn't realize they were uploaded a while back.

He finally believed that Genevieve was close to Patrick. "Patrick is my younger brother. However, he wasn't abandoned at birth. It was an accident."

Frank and Patrick's father grew up in Lostaria, so he was a Lostarian. Later, he joined the police force, and with his outstanding abilities, he was soon promoted to the position of senior police commissioner. Frank's mother came to Lostaria to study there. After they got married, she changed her nationality and became a Lostaria citizen.

Lostaria used to be a colony. After years of war, it slowly became a country infamous for drugs.

Frank's father despised the evil mafia and how drugs were everywhere in Lostaria. Hence, he organized a few missions and shot many core members of the mafia in their heads. As he destroyed their business, the mafia soon targeted him.

Frank's mother became pregnant again when he was three years old.

That very year, his mother's grandmother had cancer and was about to die, so she wanted to head back to Xedells to send her off.

Frank's father was busy with work and couldn't accompany his wife back home. However, he assigned many people to protect her and even contacted the police back in Xedells.

However, the mafia sent more men to Xedells. They got rid of the bodyguards easily and captured his mother.

Frank's father then fell into the mafia's trap. He went there to realize that his wife and son had died in Xedells. In the end, the mafia also viciously killed him.

Fortunately, Frank's father didn't tell anyone about Frank's existence. No one knew he had a three-year-old son.

After his father died, Frank's neighbor was kind enough to send him to her sister's house in the countryside. There was where Frank grew up. The neighbor's sister didn't hide the truth from him and told him how his parents died.

Frank wanted to wipe out the mafia in Lostaria to avenge his parents. Thus, he joined the police force and became the leader of a special task force, even becoming an undercover police officer.

It took him a few years to gain Alston's trust. He was now Alston's right-hand man.

It took Genevieve a while to regain her composure after Frank finished his story.

She had guessed that Frank and Patrick might be siblings, but she had never expected Frank's father to be a police officer and that the mafia killed both him and his wife.

Frank was calm when he mentioned his parents' deaths, but Genevieve knew how cruel the mafia was. Their core members were killed by the police, so they must've tortured his parents badly before taking their lives.

If Patrick didn't meet me and ended up dying, he would have been able to reunite with Frank one day.

Frank brushed a finger across Patrick's photo. His voice was no longer icy as he rasped, "I thought they killed my mother and brother..."

That day, when Frank spotted Patrick's sketch in the car, he wanted nothing more than to dash to Johanna and ask her where Patrick was.

However, he calmed down instead of acting recklessly.

Genevieve's lips thinned as she asked, "You've met Johanna. Do you know where she is?"

"Zephyr brought her to Alston's birthday party. I met her there," Frank explained. "Zephyr has a castle, so he kept Johanna captive there. Recently, he took her away from the castle." Frank told Genevieve how Evangeline took action against Johanna a while ago.

Frank analyzed, "Zephyr likes Johanna, so I guess he brought her elsewhere as he was afraid someone would try to harm her. Or perhaps it's because he knows someone else is trying to find Johanna." His gaze landed on Genevieve.

"A while ago, the Carlo family suffered from a great setback. No core members died, but Zephyr lost a few billion in Anglanduran currency. Either the Sheratons or the Leonardos did that to him."

Chapter 1088

"It was my husband," Genevieve revealed. "He thought Zephyr was dead. We had no idea Zephyr faked his death."

Comprehension dawned on Frank. "It looks like your husband is pretty influential."

Zephyr was far more ruthless than his father and would kill anyone he wanted. The Carlo family had suffered a heavy blow this time, but Zephyr didn't take any action. This obviously showed he was afraid of going against his enemy.

Something occurred to Frank as he said, "She wanted me to get her some birth control pills."

Frank chose to help Johanna as she was with Zephyr and offered to be his informant.

Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to run into Genevieve at the hotel today. He learned that his brother was still alive and that Johanna was a close friend of Genevieve.

Genevieve's face drained of color as remorse overwhelmed her heart.

Sometime later, Genevieve regained her senses and said in a hoarse voice, "Zephyr tried to kill me a few times but later stopped. There must be a reason behind his decision. I'll do my best to help you wipe out the mafia. Tell them not to hurt Jojo. When the chance arises, take her out of the country."

"Zephyr is sly, so it isn't easy to kill him. Take it slowly," Frank reminded her. "Before you came, I wanted to fmd Johanna to ask her about my brother's whereabouts. However, Zephyr has hidden her too well. My men can't fmd her."

Genevieve unlocked her phone and showed Frank a photo. "My friend's friend came to Lostaria on a vacation a few days back and snapped a photo showing Johanna on a cruise ship behind her. See if you can find any clues about that ship. Or do you know the captain of that ship?"

Frank instantly recognized the ocean where the cruise ship was. "That should be Zephyr's private cruise ship. I think he hired the staff on the ship, so I can ask my men to look into it." "Okay." Genevieve nodded.

After that, Frank drove Genevieve back to the hotel.

Genevieve told him, "I attended the fashion party to get acquainted with Evangeline so I could fmd out where Zephyr is. Alas..."

Alas, Zephyr and Evangeline's marriage is a sham.

"It's great if you can be her friend and gain her trust," Frank replied. "Evangeline knows how ambitious Zephyr is. She only married him so the Sheraton family could survive. Alston loves Evangeline, so he hates Zephyr. He tried to kill Zephyr a few times but to no avail. Your husband is influential, and if he and the Leonardos were to join hands, Zephyr might not be their match."

Genevieve was smart enough to know what he meant. "I want Jojo out of Lostaria before they take action."

"Aren't you worried about yourself?" Frank questioned.

Genevieve fiddled with her bracelet as her lips curled. "I've been in life-threatening situations so many times that I'm no longer afraid of death."

I can't let Asel grow up without a mother. Even if I have to risk my life, I must make sure Johanna gets back home safely.

The taxi soon rolled to a stop outside the hotel.

Before Genevieve could leave, Frank said, "Thank you. Also, please thank the person who brought Patrick up on my behalf. I will travel to Chanaea one day to thank him personally."

Genevieve grunted in acknowledgment calmly. Afraid Frank would see through her, she spun on her heels and hurried into the hotel.

They only chatted for one hour by the river, but Frank's words made her feel heavy-hearted.

She couldn't imagine how Frank had spent the past thirty-plus years with this deep-seated grudge on his shoulders. His life was miserable enough, but she had given him false hope. She could imagine how furious he would be after learning the truth.

Looks like I'll never be able to return to Lostaria again.

In a daze, Genevieve swiped her keycard to open the door to her room. When she placed the keycard into the keycard slot, the room remained dark.

She was observant enough to realize that there seemed to be someone in her room.

Chapter 1089

The hotel was equipped with surveillance cameras, so it wasn't easy for someone to enter her room.

It didn't take long for Genevieve to realize who it was.

Calmly, she switched on the lights for the corridor and the bedroom. When the lights were on, she noticed the chair in front of the table was occupied by a man.

The man was clad in a black shirt and black slacks. He sat on the chair with his legs crossed. Under his jet-black hair was a pair of gorgeous but indifferent purple eyes. Somehow, he managed to look both elegant and bloodthirsty.

When the lights came on, Zephyr didn't even blink. He lifted his head to look at Genevieve and shot her a smile.

"Long time no see, my sister."

Genevieve bit back the urge to fish her gun out of her bag and shoot him. She merely replied coldly, "He might be your father, but he has nothing to do with me. I'm not your sister." Zephyr rested his chin on his palm and flashed a smile. "Even if you refuse to admit it, his blood flows in your body."

Genevieve ignored him and went to the fridge to get a bottle of mineral water.

"Lostaria is my territory." Zephyr was still staring at her. "Armand dared to let you come here alone. Isn't he afraid you won't return alive?"

Genevieve took a few sips of water before replying calmly, "You're brazen but have never defeated him."

Zephyr's good mood faded into thin air, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.

Genevieve didn't want to waste any more time, so she went straight to the topic. "This is between us, so just be direct and tell me what you want me to do. Release Johanna." Zephyr put his legs down and leaned forward a little. "Genevieve, you're quite smart."

Silas was ruthless when he was young, and Zephyr inherited that attribute from him. As his mother was born into a mafia family, he was also better at scheming compared to Silas. Genevieve's mother had never come into contact with the mafia, so she grew up to be a mild-mannered socialite. Hence, Genevieve inherited her mother's pretty genes and mild-mannered behavior instead of Silas' ruthlessness.

Nevertheless, she was smart, just like Zephyr.

Zephyr pulled out a card and placed it on the table. Genevieve looked at it and saw a bunch of numbers written on the card.

Zephyr said, "I want to know what the numbers mean."

Realization struck Genevieve. She sneered, "That day in the cemetery, your subordinate got a diamond from Silas. According to Silas, the diamond would point to the gold's location. You're intelligent, so I assumed you had many efficient subordinates. I can't believe you still haven't gotten your hands on the gold yet."

I knew it. Zephyr didn't dare to kill me not just because he was afraid of Armand. Turns out it's because of this.

Zephyr remained unfazed and reached out to tap the card. "You must know what the numbers mean."

Genevieve responded, "You found nothing, so why would I know what it means?"

"Because your mother is Mia Quinn, the woman he loves the most." Zephyr's lips curled into a sneer. "He prepared this diamond for Mia."

Genevieve found it annoying that he kept mentioning her mother and Silas. After all, the only father she acknowledged was Wayne. She despised the mafia.

Genevieve fell silent for a long while before she picked up the card. "I'll find a way to decipher the numbers. In exchange, you should release Johanna." Zephyr stood up and came toward Genevieve. He was tall enough to block the light above her head.

Finding his menacing aura uncomfortable, Genevieve furrowed her brows.

A low chuckle rumbled from Zephyr's chest. "I'm afraid this isn't an exchange. If you decipher the numbers, I'll spare her life. Whether I release her or not..." He paused before drawling, "Depends on your loyalty to me."

Chapter 1090

Narrowing her eyes, Genevieve glared at him. "My bodyguard is just next door. Aren't you worried that I will kill you before you escape?"

"Do you think I'm not aware of what a coward you are? Killing just one person traumatized you for a long time." Zephyr sniggered in response. "If you had the guts to do so, you would've gotten Armand to have his men find me instead of coming to Lostaria in person. The reason you're here is to switch places with Johanna. If I lose my life, hers will be forfeited too."

Genevieve took a deep breath before continuing, "Let me see Johanna."

All Zephyr did was pick up the pen on the table and write down a string of numbers on the card, which he subsequently stuffed into Genevieve's hand.

"Give me a call once you have decoded the numbers. Good night." Zephyr left the moment he finished. Once the door was closed, the room fell silent as if no one had entered before.

Genevieve crushed the card in her hand as a grim expression descended upon her face.

When it came to playing mind games, she was no match for Zephyr. Furthermore, he held collateral in his hands, whereas she had nothing.

Also, she had no visibility as to Johanna's current condition.

Upon arriving at the hotel lobby, Zephyr strutted out the front door to a waiting car, where the hotel's doorman swiftly opened the door on his behalf.

Once he settled into his seat, he gave his forehead a rub. "How is she doing?"

The driver-cognizant of who he was asking about-replied, "Ms. Joule has been doing well over the last few days. She busied herself in her workshop from dawn till dusk and even got the housekeeper to buy her fabric. The housekeeper also reported that she would return to her room after dinner and go to bed promptly at eleven."

Zephyr couldn't help but chuckle at the report, thinking that she must be having a decent time with him away for work.

One hour later, the car arrived on the city's outskirts and drove into a dense forest. It wasn't until it arrived at a brightly lit mansion that it finally came to a stop.

Although it was late, the housekeeper waited up for Zephyr to let him in and take his coat before retiring for the night.

The first thing Zephyr did was head upstairs to Johanna's workshop.

Inside the room, the sewing machine, fabric, and other tools were strewn across the table and couch, while the Epean-style garment rack by the window was filled with all sorts of clothes.

They were for children the age of one to two, mostly made up of different princess dresses that were beautiful and exquisitely designed.

Unbuttoning his shirt, Zephyr left the workshop and headed to the bedroom. With only the dim wall lamp lit inside, it was largely covered in darkness.

Inside, Johanna was sleeping soundly in bed. The loose white shirt she was wearing exposed her long and slender legs. Moreover, one could also see her pinkish toes slightly curled together. Having not seen her for a few days, Zephyr felt his desire ignited by the sight.

Leaning in to kiss her, he pried her lips open in an aggressive yet gentle manner. At the same time, he spread her thighs wide with his knees.

Deep in slumber, Johanna wrapped her arms around him subconsciously and murmured in a coy voice, "Timothy..."

Zephyr wasn't upset. Instead, he loved to see her in her half-groggy state, where her body was relaxed enough for him to have his way with her.

A long while later, Zephyr was drenched in sweat. He carried Johanna to the bathroom to shower before retiring to another room.

After the event, Johanna leaned submissively in his arms as she fell into a deep slumber.

With one hand cupping his jaw, Zephyr ran his other hand across her face before tucking her long hair behind her ear. Subsequently, he let himself be mesmerized by her beauty as he recalled the events that occurred when he was in Loang for work.

On that particular day when he was due to return to Lostaria, it rained cats and dogs the moment he stepped out of the hotel. When the car he was in stopped at the traffic light, he caught a glimpse of a young girl standing inside a red phone booth, making a call.

He had no idea who she was calling. Nonetheless, the phone booth wasn't fully closed, and he could hear her telling the person over the line how lonely she was and begging the person to come see her. Unfortunately, whoever it was seemed to have rejected her, causing her to break down and cry.

Observing her through the glass window, Zephyr could see her face covered in tears. Within her moistened eyes, he noticed a defiant look that triggered the urge to care for her within him.

Before the light turned green, the girl had already ended the call. When she attempted to leave the phone booth, she was surprised by the heavy rain outside.