Ch. 1091..1100

Chapter 1091

Zephyr instructed his assistant, "Give the girl in the phone booth our umbrella.”

Zephyr, through the car window, watched as his assistant handed the girl the umbrella. After an exchange between the two of them, the girl looked in the direction of the car and uttered a word of thanks to him. Although her eyes were swollen red from crying, the umbrella seemed to wash away the sadness and fill them with glistening hope.

The vibrant vibe she exuded was so contagious that even Zephyr couldn't help but break into a smile.

Before his car drove away, Zephyr saw the girl waving at him. Even though all she did was stand there, the memory of her throughout the entire two minutes was seared into his mind. It had become one that he would never forget.

When Johanna woke up, she noticed that she was no longer wearing the shirt from the previous night. In its place was a nightgown, while the room was filled with the residual scent of a man. It quickly dawned upon her that Zephyr had returned the night before.

Disgusted by her realization, she went into the shower and scrubbed herself vigorously. Thereafter, she brushed her teeth obsessively and would only stop when her gums began to hurt. After she changed and headed downstairs, she was greeted by the sight of Zephyr having breakfast at the dining table. A man in a suit appeared to be reporting something to him respectfully. As he listened languidly in his seat, Johanna quickly realized he was wearing her shirt from the night before.

Depressed from her longing for Timothy, she tailored the shirt and wanted to send it back home together with the princess dresses. Little did she expect to fall asleep while wearing it.

At the sight of Johanna, Zephyr gestured for his subordinate to stop. "Mr. Zephyr, are you heading to the office today?"

"No," Zephyr replied. "I'm taking a break."

Humming in acknowledgment, the subordinate gathered his documents and left.

As for Johanna, she entered the dining room and took a seat opposite Zephyr, who proceeded to pour her a cup of soy milk and serve her some pretzels.

While wiping his hands with the napkin handed to him by his housekeeper, Zephyr remarked, "Since the weather is beautiful today, I'll be taking you to the racecourse."

Johanna took a sip of soy milk. "Whatever you please."

The last time she suggested they go on a cruise, she used the opportunity to stay on the deck to let herself be captured in the selfies of others, hoping that Timothy would be able to locate her through the photos posted on social media.

Little did she expect Zephyr to notice her discreet actions. As a result, he changed their accommodation the moment the cruise ship docked.

This time, she didn't even have the means to make contact with Frank.

Once breakfast was done, Zephyr took Johanna out. Before that, he instructed the housekeeper to bring a hat which he attentively wore for her.

Two hours later, their car arrived at a private racecourse that resembled a luxurious manor.

Both its interior and exterior were opulently decorated. On top of the racecourse, it also had a tennis court, swimming pool, and many other facilities.

As their car came to a stop at the manor's entrance, a man in a jockey's outfit greeted Zephyr respectfully.

Zephyr, who coincidentally had to take an important call, ordered the man to take Johanna to change into riding gear.

Disheartened by the sight of how massive the manor was it was bigger than the castle from before-Johanna gave up her plan to steal the car keys and escape. Instead, she followed the man to the changing

room.

Within two minutes of her arrival, a lady dressed in a black and white maid's uniform hurried in with a bag that contained a new set of female riding gear.

Johanna carried the bag into the changing room and randomly chose a cubicle. Inside, she took off the full-length dress she was wearing and put on the jockey outfit.

With her mind drifting away while buttoning herself up, she didn't notice the crisp sound of approaching footsteps.

Chapter 1092

Just as Johanna was about to pick up the belt from the hanger, a masculine hand beat her to it. Subsequently, he leaned in to thread it around her riding breeches.

Upon making contact with his burning chest, Johanna's body tensed up as she was struck by the sudden urge to flee.

"Don't move." As if he was punishing her for moving unnecessarily, he tightened her belt drastically. Taking a deep breath, Johanna felt as if her waist was about to be broken in two. She couldn't help but snap, "Are you mad?"

Zephyr wasn't angry at all. He responded with a chuckle before his gaze fell upon Johanna's figure.

The body-hugging outfit clearly accentuated all her curves.

Upon strapping on the belt, her slender waist contrasted well against her busty bosom and porcelain-white skin.

The sudden change in Zephyr's eyes sent a chill down her spine. Anticipating her attempt to leave, Zephyr blocked her way and lowered his head to kiss her. At the same time, he smoothly wrapped her legs around his waist.

Cringing inside, Johanna turned her face away.

With his body pressed tightly against hers, Zephyr's kiss fell upon the corner of her lips before he sniggered softly. "Jojo, do you want to try doing it here?"

Recognizing the implicit threat this voice harbored, Johanna gritted her teeth as she turned to face him.

When they came out of the cubicle, Johanna was panting heavily, her hair strewn all over her shoulders. After helping her straighten her hair with his hand, he walked out of the changing room with his arm wrapped around her shoulders.

By the time both of them arrived at the expansive racetrack, the staff was already waiting with the reins of two horses in his hands.

The horses at the racecourse-every single one thoroughbreds were all handpicked and bought by Zephyr. Some of them had won many races and brought him plenty of glories.

As Zephyr pulled a maroon-maned horse over, he held Johanna's hand to stroke its for.

He asked, "Have you rode before?"

"I have." Turning to face him, Johanna continued in a gentle yet scathing tone, "However, that horse was just too wild and caused its rider many injuries. It was undeniably a beast." Laughing heartily, Zephyr put his hand behind her neck and pulled her close.

"It seems that you have grown not to fear me. In fact, you even dare mock me now."

"Have I?" Locking gazes with Zephyr, Johanna replied in feigned innocence, "You're just being self-conscious by thinking that you're the beast."

As Zephyr showered his breath on her lips, his eyes glistened with amusement. "If I'm a beast, what are you then? Hmm?"

Reading between the lines triggered a grim expression on Johanna's face.

She then slapped his hand away.

Relishing his wonderful mood, Zephyr wore a smile that was more sincere than usual. Upon feeling his gentle strokes, the horse bent its knees slightly while lowering its head. Zephyr asked Johanna, "Do you need my help?"

"No!" Grabbing the saddle, Johanna climbed onto the horse's back with an easy leap. Thereafter, she extended her hand for Zephyr to pass her the whip. Cognizant that the horse she was riding on was tame, Zephyr was confident that she wasn't in danger. With that, he swiftly climbed onto the other horse.

Once they were ready, both horses cantered leisurely around the racecourse.

Despite the gentle breeze that cooled her cheeks, the fragrance of freshly cut grass, and the pleasant scenery, Johanna was too distraught to admire her surroundings.

After a while, she turned toward Zephyr. "Don't you know how to ride? Why are you restricting it to a canter?"

"You're the one who doesn't know how to," Zephyr replied. "If I were to race it around the track and leave you here, you would be bored out of your mind. Besides, I'm supposed to take you on a day out." Johanna sniggered abruptly. "Is that so? But I can't wait to see how handsome you look while riding in the wind."

All of a sudden, she raised her whip and struck the behind of Zephyr's horse.

Chapter 1093

Startled by the impact, the horse reared into the air before bursting off in an explosive gallop.

Zephyr, too, was caught off guard by Johanna's action and almost fell off the horse. Fortunately, he managed to keep his balance by grabbing the reins tightly. Relying on his superior horsemanship, he swiftly brought the horse under control and slowed it down to a canter.

Meanwhile, Johanna was wearing a smirk, ready to admire the pathetic sight of Zephyr falling onto the ground. Little did she expect him not to show any signs of panic throughout the entire episode. On top of that, he even managed to regain quick control of the bolting horse.

As the smile on her face faded away, she gave the returning Zephyr an emotionless look. Just as expected of an animal raised by a beast, its obedience to its master is absolute.

By the time Zephyr rode up to her, a quick grin broadened across her face. "When I was chatting with the staff in the changing room earlier, he told me that you have handpicked all the horses here. Furthermore, your exceptional horsemanship makes you undefeated on the racecourse. I didn't believe him initially, but now I do."

"Is that so?" Stopping by her side, Zephyr spoke in a languid yet amused tone. "Didn't you startle the horse as revenge for me kissing you in the changing room?"

"No such thought crossed my mind," Johanna replied. "Nevertheless, there's nothing I can do if you insist on believing in conspiracy theories."

While speaking, Johanna didn't expect Zephyr to reach over and move her from her horse to his before securing her in his arms.

"What are you doing?" she bellowed. Trapped in his embrace, she could feel his breath gradually covering her entire body.

Disgusted by the sensation, Johanna felt her body stiffen like a rock.

"You're right. It's boring to just let the horse canter around the track." With his hands holding the reins, Zephyr leaned closer and whispered into her ear, "Let me teach you how to ride." Johanna immediately put up a vehement struggle. "I don't want to. Let me down!"

Ignoring her, Zephyr gave the horse a whip. Their horse, jolted by the impact, exploded into a thunderous gallop.

Johanna with nothing to support herself-almost fell off the back of the horse. Refusing to hold onto Zephyr's shirt, she had no choice but to cling desperately to the saddle.

In spite of that, Zephyr whipped the horse again, causing it to gallop at an ever more furious pace.

Having not ridden a horse before, Johanna quickly felt dizziness descend upon her due to the bumpy ride. The gentle breeze was now cutting across her face while her previously tied-up hair fluttered freely in the wind.

"Zephyr, f*ck you!" Johanna screamed, curse words aplenty.

To her, the sense of weightlessness she was experiencing was worse than going on a rollercoaster. Every single moment, Johanna felt as if she was going to be thrown off the horse and crash onto the ground, with her face turning into mush.

Zephyr chuckled beside her ear. "As a woman, how do you plan to f*ck me?"

After the horse leaped over countless hurdles, Johanna finally broke down. In place of the torment she was going through, she preferred to drown to her death or be executed at gunpoint.

Finally, she grabbed Zephyr's hand so tightly that her nails dug into his skin. "Let me down... You crazy beast..."

Amidst the churning of her stomach and the burning sensation of her eyes, Johanna sobbed in a trembling voice, "Let me down."

Zephyr could see her biting down on her lip with an expression so pale that her lips were drained of color. Even her body stiffened to the point of her being mistaken for a statue. Finally, the sight of her moistened eyelashes gradually diminished the sudden ruthlessness that gripped him.

Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "You must show your sincerity when begging."

Unable to bear the torment any longer, Johanna suppressed the nauseousness inside her as she pleaded through her gritted teeth, "Mr. Juksford, I beg of you, stop the horse." "Fine." Zephyr pulled the reins, slowing down the galloping horse.

Before the horse even came to a halt, Johanna freed herself from Zephyr's grasp and scrambled off it. Thereafter, she dashed to the railing, where a loud barf ensued. Drenched in a nervous sweat, her outfit was already sticking to her skin.

After ordering the staff to bring a towel and some water, Zephyr twisted the bottle cap open and handed it to Johanna. The miserable look on her face elicited a chuckle from him. "I've never taught anyone how to ride before. You're the first."

Well aware of how vengeful he was, Johanna knew that he was getting back at her for startling his horse earlier.

Nonetheless, her hand was shaking while holding the water bottle, as she had no energy left for a snarky retort. When she couldn't even aim the bottle properly at her mouth, she almost crushed the bottle in her hand out of frustration.

Observing her reaction, Zephyr couldn't help but snigger to himself.

Chapter 1094

Subsequently, Zephyr handed her a warm towel before wiping his hands with his own. It was then the man in a suit entered the racecourse.

He was the same person Johanna had seen in the mansion earlier.

Upon his approach, the man informed Zephyr in Irushean, "We have caught the man at the airport, Mr. Zephyr. How do you want to deal with him?"

Zephyr casually asked, "Where is he now?"

"At Broadway Casino," the man replied.

Raising his hand, Zephyr gestured for the man in a suit to show him the time from the wristwatch the latter was wearing. "Coincidentally, I'm going to the city for lunch, so let's drop by to take a look." The man responded in acknowledgment before leaving to prepare the car.

Once the color on Johanna's face returned, Zephyr led her to the changing room to remove her riding gear. After that, both of them were driven away from the expansive private manor.

Assuming that they were heading back to the mansion, Johanna put some distance between herself and Zephyr by moving closer to the window, where she closed her eyes to rest. Half an hour later, their car arrived in the city.

Upon emerging from the car, Johanna found herself in an underground parking lot where the man in a suit led them to the elevator. It was made entirely of glass, giving them an unobstructed view of the scenery outside.

As the elevator gradually ascended, Johanna looked down and was greeted by the magnificent decorations below. Filled with thronging crowds, the place looked like a casino to her.

After throwing Johanna a glance, the man in a suit asked, "Mr. Zephyr, do you need me to take her to the private room to wait?"

In the midst of fiddling with Johanna's tasseled earrings, Zephyr was about to agree before breaking into a faint smile. "No. A timid woman needs to learn how to steel herself."

No further comment came from his subordinate.

Soon, the elevator arrived on the tenth floor, and there were only three private rooms on it. It was usually reserved for meetings conducted by members of the Carlo family and off-limits to ordinary guests. As Johanna followed Zephyr into one of the rooms, she saw that it was opulently decorated, just like a small palace.

Inside the room stood three to four men in black suits with blond hair and blue eyes. In spite of that, one couldn't tell from their appearances that they belonged to the fearsome mafia.

Meanwhile, a blond man who was around his fifties was lying on the carpet with all of his limbs tightly bound.

Once Zephyr's subordinate freed him of his restraints, the man-ignoring the pain he was in-groveled at Zephyr's feet and gave the latter's shoes a kiss.

Thereafter, he pleaded in Irushean, "Osborn, I didn't do it on purpose. I beg of you. Please forgive me this once."

Lowering his gaze to look at the man, Zephyr broke into a nonchalant smile. "If everyone tells me the same thing and begs for my forgiveness, what do you expect me to do?"

Zephyr's words sent a chill down the man's spine. In spite of that, he continued to beg for mercy, even if he had to sacrifice his limbs.

To demonstrate his resolve, the blond man even picked up the katana on the table and severed his left arm without any hesitation.

The sight of the spewing blood drew a shriek from Johanna as she staggered back in horror.

After throwing her a glance, Zephyr narrowed his eyes at the blond man as he sneered, "Your blood had stained Jojo's dress."

The man in a suit pulled out his gun and handed it to Zephyr.

Upon cocking the gun, Zephyr walked up to Johanna. With his chest pressed against her back, he wrapped her fingers around its handle.

"As a member of the mafia, it would be humiliating if one didn't know how to use a gun."

When Johanna recognized what he was demanding of her, her face lost all color as she frantically retracted her hands. "I'm not a member of the mafia!"

"Come on now."

Zephyr grabbed her hands tightly as he lowered his head and whispered, "You won't be able to kill anyone with just a knife, but a gun is different. Don't you desire to kill me? How are you going to do it when you don't know how to fire a gun?"

It suddenly dawned upon Johanna that Zephyr was awake that fateful night when she attempted to take him out.

If she had followed through with her plan, he might have taken her life then.

"If you knew how to fire a gun, you would be able to kill me when we meet one day again, provided you're lucky enough to escape," Zephyr explained. "Don't you want revenge?"

Johanna didn't reply, but it was obvious that her resistance softened. Thereafter, her trembling finger crawled its way onto the trigger.

With an insidious smile on his face, Zephyr moved his hand toward her wrist and shifted the gun in the direction of the blond man. "Aim at his forehead and pull the trigger."

Gun in hand, Johanna kept telling herself that it was Zephyr who wanted the blond man dead due to the grudge he held, and it had nothing to do with her.

Hence, Johanna closed her eyes before pulling the trigger.

Chapter 1095

Given that the mafia used powerful guns, the recoil that ensued was just as strong. Hence, Johanna was lucky that Zephyr absorbed most of the impact while holding her hand.

Zephyr praised Johanna unreservedly, "Not bad. Your first shot is really accurate."

After putting some distance between herself and Zephyr, Johanna suddenly pointed the gun at his forehead, shocking everyone inside the room.

Without any hesitation, they frantically whipped out their guns and aimed at Johanna.

Nevertheless, Zephyr gestured for his subordinates to put away their weapons. Despite staring down the barrel of a gun, he didn't even flinch.

Instead, he questioned her, "Are you really that impatient to try your skills on me right after firing your first shot?"

Despite his relaxed posture and look of amusement, Johanna kept her finger on the trigger. Even though she was staring daggers at him, she failed to muster enough courage to pull the trigger. After a standoff that lasted a few minutes, Johanna released her grip and returned the gun to the man in a suit.

Curling his lips into a smile, Zephyr put his arm around her shoulders and wrapped her in his imposing embrace. "What do you feel like having for dinner? I know a Ferropenian restaurant nearby that's good." "I don't feel like eating," Johanna responded icily. "I just want to puke."

When she was at the racecourse, her stomach had churned badly from the horse's wild gallop. After that, she was brought to the casino, where she was forced to witness the gruesome scene from a moment ago.

"Fine, go ahead." Zephyr led her to the washroom where she could do so. At the same time, he ordered a new dress to be brought to her.

An hour later, both of them were sharing a meal in a Chanaean restaurant.

Having puked twice to the extent of emptying her stomach, Johanna found the beef broth to be exceptionally appetizing. Once she had gulped it down, the color on her cheeks began to return.

As for Zephyr, he wasn't a fan of Chanaean cuisine other than those cooked by Johanna. Hence, he put down his cutlery after just taking two mouthfuls.

Leaning back languidly into his chair, Zephyr held his chin as he admired the way Johanna was eating. "When you were in high school, your dad had a gambling addiction. Not only was he forced to sell everything he had, but he also divorced your mother. Later on, your mother sent you to study in Loang while she got married to Timothy's father."

Johanna didn't comment, as the information he had obtained meant nothing to her.

Staring at Johanna's plump earlobes, Zephyr stroked them gently as he continued, "Johanna, your mother abandoned you, whereas your relatives avoided you due to your father's addiction. You're essentially an orphan who doesn't have anyone in this world. As for Timothy, he's nothing but a philanderer, while you're just one of the passing women in his life. After such a long time, he might even have forgotten you."

Johanna responded by putting down her fork and taking a sip of coffee. "The way you're behaving now reminds me of certain men. When they see the woman they like with another man, they will slander the husband in front of her, as if to tell her that they are the best for her. Therefore..."

She gave his collar a tug, forcing him to look down at her. "Have you fallen for me?"

Zephyr let out a chuckle. "Of course. Otherwise, why would I have brought you all the way to Lostaria? You are an intriguing woman, and having you by my side puts my mind at ease." Releasing her grip, Johanna sneered, "Even if he leaves with our daughter and remarries, I still won't be together with you."

"That's because you still love him and are waiting for him to come for you?" Zephyr pinched her chin to force her to look up. Admiring her expression, he added, "What if I were to kill him?"

His words stunned Johanna. As the color drained from her face, she shot him a menacing glare.

Intelligent, ruthless, and filled with crafty schemes, Zephyr was also the powerful boss of Lostaria's mafia.

Given that he could harm Genevieve right under Armand's nose, assassinating Timothy wouldn't be difficult for him.

At the sight of Johanna's trembling lips and the fear brimming in her eyes, Zephyr cracked a gentle smile. "How could I bring myself to kill him? After all, he's the reason why you've been submissive to me." Zephyr pacified her as if she was his pet. "Now, now, don't cry. We'll head home after the meal."

Chapter 1096

At a five-star hotel in Marsingfill, Genevieve, who was feeling sleepy, received a video call from Armand.

She lay in her bed, half-raising her hands as she held her phone, struggling to open her eyes. On the other end of the video call, Armand said nothing. It would seem that he was in his study as he looked at Genevieve with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

After a long time, Genevieve was finally able to open her eyes and take a look at the time on her phone.

It was seven thirty in the morning at Lostaria.

At the thought of her disheveled hair and her groggy state, Genevieve immediately put down her phone and asked, "It's one in the morning back home. Aren't you going to sleep, Mando?"

"I can't sleep. I miss you," Armand uttered in a low voice. "Raise your phone. I want to look at you."

He had been busy tending to his own matters back home, and it was the same for Genevieve in Lostaria. The two of them would occasionally text each other, and they seldom video called each other. Thus, it had been some time since Armand last saw Genevieve.

"No. Let me wash up first," Genevieve mumbled. She had stayed up late into the night to investigate. Hence, she knew she looked like a mess.

After getting into the bathroom, Genevieve placed her phone on the counter. As she squeezed out some toothpaste to brush her teeth, she asked, "How are the kids?"

"They're doing okay. Lucian's at the school playing with his friends. The nanny will take Asel out for a spin today. Mandy misses you, and she keeps asking if she can call you."

Genevieve missed them sorely as well. However, she was afraid that she might not have the heart to hang up the call with them.

Genevieve washed her face and put on some light makeup before heading to the balcony outside her room to take a seat. She'd only raised her phone and looked into the camera to chat with Armand then. Armand stared at her for some time before he smiled and said, "Mrs. Faulkner looks pretty every single day."

"Of course," Genevieve replied with a smirk.

Then, she propped her chin and looked at the man on the screen. "Have you found out anything?"

Armand made an affirmative hum and said, "I went to Old Mr. Quinn's place yesterday and found the housekeeper who was looking after the house. Her mother still has two photos of Ms. Quinn." Then, he picked up a photo on his desk and showed Genevieve.

After the camera focused on the photo, Genevieve noticed that the young couple in the photo was Silas and Mia, and they appeared to be in a church.

Although neither of them was wearing wedding attire, there was a priest standing in between them, and it would seem like they were holding a wedding ceremony.

Genevieve thought her mother was beautiful even through the camera. Mia kept her head low as she watched Silas put a ring on her finger; her face beaming with a sweet smile.

The other photo was the newlywed couple kissing after exchanging their rings.

"Thirty years ago, photography was not as common. I've asked someone to investigate the year the film used was produced and sold, and soon, I managed to track down who took these photos for Silas," Armand explained.

Back then, Silas was already a famous man in Lostaria. After the photographer developed the photographs, not only did Silas pay the man handsomely, but he also gave stern warnings to the photographer. The photographer immediately disposed of everything and left Lostaria.

Other than the priest, the photographer was the only one who knew about Silas and Mia getting married in the church. When Mia got back to the country, the priest had already passed away from sickness, and the photographer was not in Lostaria.

Zephyr's mother might not even know about this. Hence, it was natural that Zephyr couldn't find out more about it.

After getting the photo from the housekeeper, Armand spent much effort digging around to uncover the well-kept secret.

Genevieve's mind was in turmoil after seeing the photos and listening to Armand. "Zephyr is a few years older than I am. Does that mean Silas was already married back then?"

Chapter 1097

For as long as Genevieve could remember, her father and mother had always loved each other, and her father especially indulged her mother.

Of course, Genevieve remembered that her father loved her as well. Afraid that she might stumble and fall, Genevieve's father would carry her everywhere, and they would play the swing together. Her father would always say that her mother was his princess, while Genevieve was his little princess.

Owing to her loving parents, Genevieve grew up anticipating that she would someday marry someone she loved and spend the rest of her life with her one true love.

However, it would seem like her notion of the epitome of love had changed.

Wayne was not Genevieve's biological father. In fact, Mia was already pregnant when she married Wayne. If Mia and Silas were indeed married in Lostaria back then, Wayne would be a homewrecker who had ruined Mia and Silas' marriage.

Armand couldn't bear to see Genevieve getting upset and said softly, "Someone in Lostaria sent a message to me, saying that Silas had not gotten married back then, and he didn't know about the child as well. Zephyr's mother might just be Silas' mistress and secretly gave birth to Zephyr without Silas' knowledge. After Zephyr's mother found out about Silas and your mother's close relationship, I think she went to look for your mother and told her about the baby. Your mother had only gotten back to the country because of that."

No woman could live with the fact that a man that she had just married days ago had a child with another woman.

Mia was Chanaean. Coming from a decent family with strong traditional values, she couldn't accept that her husband had a child with another woman. Hence, she broke up with Silas and went back to Chanaea.

Perhaps Mia had only realized that she was pregnant after getting back to Chanaea. She couldn't bear to abort the baby, and in the end, gave birth to Genevieve.

Genevieve reckoned that Armand's surmise was close to the truth.

When Silas came to meet her in Chanaea, he assumed that Genevieve was Mia and Wayne's child. Mia deliberately kept the fact from him and had no intention of letting him know about the child. Genevieve regained her composure and asked Armand, "In which year were the two photos taken?"

Armand turned to the back of the photo and told Genevieve the date.

"That's not it," Genevieve mumbled in a disappointed manner. The card that Zephyr gave her didn't have the same numbers.

Genevieve didn't tell Armand that she was helping Zephyr decipher the numbers in the diamond. However, Armand made his guess after seeing Genevieve in that state.

He didn't press on and merely said, "I think it might not be the date. It could be the time."

"The time that Silas and Mia got married at the church was-" Armand looked at the photo again and said, "-eighteen minutes past three in the afternoon in Lostaria."

The time matched the number on the card perfectly in military time-1518.

When Zephyr told Genevieve that Silas had intended the diamond for Mia, Genevieve knew that the numbers must have something to do with her mother. That was the reason she asked Armand to go to her granddad's house to find out more.

If Armand had not managed to get the photos from the housekeeper, he wouldn't have found the photographer who had taken the photos for Silas and Mia.

In turn, she wouldn't have known what the numbers meant despite racking her brain.

1518 denoted the time that Silas and Mia got married, and the ceremony was held at the church.

The question of where the batch of gold was located was finally answered.

Genevieve had not asked where the church was located. There was only a single church in Marsingfill that was as magnificent as the one in the photo-St. Calisto Church.

"It's already three in the morning. Mando, you'd better get some sleep," Genevieve said. She didn't realize that she had been on the phone with Armand for so long.

"Let me look at you for a little longer," Armand replied.

Genevieve found his response amusing. She leaned forward and gave the man a kiss before she said gently, "I'm all yours to look at when I'm back home. All right, I'm hanging up now." She knew that Armand was not going to hang up if she didn't. Hence, she ended the call right after.

Armand sat there for quite some time after the screen went dark.

After finishing the half cigarette, Armand left the study and headed downstairs. Then, he knocked on the door of Steven's bedroom.

Steven was a light sleeper. He woke up immediately when he heard Armand's knock. After draping over a jacket, he went to open the door.

"Mr. Faulkner."

"Genev wants to deal with everything on her own and is keeping a lot of things from me. I'm really worried," Armand said with deeply furrowed brows. "I'm going Lostaria in a few days' time." He couldn't bear to leave Genevieve all alone to deal with the precarious situation.

Chapter 1098

After finished talking on the phone with Armand, Genevieve packed her belongings and went downstairs to have her breakfast in the hotel. Then, she contacted Frank. Around ten o'clock in the morning, when Genevieve was about to depart, Frank arrived in a taxi.

She came clean to him about the Carlo family's ancestor hiding a stash of invaluable gold and ancient diamonds somewhere.

The treasure's location was only made known to the head of the Carlo family. However, Silas didn't divulge the information to the new head of the family, Zephyr.

Frank stopped the car beside the street of a commercial area. "You found the treasure?"

"Yes." She handed him a card. "I know the gold is hidden in St. Calisto Church, but you'll have to figure out the exact location."

"The Carlo family has always recognized money as the only symbol of power. Even after Zephyr became the head of the family, he couldn't convince everyone to yield to him, so he's desperate to locate this stash of gold as soon as possible. The treasure symbolizes the head of the family. Anyone who possesses them would be the head of the family," Frank said.

Genevieve frowned. "Still, Zephyr's influence cannot be underestimated. How do you plan to use this stash of gold to invoke a war between the three largest mafia families?" She paused briefly before adding, "You must help me ensure Johanna's safety."

Frank aspired to eliminate the three most powerful mafia families, while Genevieve held grudges against Zephyr. Not to mention, she was in Patrick's debt, so she would help him even if she had to risk her life. Nonetheless, Genevieve could not allow anything bad to happen to Johanna.

"I'll be needing your help to achieve my goal." Frank took out a memo pad and handed it to her before elaborating casually, "Evangeline likes underwater diving. She would go diving with her friends every month. Tomorrow afternoon, she will be going to Baboo Island for diving. I've jotted down all her preferences here, so you need to memorize the details."

"Okay." She kept the memo pad and got out of the taxi.

Baboo Island was a world-renowned underwater diving spot and was only open for six months a year. Coincidentally, that month fell within the scuba diving season, so the place was packed with tourists. In the past two days, Genevieve had studied and brushed up intensively on underwater diving-related knowledge to the extent of feeling nauseous from reading articles.

She had never been so hardworking, even when she pursued her studies at the Institute of Translation and Interpretation.

Fortunately, her effort was rewarded. As she was informed of Evangeline's preferences in advance, Genevieve became acquainted with Evangeline after walking around Baboo Island for less than half an hour. The two got pretty familiar with one another in less than three hours. They sat on a bench on the beach to have their meals together after returning from a diving session.

Evangeline stroked her golden hair while saying to Genevieve, "Actually, I don't like Aplothian women. They disgust me with their pretense. However, I like you a lot. You're beautiful and know how to play the violin."

In fact, Evangeline was very interested in playing the violin. She learned how to play the instrument a long time when she was younger, but her father disdained her passion. He had told her that playing the violin was leisure for princesses and informed her to recognize her identity as a member of a mafia family.

As a woman born into a mafia family, her only purpose should be to select a capable husband to ensure the survival of their family's glory. Genevieve was aware of the Aplothian woman Evangeline was referring to. She's talking about Johanna.

After Frank informed Genevieve about Zephyr teaching Evangeline a lesson because of Johanna, Genevieve figured Johanna might've repeatedly provoked Evangeline to sow discord between the couple. Unexpectedly, Zephyr was so ruthless. He went along with Johanna's plan and avenged Johanna, intending to infuriate members of the Sheraton family so that they would break the pact first.

After returning to the hotel from Baboo Island, Genevieve received a phone call from Evangeline at nine o'clock at night. The latter invited her to attend a concert at the Skala Opera House the next day. Genevieve immediately contacted Frank to ask him to buy her a violin.

The next day, Genevieve accompanied Evangeline to browse the shopping mall for the whole morning before heading to the opera house in the afternoon. Before going there, she requested the people at the opera house to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

The classical music concert was a feast to the ears, performed by a famous symphony orchestra from Lostaria.

Evangeline was also a fan of this symphony orchestra.

During the break after the first half of the concert ended, Genevieve dragged Evangeline upstage and handed the latter the violin she asked Frank to purchase.

Genevieve said, "What's the fun in merely listening to a concert? Why don't you try performing?"

Chapter 1099

Evangeline was momentarily dazed before instinctively retracting her hands. "I don't know how."

"We'll start from the most simple one." Genevieve forced the violin into Evangeline's arms. Then, she seated the latter among the ensemble before sitting next to her.

Genevieve received the violin handed to her by one of the violinists and smiled faintly at Evangeline. "It's fine. I'll be here to keep you company."

Evangeline has been very fond of playing the violin since she was little. However, after her father rebuked and humiliated her, she never touched the musical instrument again. At that moment, holding the violin, she merely felt her hands burning as if she was clutching a piece of hot iron.

After a long while, Evangeline grasped the bow.

Seizing the break period, she tried playing the violin and realized the sense of familiarity with the instrument was still there. Glancing through the scores, she noticed most of the pieces were classical music she had listened to countless times.

Soon, the second half of the concert began. Mellifluous classical music reverberated inside the opera house as the audience indulged in the magical performance with closed eyes.

After the concert ended, all the guests stood up and clapped their hands. Apparently, they were very satisfied with the performances. Subsequently, the crowd dispersed in twos and threes.

Genevieve said to Evangeline, "Their rounds of applause are recognition of your musical prowess. You were excellent during the play"

Evangeline's back was drenched with sweat. Nonetheless, a thrilling look spread across her face as if she had finally vented all her pent-up grievances after so many years.

Genevieve completely captured Evangeline's heart after the concert that night. As a result, they became even more closely acquainted as Evangeline put her guard down around Genevieve.

Part of the reason might also be due to Evangeline's perception that Lostaria was the Sheratons' territory, so Genevieve wouldn't dare to do anything to harm her.

That day, when they rested at a dessert shop after they were done shopping, Genevieve grasped the period when Evangeline went to the restroom to implant an eavesdropping software given to her by Frank into Evangeline's phone.

When Evangeline returned from the restroom, the waiter brought a box over.

Genevieve glanced at the content when the waiter opened the box. She recognized those to be chocolate truffles, a type of confectionery well known as the freshest chocolate in the world with an expiry period of twenty-four hours.

The box served by the waiter was rose-flavored chocolate truffles. Genevieve caught whiffs of the mixed scent of rose and chocolate in the air.

Although the waiter didn't say a word, Evangeline seemed to have known who the sender was because her facial expression darkened instantaneously as she uttered coldly, "Take it away!" "Ms. Evie..." The waiter stood rooted in his spot, looking particularly troubled.

Genevieve was afraid Evangeline would lose her temper, so she took one of the chocolate truffles from the box. "Don't let him take this away. I am quite fond of chocolate truffles. However, the expiry date for this type of chocolate is too short, so it's relatively hard to come across this delicacy," she said while placing the piece of chocolate truffle in her mouth.

Sensing Genevieve's liking for the confectionery, Evangeline didn't make things difficult for the waiter afterward.

The combined taste and smell of the chocolate and rose were gratifying. Genevieve couldn't help but take another piece of the chocolate truffle from the box. "Aren't you trying one of these? Otherwise, I'll finish the entire box soon."

"Finish the whole box if you like the chocolate." Evangeline lifted her cup of coffee and took a sip, her countenance hidden behind the drink.

After returning to the hotel, Genevieve launched the eavesdropping software on her phone. She was now informed of the things Evangeline told her housekeeper and who the latter contacted.

The subsequent few days, Genevieve didn't meet up with Evangeline, but she continuously tapped into the latter's phone.

Evangeline called Zephyr once to invite him to have a meal together, but he rejected her by saying that he was busy with work.

Besides that, Genevieve even listened in on another matter.

When Frank went to the hotel to meet with her, Genevieve asked in surprise, "Did you know about Evangeline and Alston's relationship?"

"I do," Frank replied indifferently.

Only then did Genevieve realize Evangeline yearned to marry Zephyr partially because of her family. The other contributing factor was her reluctance to continue being involved with Alston, as she despised their relationship.

Genevieve uttered in perplexity, "It is a common thing for a man to marry their sister-in-law. As someone from a mafia family, why does morality tie down Evangeline?"

Before Frank provided her with an answer, Genevieve had already gained clarity.

"I have a way to acquire information about the core members of the Sheraton family now." Although Genevieve treated Evangeline as her friend, she didn't forget her task.

She questioned Frank again, “Is there any update on Zephyr?"

Since Zephyr left her the card that night, he didn't contact Genevieve anymore, causing her to feel more afraid, fearing he might do something terrible to Johanna.

Chapter 1100

"My men have located where Johanna is hiding," Frank informed. "Don't worry. She's fine but is surrounded by many bodyguards in the mansion. My men can't get close."

He had also located the gold hidden in the church.

Frank was Alston's trusted right-hand man and a core member of the Leonardo family, knowing all of the family's financial and personal affairs and that Alston wanted to get rid of Zephyr.

He could begin setting things in motion once Genevieve obtained the Sheraton family's list of inner circle members.

Genevieve couldn't shake the feeling of unease in her heart until she knew Johanna was safe.

She arranged for a meeting with Evangeline the following day and revealed that she was Zephyr's half-sister.

There was shocked silence from Evangeline's side for a long time.

Zephyr's father came to Lostaria when he was young and made a name for himself, but the mafia families never discovered that he was in a relationship with a woman from the east and had a child. Genevieve said lightly, "Zephyr and I do not see eye to eye, even though we're siblings. I actually came to Lostaria to kill him."

"Was that why you approached me?" Evangeline scoffed, knowing that Genevieve had an ulterior motive for getting close to her. "You have wasted your time. Osborn doesn't care about me, though I'm his fiancee. He was willing to teach me a lesson for a mere lover."

"You don't want to marry him. You're only doing it for the Sheraton family." Genevieve added, "Do you know that the Carlo family has a stash of gold?"

Evangeline's eyes narrowed. "I do. Only the former head of the Carlo family knows the location of the gold."

Not only was the Carlo family coveting the enormous fortune, but even the Sheratons and the Leonardos were enticed by the promise of riches.

Nevertheless, no one dared go against Silas and the Carlo family.

Then, when Zephyr took over his father's position, he became even more vicious.

Genevieve said, "The Carlo family has a rule that only the person who knows the location of the gold can be the head of the family. However, Zephyr, the new kingpin, doesn't know..."

She paused and gave Evangeline a faint smile. "But I do."

Evangeline pinned Genevieve with a clear gaze. "Didn't you say you begrudged Zephyr? How did you come to know such sensitive information?"

"My mom is connected to the information on the gold, and Zephyr entrusted me to investigate it," Genevieve answered truthfully.

Evangeline frowned. "So why did you get close to me?"

"I want us to work together," Genevieve replied. "Zephyr is ambitious and wants to take over the two other mafia families, but a pact prevents him from doing so."

"He's not only ambitious but also ruthless." Evangeline lowered her gaze. "Do you think the location on the gold would be sufficient leverage?"

Genevieve's lips twitched with a faint smile. "What if the Sheratons, the Leonardos, and Mr. Faulkner join forces?"

Evangeline hesitated before continuing, "Mr. Faulkner has many subordinates working under him, and I loaned some men from Mr. Foster in Dartan before coming to Lostaria as well."

Evangeline had heard of Dartan's Mr. Foster, but she didn't expect Genevieve to hold such power.

She had a formidable husband and assistance from Mr. Foster.

"I know Mr. Alston wants to get rid of Zephyr, so I'll tell him where the gold is." Genevieve poured Evangeline a cup of coffee. "The Carlo family only cares about money and would fall in Mr. Alston's hands once Zephyr and his goons are out of the picture."

She glanced at Evangeline and continued, "Even if you grovel to Zephyr, he will still wipe out the Sheraton family."

Evangeline stared at her coffee cup for a long moment before raising her head to meet Genevieve's gaze. "What do you stand to benefit from doing this?"