Ch. 361..370
Chapter 361
“Grandma, please don’t think so. I was jealous when you were so good to the fake
granddaughter. I really wanted to tell you back then that I was your granddaughter,” Mila said affectionately.
Loretta bit her lip and wept quietly, her body trembling.
“I didn’t know whether my parents were alive or dead. I wanted to find out about them through the fake Sally. That’s why I put up with it and didn’t tell you the truth. It’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”
Mila rubbed her cheek against Loretta’s shoulder and it melted Loretta’s heart.
Mila had always loved cuddling and being affectionate with Loretta when she was a little girl but had stopped when she turned six.
“Grandma, can you forgive me? Grandma, forgive me just this once. Will you?” Mila gently swung her hand.
Loretta felt even more on
She hung her head and sobbed, then wiped her tears with both
hands and choked out, “I–I’m the one who should be apologizing.”
“Grandma, you’re not wrong. You don’t have to apologize.” Mila smiled brightly. She held Loretta’s hand with one hand and wiped away her tears with the other.
“I” Loretta looked at Mila with reddened eyes.
Mila’s heart shattered at the sight but she smiled and said, “Grandma, come sit with me in the living room. I brought your favorite pastries. Let’s eat together, shall we?”
Loretta nodded but then shook her head. “I’m not mad at you anymore. You’re always busy. You should be tired. Go rest in your room/I–I can eat alone.”
It made Mila sad to see how carefully Loretta was still trying to please her.
With tears in her eyes, Mila took Loretta’s hand and walked over to the couch. She took the box of pastries that Phoebe had handed over, opened it, and smiled at Loretta. “I’m not tired. I want to be with you.”
Loretta looked at Mila in surprise. Mila picked up a pastry and held it up to Loretta’s mouth. ” Grandma, open up. Let me feed you.”
Loretta looked at the pastry in disbelief before finally opening her mouth for a bite. She stared nervously into Mila’s face and asked, “Y–You’re not another fake granddaughter again, are you?”
Mila was amused by Loretta’s reaction. Yet, she felt a pang of melancholy after laughing. She had never treated Loretta as such. Mila assured her, “Grandma, I’m your granddaughter. I haven’t changed. I’ve just become an adult.”
Loretta still had a hard time believing it. Mira leaned into Loretta’s ear and whispered, Grandma, I remember the summer I was eight and I got sick.
“Everyone told me not to eat anything cold but you sneakily bought me a big tub of ice cream.
“We hid under the blanket and enjoyed it together. We had so much fun until Grandpa found
you threw the whole tub of ice cream in his face.”
out. He was so mad at you bo
Loretta laughed as she recalled the memory. “Yeah, your grandpa was so mad at me that he wanted to strangle me so badly. He said the only thing I knew was to harm you.”
Mila wrapped her arms around Loretta’s shoulders and leaned against her. “How could you do me harm? You’ve always been the one who loved me the most.”
The smile on Loretta’s face fell and she suddenly burst into tears. “Wanda! I’m the one who did you harm and made you suffer. I’m truly awful and I don’t deserve you!”
Loretta had just calmed down, but she began to blame herself and cry again.
“Grandma, you did me no harm. I’m fine. You’re the one who loves me most,” Mila said.
A pang of guilt washed over Loretta as she uttered, “I’m the one who broke you and Nate apart. I’m so damned awful. I kept you two apart.”
Chapter 361
Chapter 361
“Grandma, please don’t think so. I was jealous when you were so good to the fake
granddaughter. I really wanted to tell you back then that I was your granddaughter,” Mila said affectionately.
Loretta bit her lip and wept quietly, her body trembling.
“I didn’t know whether my parents were alive or dead. I wanted to find out about them through the fake Sally. That’s why I put up with it and didn’t tell you the truth. It’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”
Mila rubbed her cheek against Loretta’s shoulder and it melted Loretta’s heart.
Mila had always loved cuddling and being affectionate with Loretta when she was a little girl but had stopped when she turned six.
“Grandma, can you forgive me? Grandma, forgive me just this once. Will you?” Mila gently swung her hand.
Loretta felt even more on
She hung her head and sobbed, then wiped her tears with both
hands and choked out, “I–I’m the one who should be apologizing.”
“Grandma, you’re not wrong. You don’t have to apologize.” Mila smiled brightly. She held Loretta’s hand with one hand and wiped away her tears with the other.
“I” Loretta looked at Mila with reddened eyes.
Mila’s heart shattered at the sight but she smiled and said, “Grandma, come sit with me in the living room. I brought your favorite pastries. Let’s eat together, shall we?”
Loretta nodded but then shook her head. “I’m not mad at you anymore. You’re always busy. You should be tired. Go rest in your room/I–I can eat alone.”
It made Mila sad to see how carefully Loretta was still trying to please her.
With tears in her eyes, Mila took Loretta’s hand and walked over to the couch. She took the box of pastries that Phoebe had handed over, opened it, and smiled at Loretta. “I’m not tired. I want to be with you.”
Loretta looked at Mila in surprise. Mila picked up a pastry and held it up to Loretta’s mouth. ” Grandma, open up. Let me feed you.”
Loretta looked at the pastry in disbelief before finally opening her mouth for a bite. She stared nervously into Mila’s face and asked, “Y–You’re not another fake granddaughter again, are you?”
Mila was amused by Loretta’s reaction. Yet, she felt a pang of melancholy after laughing. She had never treated Loretta as such. Mila assured her, “Grandma, I’m your granddaughter. I haven’t changed. I’ve just become an adult.”
Loretta still had a hard time believing it. Mira leaned into Loretta’s ear and whispered, Grandma, I remember the summer I was eight and I got sick.
“Everyone told me not to eat anything cold but you sneakily bought me a big tub of ice cream.
“We hid under the blanket and enjoyed it together. We had so much fun until Grandpa found
you threw the whole tub of ice cream in his face.”
out. He was so mad at you bo
Loretta laughed as she recalled the memory. “Yeah, your grandpa was so mad at me that he wanted to strangle me so badly. He said the only thing I knew was to harm you.”
Mila wrapped her arms around Loretta’s shoulders and leaned against her. “How could you do me harm? You’ve always been the one who loved me the most.”
The smile on Loretta’s face fell and she suddenly burst into tears. “Wanda! I’m the one who did you harm and made you suffer. I’m truly awful and I don’t deserve you!”
Loretta had just calmed down, but she began to blame herself and cry again.
“Grandma, you did me no harm. I’m fine. You’re the one who loves me most,” Mila said.
A pang of guilt washed over Loretta as she uttered, “I’m the one who broke you and Nate apart. I’m so damned awful. I kept you two apart.
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Chapter 362
“Nate and I were never together, Grandma. So, how can you say you broke us up?” Mila asked.
“I was the reason for your divorce,” Loretta said.
“The marriage wasn’t even registered in my name, so it was invalid.”
Loretta still blamed herself. “But you and Nate were married for over half a year, you-”
Mila interrupted. “We were married in name only and it didn’t work out for us for a long time. So, we can’t be considered a couple.”
Loretta looked at Mila with a shocked expression. Mila pretended to be calm. She picked up a pastry, took a bite, and offered another one to Loretta.
“Nate and I can’t be together.”
“Why not? You love each other and you know each other inside and out. You’re perfect for each other!”
Mila hugged Loretta’s arm and leaned against her shoulder. She closed her eyes and whispered, “Grandma, I’ll explain everything later.”
“You two–haven’t even become a couple after being married for half a year, is Nate incompetent in bed?” Loretta asked earnestly.
“It isn’t so, Grandma. Please don’t overthink it,” Mila said helplessly.
“It must be because he’s with another woman, then. I’m going to talk to him.” Loretta clenched her fists in anger.
“No, please don’t go looking for him.” Mila was flustered.
Loretta fell silent and thought about how to help them reconcile.
Donald was at his mansion in Imperial Heights. His fingers trembled with excitement as he looked at the report in his hand. “Excellent, truly excellent! We’ve finally found Mila Winkler. You’re truly remarkable, General Morrison! But why is there no photo of her?”
“She is an extremely important person. Releasing her photo could compromise her safety,” Nathan said calmly.
Donald understood military confidentiality and was aware that some things were better known by fewer people. He asked, “What do you plan to do next? Will you be able to convince her to join Norvania?”
“She’s originally from Norvania. She became a Sunteri just to get the qualifications to enter the prestigious research institute. She wouldn’t have qualified to enter if she hadn’t become a Sunteri.”
“That makes things easier. With what she’s learned, she should return to serve her homeland!
Nathan shook his head as he explained, “Researchers aren’t like soldiers. They aren’t driven by
a strong sense of national pride.
“Science has no borders. Researchers only hope that their research will benefit mankind. It doesn’t matter where they are.
“Besides, Sunterland has great power. They have far better resources and technology than our country. It would mean abandoning all her research if she returned. For a researcher, to start from scratch would be more painful than death.”
‘So you’re saying that Mila can’t bring back what she’s done researching on hydronium?” Donald exclaimed.
“She can’t.”
After a moment’s thought, Donald spoke gravely, “I’m still of the opinion that we should give it a try. She’s a world–renowned chemist and a first–class military engineer. She has endless. opportunities even if she gives up hydronium research.”
“She signed a five–year contract.” Nathan’s tone became even more somber.
“With the country?”
Nathan nodded.
“What are the conditions? What are the consequences if she breaks it?”
“I have no idea.”
“Find it out.”
“I will.”
“I don’t even know what Mila looks like or where she lives with only this report. I can’t send negotiators to persuade her.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. President. It would be better for her safety if fewer people knew what she looked like,” Nathan replied.
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Chapter 363
“Not even I can know that?” Donald frowned.
“I’ll convince her to join Norvania,” Nathan said.
“Good, then I’ll leave it up to you. I hope we can keep this once–in–a–millennium genius for the prosperity and strength of the country.” Donald sighed.
A few days later, in the evening, the soft golden rays of sunshine bathed the earth in warmth.
It was so quiet in the living room of Hoffis Manor that even a pin drop could be heard. Mila leaned back on the couch. She was absorbed in studying the intricate machinery in the book. “Wanda! Wanda, guess who’s here!” Loretta’s voice interrupted Mila’s thoughts.
She turned to look at the door to find Loretta bursting in with a bright smile. Nathan was on her heels. Wearing a black suit, he looked elegant and handsome, with an incomparable charm. Mila’s heart began to race as she stood up with the book in her hand. It felt like a lifetime since they had last seen each other.
She missed him but had no reason or excuse to see him. She hadn’t expected Nathan to come looking for her at all.
“Nate,” Mila greeted him as she put the book on the coffee table.
Nathan walked over and looked at her with a deep sense of affection. There was an incredible tenderness in his eyes. He asked, “Wanda, are you busy?”
Mila shook her head. “Not at all.”
Nathan glanced at the book she had placed on the table. The cover showed a diagram of an advanced fighter jet, written in a language he had never seen before.
He wasn’t sure which country’s armament manual it was. All he knew was that it must be very complex.
“There’s something I need to talk to you about. Can you go somewhere with me?” Nathan asked.
Mila hesitated and looked at him unsurely. They had already talked about their relationship. She didn’t know what else he had to tell her.
Before Mila could answer, Loretta pushed her over to Nathan and said, “Go on, go on. Take all the time you need to talk. There’s no need to hurry home.”
Mila stumbled forward and fell right into Nathan’s arms. Instinctively, Nathan took hold of her waist. His touch was warm and reassuring.
Mila’s cheeks instantly flushed as she felt his firm embrace. Mila knew Loretta had done it intentionally. She shied away from Nathan’s intense
gaze.
“Can you?” Nathan asked again.
Quickly, Loretta grabbed Mila’s hand and placed it into Nathan’s palm, then smiled and said, Of course, she can.”
Nathan didn’t take her hand. He sensed Mila’s discomfort and only brushed the back of her hand.
Mila’s heart leapt. She tucked her hand behind her back. She felt she had no choice but to leave with Nathan at Loretta’s insistence.
“Where are we going? Should I change?” Mila looked at Nathan, dressed elegantly and formally, while she was casually dressed.
Excitement flickered in Nathan’s eyes as he smiled. “That’s fine. Don’t bother changing. Let’s go.”
Nathan moved aside to make way for her. Mila grabbed her phone and nervously walked past him. Nathan followed by her side. He kept his eyes on her, not wanting to look away for even a second.
Loretta watched them walk away. A smile spread across her face, and her eyes filled with hope.
Chapter 364
Chapter 364
Nathan brought Mila to the shore where they stood side by side in the glow of the sunset. The sea sparkled like thousands of diamonds in the sun..
Mila glanced around and noticed a few bodyguards following them in the distance, preventing anyone from getting too close.
“Nate, why did you bring me to the sea?” Mila asked.
Nathan’s eyes never left Mila. She looked so enchanting in the twilight. He said, “It’s quiet here. No one can disturb us and we won’t be overheard.”
Mila didn’t quite understand him. Yet, she knew he wanted to talk about work when she saw his serious expression and his unwavering gaze. She smiled and said, “I thought you understood me.”
“I do, but I still have to do my job,” Nathan replied.
“Apologize to Mr. President on my behalf,” Mila said.
Nathan took a deep breath and said sincerely, “Norvania needs you. Even if the country hasn’t done much to support you in your studies, you’re from Norvania and people won’t see you as a traitor to Sunterland. They’ll get it.”
“I don’t care about public opinion. I only care about my projects‘ results.” Mila remained calm.
“When you return, we’re going to mobilize the entire nation to help you continue what you’re researching.”
“You know I’ve already signed a contract.”
||
“Sunterland honors human rights. You can violate the contract, and the consequences of those violations will be borne by the country.”
A shadow flickered across Mila’s eyes. “The country can’t afford the consequences.”
“What are the consequences?”
Mila pursed her lips, looked deep into Nathan’s eyes, and said with a heavy heart, “Abandon all hydronium research projects and give the patents to Sunterland.
“Nate, hydronium is something that I developed on my own, and I am the only one who understands its principles.
“It’s important to me, more important than my own life. I can’t give it up.”
Nathan understood how researchers were devoted to their work, so he stopped insisting. After vo
your contract with Sunterland expires in five years, can you return to work in Norvania?”
“The development of a hydronium–based sonic weapon is not something that can be accomplished in five years,” Mila replied.
Nathan rubbed his forehead. He could feel a headache coming on. “So, you’re going to stay in Sunterland forever.”
“Yes,” Mila replied.
Sadness clouded Nathan’s eyes as he fell into silence.
“Nate, I’m truly sorry. At that time, my parents sent me abroad to be educated so that I could return later and serve our homeland.” Mila lowered her head and fiddled with the hem of her
clothes.
“I had no other choice, especially in the field of science. Sunterland values talent and is willing to let me learn more and be involved in important projects, but the condition is to become a Sunteri. So, I became a Sunteri.
“After that, I was no longer myself. Scientific work took up all my time. I only had two months. of vacation a year. For the rest of the time, I had to abide by the national regulations and cut off all contact with the outside world, including my parents.
“I didn’t mean to break off contact with you. I didn’t know your feelings then,” Mila explained dejectedly.
‘But now you do.” Nathan walked up to her while looking at her intently. “Can you give me a chance?”
Mila stepped back nervously while clutching her clothing. She shook her head. “You’re a general of Norvania, and I’m a top–secret researcher in Sunterland. Any contact between us could be considered espionage and lead to an interrogation.”
Nathan stepped forward and grabbed Mila’s shoulders, trying to keep her from retreating.” Wanda, isn’t anyone here worth staying for?”
Mila stared into Nathan’s eyes and slowly began to lose herself in them. He was all she had in her mind and heart.
“What about your grandparents, and what about Daniel? Isn’t there even the slightest hint of hesitation?” Nathan asked in a low voice.
Darkness gradually enveloped them.
Chapter 365
Chapter 365
Mila’s reluctance to leave Nathan filled her eyes with sadness.
She blinked her teary eyes and stared intently at Nathan but she couldn’t see him clearly as night had fallen. Yet, his outline still looked breathtaking. Her heart stiffened like her body. “You probably will not get another chance to return to Norvania if you go back to Sunterland this time. Will you really leave without hesitation?” Nathan’s voice carried serious weight. “1” Mila was at a loss for words as her heart ached. Although she couldn’t bear leaving Zach and Loretta, she hated leaving Nathan the most.
Zach and Loretta could still keep in touch with her during her vacations. They could even visit her in Sunterland.
Yet, she and Nathan would become strangers the moment she left Norvania. He would be gone from her life without a trace.
If this had happened three years ago, she would have been sad but not as devastated and reluctant.
It was during these three years of amnesia that she had fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with him. That was why she felt so hurt and was unwilling to leave him now.
Given the choice between her scientific career and her love, she chose the former. She felt as if her heart was being torn apart and was bleeding uncontrollably. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
Nathan had a faint glimpse of her tears. He cupped her face and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. “Are you crying for your grandparents or Daniel?”
Overwhelmed with grief, Mila dropped her head, her shoulders shaking with each sob. The pain was too intense for her to ask why Nathan kept bringing up Daniel at a time like that.
“Wanda, as long as you’re willing to stay in Norvania, the government can help you negotiate and get the Sunterland settled. We’ll take care of the termination of your contracts, the project patents, and other matters. We’ll fight to get it back to you,” Nathan assured her.
“The projects aren’t just one. There are over 20,” Mila choked out with her head down.
Nathan w
1 was taken aback. Mila sniffed and muttered sadly, “Nate, I’ve left over a dozen projects. unfinished while I was away.
“They’re all important to me but the hydronium project is the most important, and it’s extremely challenging.”
“You mean
Mila slowly shoved Nathan’s hand away and took a step back. “There’s no way I can stay in Norvania.”
The breeze from the sea blew in. It ruffled Mila’s long hair but cut through Nathan’s heart. He looked at Mila but the darkness made it hard for him to make out her features.
Tears trickled down his eyes, but he forced himself to smile as he said, “It’s dark.”
Mila was upset and wanted to explain her difficulties. “Nate, I-”
Nathan interrupted, “You don’t have to feel guilty because of what I said. I can report to Mr. President as soon as I have your answer.”
Mila’s heart hurt badly.
“I respect your decision.” Nathan turned away and added, “Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride home.”
They were silent on the way back. Looking out the windows, they seemed lost in their thoughts.
Mila got out of the car when they reached Hoffis Manor. The car sped away as soon as she closed the car door. She waved goodbye to the car as it drove away. She wanted to say goodbye but then she felt that it didn’t matter anymore.
Nathan just did what he had to do to convince Mila. He didn’t have a long conversation with her, didn’t push her, and didn’t try to make deals. He knew that Mila would leave anyway.
There was nothing in this world that could make Mila give up her scientific achievements, her research on hydronium, her citizenship, and her career. Nathan never contacted Mila again in the days that followed.
Meanwhile, Mila devoted her time to Zach and Loretta. She held back, even though she missed Nathan.
She braced herself for the coming days without him.
They wouldn’t meet or keep in touch, and eventually, they would forget each other.
It was a month later in the morning and the sunlight streamed into the room with a warm
glow. Phoebe was packing her bags, while Mila and Sienna were in conversation by the side of the bed.
“Will we meet again?” Sienna asked.
Mila nodded. “Yes. I’ll be able to contact you a month before and after Christmas. You can also visit me at Sunterland.”
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Chapter 366
Sienna lowered her head with a wry smile. “I’ll never save up enough money for plane tickets.”
“I’ll pay for your flights and accommodations,” Mila said.
Sienna shook her head. “I still owe you over 400 thousand. After you’ve left, I’ll continue to ́earn more and pay you back.”
Mila took her hand in pity. “Sienna, you don’t have to pay me back.”
“It’s only fair that the debt be repaid. I understand that you’re the granddaughter of a tycoon, so you’re not short of money, but I have nothing. I can only be your friend if we’re equal.”
Mila sighed, “I just don’t want you to suffer.”
Sienna beamed. “You’ve already been so kind to me. You got me a job at Hoffis Corporation, even though I was a lousy student at the vocational school. I can make five figures a month and this is something I never dreamt of in my life.”
“Things will get better from now on,” Mila said while hugging Phoebe softly. 1
Basking in the warmth of their friendship, Sienna leaned against Mila’s shoulder and closed. her eyes in contentment. “Having a friend like you is the luckiest thing in my life.”
After a moment of hugging, Sienna asked, “When’s your flight?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll see you off.”
“You don’t have to. It’s an early flight, so just get some rest. I’ll be in touch with you when I get there.
“I won’t be able to contact anyone for about ten months after I begin work, so it means I’m on vacation if I get in touch with you.”
“Okay, I’ll be waiting for you.” Sienna smiled.
Mila looked at Sienna with a heavy heart as she struggled to find the right words to say.
Sienna had the feeling that Mila was on the verge of something, so she asked, “What’s the matter? Do you have something else on your mind?”
Mila forced a smile. Her eyes were suddenly filled with tears. “Sienna, can you be Nathan’s friend?”
Sienna looked surprised. “He’s a general in the Norvanian military and I’m just a commoner. How am I supposed to befriend him? You are overestimating me.‘
“Didn’t I introduce you to each other a long time ago? And you have saved his contact details
as well.”
“Wanda, what exactly are you up for? General Morrison wouldn’t have any interest in me.”
Mila took Sienna’s hand nervously. “He may seem strict and distant but he’s actually very gentle, considerate, and respectful of women. He’s a nice guy.”
“That’s just how you see it because you’re his darling. Others might not see it that way.”
Mila’s tone gradually chariged to one of growing concern as she gently rubbed Sienna’s hand. ” You two can just be friends. I’m not asking you to be his girlfriend. I’m just—”
“You
When Sienna saw her hesitation and the tears in her eyes, she understood right away. want me to tell you everything about him after you’ve gone?”
No longer hiding her intention, Mila bit her lip and asked, “Can you?”
“Why don’t you contact him directly? Friendship is still an option, even if you two can’t be a couple.” Sienna was baffled.
Mila forced a smile. She dropped her head to hide her tears from Sienna. Although her heart broke, she acted indifferent. Unable to answer what Sienna wanted to know, Mila changed the subject. “Sienna, what do you value most in life?”
“Money,” Sienna answered without hesitation. “Money is everything.”
Mila turned to Phoebe, who was packing her bags. “And what about you, Phoebe?”
Phoebe closed her suitcase and said out loud, “I value you the most in my life.”
Mila felt a rush of warmth surge through her heart but she said, “What nonsense.”
Phoebe approached Mila, sat down, and took her hand. She looked at Mila earnestly and said, Mila, I don’t mean any nonsense. I’ll never forget the kindness you’ve shown me.
“I nearly lost my life in the treacherous underground vault of the mine. Yet, you saved me. You helped me take revenge and gave me the good life I have today.”
Mila gently stroked Phoebe’s head. “The country would have saved you even without me.”
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Chapter 367
Phoebe smiled and said, “You’re not only the one who saved my life, you’re also the only family I have.”
Meanwhile, Sienna looked at Phoebe with mixed emotions in her eyes, then slowly shifted her gaze to Mila’s face. She couldn’t help but wonder how someone as kind as Mila could exist.
For Mila who was born into wealth, she never sought luxury. Instead, she chose to work in Sunterland.
She was kindhearted and couldn’t bear to see others suffer. She saved Phoebe and lent a large sum of money to help Sienna through hard times.
Mila also often live–streamed painting sessions to raise money and donated to charity on her
Own.
“Wanda, what do you value most in life?” Sienna asked curiously.
Nathan immediately popped into Mila’s head.
“Her work,” Phoebe interjected.
“I’m really curious. What’s Wanda’s job? Sienna asked.
Phoebe smiled quietly in response.
“I’m just an ordinary mechanical engineer,” Mila said.
“What kind of machines? What are they used for?” Sienna pressed.
Mila quickly changed the subject. “Let’s not talk about my work. It’s kind of boring. Let’s talk about you. You-”
Just then, someone’s phone rang. Mila and Sienna looked at Phoebe, who answered it and exchanged a few words with the caller. /
After a moment, Phoebe handed the phone to Mila and said, “Mila, it’s General Morrison’s assistant. He’s looking for you.
“Who?” Mila suddenly got nervous.
“Cole.”
Mila got nervous every time people or things concerning Nathan were mentioned. Her unwillingness to leave grew. However, Mila didn’t want to complicate things any further since she would be returning to Sunterland the next day.
She made up her mind and stated, “Tell him that I’m not seeing Nathan anymore.”
The look on Phoebe’s face became solemn, and her hand holding the phone froze in the air. Mila, just listen to what he says. Don’t leave yourself with any regrets.”
Phoebe’s demeanor was too intense and it made Mila feel insecure. She grabbed the phone and held it to her ear. “Cole, what’s the matter?”
“Ms. Hoffis, I know you’re going to leave Norvania tomorrow. General Morrison told me not
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☐ HIS BONUS
to tell you, so you can return to Sunterland peacefully, but I must tell you.” Cole’s voice was heavy with grief.
Cole’s words disturbed Mila and she said, “Tell me. What happened?”
“General Morrison is in trouble,” Cole blurted out. His voice was filled with sorrow.
Mila’s heart skipped a beat and she felt as if a heavy weight had fallen on her chest, making it difficult for her to catch her breath. “What happened to Nate?”
Cole explained woefully, “Half a month ago, two researchers from the military base’s chemical research department were kidnapped by Nightshade’s men. Last time, we were quick to deal with the hydronium explosion.
“Nightshade suspects that Mila is part of our research team, so they kidnap the two
researchers. General Morrison sent people to bargain for their release, but they were all killed.. “Nightshade then demanded that General Morrison negotiate alone, or they would kill the two researchers and murder more Norvanian researchers. General Morrison was left with no choice, so-”
“Where’s Nate now?” Mila panicked.
“General Morrison has been missing for five days now. All trackers and locators are down. We have no news of him. I’m afraid… he might…” Overwhelmed with grief, Cole choked on his words.
Tears streamed down Mila’s face. Her throat stung, and her head spun. She choked out, “No, Nate must be safe. He must be alive!”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Hoffis. General Morrison-
“Shut up!” Mila shouted through her tears and abruptly put an end to the call. Wiping away her tears, Mila said to Phoebe, “Cancel the flight and find me Nightshade’s lair. I’ll find Nathan!”
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Chapter 368
When Mila found Cole the next day, he was extracting prisoners from the prison.
She learned that Nightshade had demanded that the Norvanian government exchange Oliver for the two researchers. Oliver’s life was worthless compared to the researchers.
At the prison gate, Oliver was led away in handcuffs with a black cloth over his head to a vehicle by heavily armed guards. Mila stopped Cole and asked worriedly, “Where’s Nate? Is there any news of him?”
Cole shook his head. Concern filled his eyes as he said, “Ms. Hoffis, General Morrison has been missing for six days.”
“Was he taken by Nightshade’s men?” Tears welled up in Mila’s eyes, and her fingers trembled a little.
“Nightshade’s men aren’t admitting to General Morrison’s abduction. They only admit taking two researchers. Now they’re making a trade for Oliver.”
“How did Nate disappear?”
Cole looked around before lowering his voice. “The soldiers originally sent were all killed by Nightshade, so General Morrison came up with a new plan.
“He led a team to rescue the two researchers, but there’s been no word from the dozen or so who accompanied him.”
Mila was astonished. “A dozen or so?”
“Yes, Lucas went with them, too.”
Mila couldn’t understand it and questioned earnestly, “Why was there
a dozen or so?
When I was sold to the frontier by Suzanne’s brother, Nate brought a whole army with him to rescue me, including fighter jets.
Π
“That’s different, Ms. Hoffis. You were in our territory back then. Nightshade Clan is in Dorzania, and we can’t send troops into foreign lands. Their missiles would shoot down any fighter jets that entered Dorzanian airspace.”
Mila got the point. She pleaded earnestly, “Cole, help me. Let me rescue Nate.”
“No, no way.” Cole shook his head tensely and walked away.
Mila caught up with him and blocked his path. “Let me save Nate.”
Cole held his forehead and sighed deeply, feeling helpless. “Ms. Hoffis, you’re not strong enough to fight. How will you save General Morrison? Your involvement will only cause me trouble.”
“But-”
“The reason I told you this before you left for Sunterland is that I hope you’ll stay here and wait a bit longer for General Morrison’s safe return,” Cole comforted her earnestly.
“If General Morrison comes back dead, at least you can say goodbye to him without regret.”
As soon as Mila heard the word “dead“, she felt like she’d been stabbed in the heart, the pain reaching deep into her bones. Tears silently trickled down her pale cheeks.
Cole bid Mila farewell and headed toward the prison van. A dozen armed vehicles escorted the prison van as it drove away. Mila wiped away her tears and walked over to Phoebe’s car.
Phoebe opened the door for her. “Mila, have you found out anything about General Morrison’s whereabouts?”
“Cole doesn’t even know where he’s gone,” Mila said as she got into the car. Phoebe started the car and sped away.
After a moment, Mila muttered determinedly, “I’m sure he’s at the Nightshade’s lair. I’ll go save him. He must still be alive.”
“Mila, you can’t take any risks. There’s no way I’m letting you go off alone to rescue General Morrison,” Phoebe said.
Mila leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes to get some rest. Her thoughts were on how to save Nathan.
After waiting several days in Norvania, Mila learned that the two researchers exchanged for Oliver had returned safely, but they didn’t bring any news of Nathan. Nightshade had only traded for Oliver but left Suzanne behind. This proved Oliver’s importance to Nightshade. Despite strong objections from Phoebe and Cole, Mila managed to secretly buy a ticket to Dorzania and set off alone to find Nathan.
Chapter 370
Chapter 370
Silas threw his head back in laughter. It was then that a well–dressed young man entered the room. He was suave and elegant, his gaze sharply assessing Mila.
Smiling, he approached her and introduced himself, “I’m Murray Manning, deputy leader of Nightshade. Mr. Vaughn is getting on in years and he’s not in the best of health. If you have any concerns, you may address them to me.”
“I’m here to exchange information on Mila for Nathan. Release him, and I’ll tell you everything I know about Mila and the whereabouts of over 40 bottles of hydronium,” Mila
said.
“All right,” Murray replied with a thin smile.
Unable to contain his rage, Silas grabbed a glass and swung it wildly at Murray, who deftly sidesteps the blow. Silas bellowed in anger, “You fool! How dare you take Nathan behind my back?”
Murray remained calm. He carefully picked up the glass that had fallen and placed it back on the tray. “Mr. Vaughn, you’re getting older, and your physical condition is not good.
“You’re too hesitant and you lack the guts. It’s time for you to step down.”
Silas far orted with rage. Anger blazed in his eyes as he clenched his teeth and glared at
Murray.
Meanwhile, Murray remained as calm and gentle as ever. There was a stark contrast in the attitudes of the two as they met each other’s
.paze.
Murray seemed even more frightening to Mila. Those who were callous knew how to hide what they felt and never let their true thoughts surface.
After a moment of tense silence, Silas questioned furiously, “Are you trying to destroy Nightshade by trying to antagonize Nathan?”
“Do you think I’m afraid of a dead man?” Murray grinned.
Mila felt a sudden surge of panic and lost control of herself. Every nerve in her body aching as she screamed, “What have you done to Nate?”
v was
Murray was startled by Mila’s outburst. He began to look slightly somber. “You’re the bravest lady I’ve ever come across.
“The fact that you are here alone in the face of death shows that you are holding something of real value.
Mila’s vision was clouded by tears. She held back from crying and asked, “Where’s Nate? Let me see him!”
“Bring him from the water dungeon,” Murray instructed the men behind him.
Mila’s heart was in pieces, but she clung to a glimmer of hope. Silas appeared old and
bedridden. He seemed to have been eclipsed in power by Murray.
That would explain why Silas had been oblivious to the fact that Murray had captured Nathan
and was holding him in the Nightshade’s lair.
After a moment, two burly men dragged Nathan into the house and threw him to the floor. He was thoroughly drenched.
Mila was on the brink of a breakdown at the sight of Nathan. She couldn’t believe what she had seen. He was all bruised and battered. He was barely conscious as he lay in a pool of blood. Mila rushed forward and fell to her knees, trembling as she cradled Nathan’s head in her hands. Tears ran down her face and dripped onto Nathan’s pale cheeks. Her heart quivered with pain. It was as if it were in flames, torn apart, and pierced by a thousand arrows.
She held Nathan’s shoulders and touched his cold face. “Nate, Nate…” Mila sobbed uncontrollably. Her voice was choked with grief. “Open your eyes. Look at me. It’s me, Wanda. I’m here to bring you home. Nate, open your eyes and look at me, okay?”
Nathan didn’t move. He was pale and cold like a corpse. Mila was hurting so bad she couldn’t breathe. Her lips were quivering as she struggled for air. She placed her ear near Nathan’s nose but couldn’t hear his breathing causing her to panic.
Desperation washed over her as she held on to Nathan and cried out, “Nate, wake up. It’s me, Wanda! Wake up! Don’t frighten me… please…”
“I brought him here. Now, where’s Mila?” Murray’s voice rang out.