Ch. 61..70
Chapter 61
Everyone else looked at her expectantly.
Cole, Lucas, and the military men stared at her in amazement. It never occurred to them that Suzanne could understand Dorzanian, a
language from a small and lesser-known country.
Nathan was shocked as well. The surprise in his eyes was apparent
despite him appearing calm and unfazed.
After recomposing himself for a bit, he asked, “A gram of?”
Suzanne took into consideration that he was on a mission, so it wasn’t appropriate for her to speak about it just like this. After giving it some thought, she said, “A gram of the rare element you’re looking for.”
An incomprehensible light flashed across Nathan’s eyes before he turned to look at the pirate and said, “Let go of her and give me the item. Then, I’ll let you go.”
Suzanne’s heart ached upon hearing what he said. He still care much about Sally.
Despite the turmoil inside her, she translated his words for the pi
The head of the pirates spoke in Dorzanian after hearing what Suzanne said. Later, she told Nathan, “He wants a speedboat.”
Nathan then ordered his men to prepare a speedboat for the pirat
Right after that, the head of the pirates walked toward the entrance while holding Sally hostage.
Nathan’s men had their guns aimed at him all the time, even when they followed the pirate out of the place. Suzanne went after them to
translate and help both sides communicate.
Just before he left, the head of the pirates spoke again. Suzanne then translated a few strings of the sentences he spoke that she could
understand.
Later, he fished out a black bottle from his pocket and hurled it in Nathan’s direction. The bottle formed a perfect arc in the air before landing steadily in Nathan’s hands.
Nathan gripped the bottle tightly as he stared at it with a fiery gaze.
Still upset, Suzanne asked him, “The pirate hasn’t gone far. Aren’t your going to shoot him?”
Nathan narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized the bottle in his hand. He seemed to have completely ignored her.
A moment later, he looked at Suzanne and, in a cool tone, said, “Tell
him that he can leave once he lets Sally go.”
There was such a stark difference between the way he treated Sally and how he treated Suzanne that Suzanne started hating him for it.
He wouldn’t take any chances at all if it meant putting Sally in the slightest danger. He just wouldn’t do it even though he could definitely kill the pirate right then and there.
In the end, Nathan chose to let the pirate go. As the thought hit Suzanne, she felt disappointment wash over her.
She turned to the head of the pirates to tell him what Nathan had said for one last time, then rushed off in the direction of the cabin without
so much as taking a glance back at them.
Wendy and Oliver walked over to Suzanne just as she reached the cabin.
With the painting in her hand, Wendy made her way to Suzzane and
T
spat, “Suzzane, when in the world did you tear away a corner of the painting?”
The painting lost its value now that it was ruined.
Suzanne feigned innocence. “Is it ruined now? I didn’t do it. I was so frightened by the pirates that I still feel faint right now. I’m heading back to my room to get some rest.
Oliver rushed forth to grab her arm. His eyes were full of concern. when he asked her, “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
Suzanne swatted his arm away from her. In a cool and indifferent tone, she said, “Mr. Hoffins, I don’t remember you at all. You’re nothing but a stranger to me, so please watch what you’re doing. Stop disturbing me.”
With that, she walked into an empty room.
Stunned, Wendy asked, “What’s wrong with her? Her eyes are teary. Was she really that scared?”
Oliver watched Suzanne’s retreating figure with eyes full of agony as he said, “She’s never been optimistic. She’s strong, yet she tears
easily.”
Wendy couldn’t care less, though. She snorted in disdain and left the painting in her hands.
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Chapter 62
After letting go of Sally, the head of the pirate scrambled his way to the speedboat and left.
Sally, on the other hand, went over to Nathan with a hand covering the cut on her neck.
The moment she reached him, she cried, “Nate! Tell your men to fire at the pirate! We can still finish him off since he isn’t far away from the ship! Hurry up!”
Instead of doing as she requested, Nathan pushed her away and pried her hand from her neck to check her injury.
Calmly, he said, “It isn’t that bad. You’ll be fine after some patching up.
Sally was mad at him now. “Shoot the pirate! He’s leaving!”
Turning a deaf ear to her demands, Nathan turned to Cole and said, Patch her up.”
Sally could only watch and stomp her feet in annoyance as the pir and the speedboat vanished into the distance.
When she turned to face Nathan again, she realized that he was already walking back to the cabin with his men.
“Nate, aren’t you going to help me with my wound?” she asked, rushing after him.
“I almost died,” she said with a pout. “I’m still so scared.”
Ignoring her, Nathan strode in the direction of the cabin, with Cole and Lucas following closely behind.
Lucas lowered his voice and asked “General, how should we get rid
of him?”
In an equally hushed voice, Nathan said, “Did you install a tracker on the speedboat?”
“Yes,” said Lucas.
“Have some men follow him,” Nathan said. “We’ll find the pirates’ nest and get rid of them once and for all.
“Yes, sir,” Lucas said as he turned to do what was told.
Sally wasn’t going to give up so soon. She quickened her footsteps to catch up with Nathan, who was deeply frowning.
To Cole, he said, “You take care of her injuries.”
But Cole responded with, “General, you know Ms. Hoffins won’t stop pestering you until you do what she wants.”
Nathan stopped abruptly at those words, which gave Sally just enough time to catch up with him.
She huffed and puffed as she locked her arms around Nathan’s. Tears spilled down her face as she wept. “How could you be so cr to me? Do you want to see me bleed to death?”
Cole hastily explained, “Ms. Hoffins, the general’s time is valuable. has lots of important things to handle, so just let me help you wi your wound.”
“I’m hurt! How is this less important than what he needs to do?” Sall snapped, unimpressed.
“Get lost!” she told Cole. “I don’t want you to help me. I only want
Nate with me!”
Nathan was speechless at how stubborn she was. In a fit of anger, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her all the way to the infirmary.
“Fine!” he said, exasperated. “I’ll help you with it!”
Cole sighed as he watched them leave. How unfortunate it was that Nathan had such a troublesome childhood sweetheart!
Ten minutes later, Nathan was done helping Sally bandage her wound. He walked her to the guest room in the cabin to rest.
When he stepped out of her room, he bumped into Oliver. Despite their age difference, they were old friends, so Nathan spared the
formalities when he was around Oliver.
The two of them greeted each other with a nod of the head.
“You’re here,” Nathan said.
Oliver smiled an awkward smile. “Sally insisted that I come.”
Nathan felt a vague headache at the mention of Sally. Coolly, he said, “The way she behaves right now… guess I have you to thank, huh?”,
Oliver frowned in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“She’s spoiled,” Nathan explained. “And it’s because of you.”
Oliver leaned against the wall with a helpless smile plastered on face. “It wasn’t me. My deceased brother and his wife pampered h There was nothing I could do.”
Nathan then leaned against the wall too. He raised his eyes to t ceiling and said, “I’m married now. Do you still like her? If you do, yo should marry her.”
Oliver couldn’t be sure if Nathan was joking, so he said, “I know, but your wife is my ex.
Nathan froze. His face, together with his gaze, darkened at those words.
For some unknown reason, he felt something tug at his heart.
Sensing his silence, Oliver added, “Although I’m not Sally’s real uncle, she and I are still relatives. Besides, you like Sally so much. You’re my best friend. I wouldn’t get into a fight with you just for a woman. I’ve given up on my fantasies.”
He continued, “Sally talked about the entire time she was here in Sunterland. I know she likes you too. That was why I got into a relationship three years ago. She had quite a number of exes, but she was a pretty and sensible woman who was talented in many fields.
“She was the most attractive woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. It never occurred to me that she would become your wife one day.”
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Chapter 63
Nathan’s hands curled into fists inside his pockets. Despite his discomfort, he still casually asked, “Was this before she lost her
memories?”
“She’s faking her amnesia,” Oliver replied confidently. “She’s just pretending that she forgot everything so that she can act like she doesn’t know me. All because she still can’t get over us breaking up years ago.”
Suzanne’s words flashed across Nathan’s mind. He had asked her if she had ever been in love. Suzanne then answered that she had loved someone, but his heart belonged to someone else. They wouldn’t have worked out.
Was she referring to Oliver?
Nathan took a deep breath. It felt like something was crushing his chest, but he couldn’t explain the feeling. A moment later, he spoke again, “Her talent does not befit her birth family and experience.”
Oliver chuckled. “Definitely. She’s a league ahead of the others. can’t fit her into a stereotype just because of her family.”
“True.” Nathan looked at Oliver, his gaze sincere. “Wish us well.”
His tone was casual, but he was serious as he declared his claim Oliver.
Oliver’s eye twitched as he stared blankly at Nathan. “What did you say?”
“I didn’t inform you that I was getting married because we haven’t had our wedding yet. And since we’ve been friends for so many years, I’ve been hoping that you’ll give us your blessing,” Nathan said.
Oliver paled. He was put on the spot. “You loved Sally so deeply back then, and you were very devoted to her. You’re not someone whose heart is easily swayed by others. Sally’s my niece. How do you expect me to agree?”
Nathan knew that Oliver’s reluctance wasn’t actually because of Sally. It seemed that he would have to watch out for Oliver.
“As an adult, romance and ideals are not guaranteed. My grandmother picked Suzanne for me. Now that we’re married, I’ll have to take responsibility,” Nathan said meaningfully.
Oliver remained silent, even as his expression grew darker.
Nathan gently patted his shoulder. “I’ve got other things to do. Let’s meet again sometime.”
Having snapped back to reality, Oliver plastered a stiff smile on his face. “Alright, sure.”
He pushed his glasses up as he watched Nathan leave. A dark glint shone in his eye.
The stars twinkled high above the ship, cutting through the darkn of the night sky.
Now hungry, Suzanne exited her cabin and headed for the dining room. As she walked down the corridor, she overheard three oth women talking about Nathan.
“This is the first time I’ve seen General Morrison in the flesh.
Goodness! I thought the rumors were exaggerated. But I didn’t expect him to be even more handsome and imposing in person. His looks and figure are just incredible!”
“Me too, me too! I thought that he would be old because he’s a
general, but it turns out that he’s young and quite a looker. Oh, he’s just so charming! I don’t feel afraid anymore with him and his troops protecting us all.
“We definitely won’t have anything to fear. Our national arms are all manufactured by the Norvanian military themselves.
“Just look at how the other countries were shaking in their boots when the Edge Mark 1 cruise missile was launched a while back. With General Morrison around, all those evildoers will have to think twice.”
“But there’s already been a few deaths on board. It just feels so eerie now. I wanna get to shore and go home.”
“We won’t be getting to port that soon. The military is currently investigating everyone on board. It seems like they’re looking for something important.”
“What is it?”
“No idea, but someone did come and question me earlier today. I was at such a loss when they interrogated me since I had no idea what they were talking about.”
“Oh yeah, they questioned me too.”
“When will they be done? There are a lot of people here.”
“Probably in a few days.”
Suzanne was confused as she walked behind the three women. If military was conducting investigations, why hadn’t she been
questioned yet?
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Chapter 64
When she arrived at the dining room, Suzanne took a plate from the counter. She then grabbed some fruit and salad from the buffet spread. After collecting a cup of tea as well, she made her way back. to her room.
When she reached her room, however, she suddenly stopped. Nathan was there knocking on her door, but then he turned to see Suzanne. They felt like strangers even when their eyes met.
Nathan approached her and reached for her plate. “Let me help you with this
Suzanne quickly declined. “It’s fine. I can bring it in myself-”
But before she could finish, Nathan had already taken her plate from her.
It would be awkward for Suzanne to take it back. So, she went to open the door instead.
After they entered the room, Suzanne closed the door. Nathan scanned the room before placing the plate down on the dining t
Suzanne was cautious. She was always tense whenever she was alone with him. It was due to a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
For the past week, she had been pining after him. But now that s got to see him again, she felt hurt. Resentment filled up inside he
“Are you sure that’s enough food?” Nathan asked as he gazed at hel
Suzanne sat at the dining table and speared a piece of fruit with her fork. She ignored him while she chewed on her food.
Nathan’s gaze darkened. He sat down at the table and leaned back in his seat. “Why won’t you answer me?”
Why did Nathan have the cheek to ask her this?
All of a sudden, the fruit in her mouth tasted like ash. Suzanne angrily put down her fork and took a sip of tea instead. All this time, she kept her eyes on him.
Her pretty eyes stirred something in Nathan. Still, he waited for her to speak.
Suzanne wanted to yell at him, but Nathan felt imposing and
dangerous. One look from him was enough to paralyze her. She didn’t dare to cause a scene.
She hesitated for a while before she asked in a soft, hurt tone, “Didn’t you boast about your aim? And that’s why you’re called Hawkeye?”
Nathan frowned at Suzanne’s choice of words. He thought that Suzanne was worked up because he let those pirates go. But he never thought that she was jealous of Sally.
“I can’t kill them all. I need to keep one of them alive so that they lead us to their nest. How else will we clean them all out?” Nat
answered.
Did Nathan mean to destroy the pirates’ base of operations and t back all the goods that they had stolen?
The realization hit Suzanne as everything clicked into place. She pursed her lips as she stabbed another piece of fruit with her fork.
“You’re worried that you’ll accidentally hurt Sally, aren’t you?” she asked sourly.
Nathan snorted. “What does Sally have to do with this?”
Suzanne bit her lower lip, trying not to expose her dour mood. The
piece of apple that she had been poking had turned mushy.
Nathan leaned toward Suzanne. With his elbows on the table, he asked, “How do you know the Dorzanian language? It’s a tiny country that’s constantly under strife.”
That caught Suzanne unawares. She didn’t even know why she knew
Dorzanian.
Maybe she had picked it up because she used to service guests from all over the world? And she wanted to give them a better experience?
Suzanne thought that would be the most logical answer, but she couldn’t tell Nathan that.
Her gaze flickered as she tried to think of a way to change the topic. Picking up a piece of watermelon, she asked him, “Do you want some?
Suzanne stiffened, surprised by her sudden boldness.
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Chapter 65
Did she just volunteer to feed Nathan with the fork that she had just been using?
Suzanne must be going crazy.
She snapped back to reality, forcing herself to put on a stiff smile. Awkwardness was written all over her face as she withdrew her hand. “Sorry, but 1-”
Before she could draw her hand back, Nathan grabbed her wrist and moved the piece of watermelon to his mouth.
Suzanne stared dumbly in shock as she watched Nathan’s lips touch her fork. Did this count as an indirect kiss? She had used that fork
just now.
Her face heated up at that thought. Her heart raced as her body tensed up. She felt uneasy because of this.
Nathan, however, was unperturbed as he chewed on the watermel before swallowing it. “It’s quite sweet. Pity that it was such a tiny piece.”
Suzanne pressed her lips together and lowered her head. She did dare to look directly at him.
“I’m sorry, I forgot that I had just been using that fork…” she whispered.
Suzanne felt the urge to apologize.
Nathan hadn’t thought much about eating from the same fork until Suzanne mentioned it. Now that she did, it felt like he had just been struck by lightning. That feeling soon spread throughout his body.
His mouth went dry as he unconsciously stared at Suzanne’s pink lips with a heated gaze.
Suzanne pressed her lips together. A blush dusted her cheeks.
Nathan couldn’t understand why Suzanne seemed so pure and innocent. She had a history of working in the underground industry, and she had serviced plenty of men before. Yet at this moment, she didn’t seem like someone who had done all that before.
Instead, Suzanne seemed like a young, inexperienced girl. A girl who was easily embarrassed and blushed at the drop of a hat. Someone who teared up easily.
She didn’t look like someone who had spent over ten years surviving in a harsh world.
Nathan cleared his throat and feigned a look of calmness. “I don’t mind. But, are you telling me that you’re disgusted that I just ate from
the same fork?”
Suzanne panicked. “No, no, not at all.”
With that, she picked up another piece of fruit with her fork and a
As he took in the sight of Suzanne’s red cheeks, Nathan wast reminded of Sally when she was younger. These thoughts cam more often, now that he had spent more time with her.
The sudden silence was awkward.
Π
Then, Nathan thought of something and he asked in a low voice, Suzanne, did that pirate tell you more? Is there something that yo haven’t translated for us?”
Suzanne gulped down the salad she had been chewing on and put down her fork. After taking a sip of tea, she leaned in toward him.
“He said that he had one gram of hydronium with him. They had
stolen it from a chemical engineer. There’s another gram of hydronium on this ship. It’s with another chemical engineer,” she whispered.
She was worried that the people in the next cabin would overhear her.
Nathan’s expression darkened, but he didn’t say anything.
Worried that he didn’t hear her, Suzanne leaned in even closer. She whispered right into his ear, “He also said that there was no use handing it over to you. Without the chemical engineer, the hydronium is useless.”
Nathan closed his eyes, his breathing quickening. It wasn’t because of the gravity of this news. Instead, it was because Suzanne was in such close proximity. Her warm breaths had tickled his ear, and that tingly feeling spread throughout his body.
It ended up stirring his loins at this inappropriate moment.
Meanwhile, Suzanne had no idea that she had just started a fire. She thought that Nathan was simply worried about what she had told him.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
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Chapter 66
Nathan managed to rein in his emotions before looking at Suzanne again. His gaze landed on the exposed area above her collar.
When Suzanne leaned forward toward him, she didn’t notice that her collar had loosened. Her chest could be seen peeking through the gap
of her clothes.
Nathan shifted his gaze away, his lips parting as his breaths quickened.
He felt odd.
This foreign feeling was new to him, but he wanted more. He prided
himself on his control, but now even that seemed like a joke.
“Is that all?” Nathan’s voice had turned low and husky.
“Yes, that’s all,” Suzanne replied.
Nathan reached out and gently pushed Suzanne back to her seat. He attempted to change the topic, but Suzanne’s eyes were just so beautiful. Her skin was flawless and her lips were lovely.
His face burned. As he eyed her lips, his Adam’s apple bobbed. E swallowing did nothing for the heat in his cheeks. He wondered i was going crazy. Was he actually lusting over Suzanne?
He mulled over this; he was a normal man, and Suzanne was his wi Wasn’t it normal for him to have these thoughts?
Nathan tamped down his nervousness and spoke again in a low voice. “Can I sleep here tonight?”
There was another layer of meaning to those words.
Suzanne stared at him, dumbfounded. His heated gaze left her
flustered. He didn’t seem like his usual self today.
“Are there no more cabins?” she asked.
Nathan’s breathing grew heavier. “There are, but I want to sleep here with you.”
Did she not understand? How could someone with her experience not get it?
Suzanne had picked up on Nathan’s change in tone and gaze. He seemed to be restraining himself, but he also seemed excited.
She didn’t think much of it. After all, they often slept in the same bed. He wouldn’t touch her because of his feelings for Sally.
Suzanne glanced at the double bed nearby. “Of course, you can sleep over there,” she agreed readily.
Nathan was pleased to hear this. “Are you done with your food?” he asked.
Suzanne put away her plate. “Yes.”
“Going to take a shower?”
“I already did.” Suzanne pulled at her loose pajama shirt. “You sh shower.”
Nathan gently let out a breath. He clenched his fists and attempted rein in his impulses. Had he been training too little lately? Was th why he was filled with these lustful thoughts?
But he also had zero sexual experience. He shouldn’t be having thes thoughts at all. Were these just base urges, or had he truly fallen for her?
The thought left Nathan in a panic. He hastily got up and headed for the bathroom.
They had to be simple urges. A cold shower was usually enough to put an end to them.
Suzanne settled down in bed to read. Half an hour later, the bathroom.
door swung open. She looked up, only to be shocked by the sight.
There stood Nathan, with only a towel wrapped around his lower half. His hair had been partially dried. His olive skin complemented his defined pecs and abdomen. His thighs were muscular too.
He looked sinfully sexy like this.
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Chapter 67
Suzanne hastily picked up her book again. Her face burned as her gaze flitted around the room.
Despite that, she still couldn’t stop herself from stealing glances at Nathan’s body.
She hid her face behind her book. For the first time, her voice cracked. “W-why didn’t you put some clothes on first?”
Nathan dried his hair with another towel. Once he was done, he
walked over to her.
“I’d have to take them off again after that. That’s too much trouble,” he said with a husky voice.
Suzanne understood what he meant and she was taken aback by this. Her innocent eyes met his dark ones, but she quickly averted her
gaze.
“Why do you have to sleep naked?” she asked, nervous.
Surprised, Nathan fell silent. He looked at Suzanne’s clueless, shy expression.
Oliver had said that she was faking her amnesia. So was she feig her lack of knowledge and inexperience as well?
As Nathan mulled over his thoughts, Suzanne hastily pointed at closet. “There are some clean clothes inside that closet. You shou
put them on.”
Nathan wryly pressed his lips together. It seemed that he had misunderstood her. Suzanne had never thought about this situation in a sexual light.
Exasperated, Nathan made his way to the closet and grabbed a set of pajamas. By the time he returned to the bed, Suzanne had already laid down with her back facing him.
He understood what was going on, and he didn’t want to force her.
Nathan had lost his temper that time Suzanne wanted to sleep on the floor. If he asked her for sex now, wouldn’t he be a hypocrite?
Thus, Nathan tossed all those thoughts into a corner of his mind. He turned the lights off after getting into bed. Instantly, the room went dark. Moonlight streamed in through the window, keeping the room. from total darkness.
Both Nathan and Suzanne’s breaths were heavier than usual due to
their nerves. It was especially stark because of the silence of the
room.
A while later, Nathan spoke up. “Do you know Oliver?”
Suzanne went stiff. She clutched the blankets tighter as she became nervous. Worried that Nathan would be bothered by her reaction, it took a while for her to finally speak. “We met today, but we don’t know each other.”
This made Nathan sigh in relief. He wasn’t sure why he felt this He smiled bitterly, but he didn’t continue to press her about Olive
Suzanne’s nervousness persisted when Nathan didn’t continue questioning her. Her thoughts ran a mile a minute as she lay ther the darkness. Worried, she tried to think of a conversation starter.
“Are you going to capture those pirates?”
“No,” Nathan replied.
“Then, did you and your men get on that ship to rescue Sally?”
“No. We didn’t expect to run into pirates during this mission. Nor did
we expect to run into any familiar faces. I was especially surprised to
see you.”
Suzanne also hadn’t expected to get on that ship either. Wendy had tricked her into getting on board, but she didn’t explain this to Nathan.
“Was it because you were searching for the hydronium, then?” Suzanne asked.
Nathan closed his eyes. Work secrets were something that he couldn’t reveal to her. “It’s getting late. Go to sleep.”
“Goodnight,” Suzanne said to him in a sweet tone, having understood his position.
That night proved to be long and torturous for Nathan. He couldn’t rid himself of his lust-it kept eating at his mind.
It was hard for him to sleep as he fought an internal battle.
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Chapter 68
Early in the morning, someone knocked on the door.
Nathan stirred awake and glanced at the peacefully sleeping Suzanne. Hurriedly, he lifted the covers and got out of bed.
He then headed toward the door.
“General…” Cole was about to greet Nathan, but the latter looked serious as he made a slow and hushed gesture with his finger, indicating to Cole not to make any noise.
Cole was taken aback, wondering when Nathan became so
considerate.
Nathan looked back at Suzanne to ensure she wasn’t disturbed, before slowly walking out and gently closing the door behind him.
Once again, Cole was dumbfounded, unable to process this attentive side of Nathan.
After closing the door, Nathan lowered his voice and said, “It’s so early. What’s the matter?”
Cole thought to himself that it was already past seven in the mo -wasn’t that considered late? Nathan was usually up by seven morning exercises.
However, he kept his questions to himself and quickly got to the point. “General Morrison, we found the chemistry researcher.”
At the news, Nathan’s eyes flickered with an imperceptible
excitement.
“I’ll change my clothes,” he said, immediately heading back into the
room.
TA
Cole stood outside, still in a state of bewilderment. He couldn’t figure out why Nathan, who didn’t seem to like Suzanne, often ended up. sleeping in the same bed with her.
Five minutes later, Nathan changed into a black military uniform,
striding confidently toward the room temporarily designated for interrogation.
Inside the room sat an elderly man with white hair, thick black-framed glasses, and a somewhat haggard appearance.
Having been interrogated for more than an hour, he seemed
exhausted. When he saw Nathan, however, he immediately
straightened his back.
Not wanting to beat around the bush any longer, the old man said, General Morrison, I know you want the hydronium. Take it; I don’t want anything in return. Just spare my life.”
Nathan picked up the documents and sat across from him.
“Dr. Howard, the hydronium isn’t the only thing I want. I want to know about ‘Winkler’ and how to find him.”
The old man, Alan Howard, pushed his glasses up and thought f moment. He then sighed and replied, “I don’t know where to start.
Nathan pointed at the small black glass bottle on the table. “Wh did you get this?”
“George has been my colleague for decades. I saved his life once, a he repaid me with this bottle of hydronium,” Alan explained.
“Who is George?”
“He was Mila’s assistant and the only person in the world who ha seen her. But he’s dead now.”
Nathan was astonished. “Mila?”
”
Meanwhile, Cole quickly took out a notebook to record this breakthrough information.
Alan nodded with a helpless expression and a bitter smile.
“Yes, Mila Winkler, the genius researcher who developed hydronium. She’s a very young and beautiful girl.”
Nathan looked agitated upon hearing this-a look of disbelief
plastered on his face. All the researchers he had come across were older, hence he always thought “Winkler” was around the same age as Alan.
Cole stared at Alan and said sternly, “You’d better answer me truthfully. You know the consequences of trying to trick us.”
Nervously adjusting his glasses, Alan looked at Cole sincerely. “Sir, everything I’ve said is the truth. Although I never met Mila, George
often talked about her.
“George was our research institute’s most brilliant chemistry researcher. He participated in many world- renowned projects and received numerous honors. His knowledge is extensive.
“As an accomplished chemist, he was dissatisfied with serving mere assistant to a young girl. That’s why he stole two bottles of hydronium from Mila. He took one and gave me the other.”
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Chapter 69
“Our plan was simple. We wanted to conduct research on this chemical and develop the greatest bio- weapon in the whole world, gaining global acknowledgment, that’s all,” Alan said.
“But we never imagined that this thing would be worth five billion. dollars per bottle, desired by virtually every country. It has turned into our death warrant.”
He continued, “George lost his life because of this. Similarly, I almost got killed by bandits yesterday. I don’t want it anymore; you can take it.”
While listening to Alan’s words, Nathan fell into deep thought. He still. couldn’t believe that the person known as “Winkler” turned out to be a young girl.
Cole, on the other hand, was busy listening and recording Alan’s statements. After Alan was done speaking, Cole continued his barrage of questions.
“Where is Mila from?”
“Sunterland.”
“How old is she?”
“I’m not sure. But I heard from George that she developed the fi batch of hydronium when she was only 19, and the chemical is named after her.”
“Does she have family?”
“I don’t know. With such high-level secrecy, it’s likely that even Mila’s family is unaware of what she does or where she works.”
“Besides her assistant George, who else has seen her? Are there any photos of her?”
Alan chuckled. “Photos? Forget about it. George was just an assistant, yet all his personal information was thoroughly erased.
You can imagine what happened to Mila’s information.”
Cole asked again, “Where is she now?”
Alan hesitated, nervously looking at Cole.
Nathan noticed the change in his demeanor and leaned in, questioning sternly, “Do you know where she is?”
Alan sighed. With a melancholic tone, he responded, “Genius researchers like her are extremely rare. Sunterland keeps her identity
and information top secret.
“Due to George’s intense jealousy, he leaked Mila’s information and told the world about the existence of hydronium. Everyone started to covet the chemical and desired such a genius chemist for their own
benefit.
“Three years ago, Sunterland sent people to move Mila’s labo During that time, an unknown accident occurred and she was The remaining 48 bottles of hydronium went missing.”
Learning about Mila’s death, Nathan felt a peculiar ache in his His expression turned grim.
The person he had been diligently searching for so many years
dead.
A young talent gone, just like that. For a moment, he couldn’t acc this news and became increasingly despondent.
Cole was equally caught off guard. “How do you know that Mila dead?”
Alan explained, “A prominent figure like Mila is considered a national treasure. She was highly valued by Sunterland. To ensure her safety, they got her permission to implant a microchip in her body. The tiny device was able to monitor her vital signs, and it had a tracking.
function.
“When the incident happened three years ago-after Mila was
attacked, the search team tracked her to the central Maldiac Ocean, where she had reportedly drowned. At that time, the microchip detected no signs of life.”
Alan took off his glasses, wiping the thick lenses with the corner of
his shirt.
He continued regretfully, “She must have been assassinated and thrown into the depths of the Maldiac Ocean. The more capable you are, the greater danger your life is in. The world is just that ugly!”
Nathan picked up the black glass bottle and gently spun it with his fingers. His intense gaze fixated on the colorless, odorless, and
formless element.
After a moment, he spoke sullenly, “Have you researched it?”
Chapter 70
Chapter 70
Alan nodded. “Yes. But I’m unable to understand its principles at all. Without Mila, this thing is worthless.”
Nathan glanced at Alan and observed him closely. After a while, he stood up with the bottle in hand and said to Cole, “Let him name a price. I’m buying this thing.”
Then, Nathan promptly left the room.
Alan panicked, quickly standing up and shaking his head. “No need. You don’t need to pay me.
However, Nathan was long gone. Cole approached Alan, saying
seriously, “This thing is valued at five billion dollars per bottle. As long as it doesn’t exceed that price, you can name any amount you like.”
Alan was stunned, finding it hard to believe that he could name any price below five billion dollars.
After his retirement, his family had been facing financial difficul and his wife needed money for medical treatment. Life was toug he thought of selling this thing after boarding the ship.
It had never crossed his mind that he would get billions of dol Even if he worked for several lifetimes, he could never amass su substantial figure.
Cautiously, Alan lifted a finger. One million dollars wouldn’t be
much, would it?
Cole immediately agreed. “One billion? Thanks.”
Alan frantically waved his hands. “No, no. That’s too much.”
“Ten million, then? Thank you so much. Norvania will remember you
generous contribution.”
Cole immediately handed a document to Alan and added, “Present this document at the military headquarters within three days to
receive the check.”
“I…” Alan was dumbfounded.
Having completed his task, Cole left as well.
Later that evening, the cruise ship returned to the waters of Norvania- docking at the pier.
People on the ship gradually disembarked.
When Suzanne followed Wendy out of the cruise ship, she was stunned by the scene before her.
A dignified and grand formation of troops stood in two rows on the pier, they were orderly and spectacular. All of them in a single frame emanated a commanding and awe-inspiring presence.
Then, Suzanne spotted Sally and Oliver waiting next to a luxurious
Wendy casually approached Oliver for a chat.
Not wanting to talk with those two, Suzanne took out her phon
call for a cab.
Just then, she heard the sound of steady footsteps from behind h Before Suzanne could turn around, however, Sally had rushed past with a smile.
Sally leaned on Nathan’s arm, coquettishly saying, “Nate…”
At the words, Suzanne turned around to see that Sally had already thrown herself at Nathan, hugging his arm affectionately.
“Nate, we haven’t seen each other in a long time. We’ve just reunited
but I can’t bear to part with you.”
Suzanne felt a sourness in her heart, her eyes stinging at the sight of the two together. She lowered her head to avoid looking at the uncomfortable scene.
Wendy and Oliver walked over. The former smiled and said, “Sally,
Nate has many things to do. He doesn’t have much time to play with you.”
On the other hand, Oliver instigated by saying, “Sally, if you can’t bear to part with Nate, go to the military with him for a few days.”
Excited like a child, Sally leaned closer to Nathan and bounced on her feet. “Sure! I want to visit Nate’s weapons production base.”
Nathan’s expression turned gloomy. He irritably pushed Sally away and reprimanded her, “Don’t talk nonsense, and stop clinging to me like a monkey.”
Cole and Lucas, who were standing nearby, frowned when they
watched Sally’s inappropriate behavior. The look on their faces had turned incredibly unpleasant.
Cole felt a wave of disdain as he thought that Nathan’s majestic image as a general was thoroughly ruined because of Sally.
Lucas shared the same sentiment, thinking, “How disgusting. Lu
I don’t have a childhood sweetheart like her.”
Wendy looked at the time and then said to Suzanne, “Suzanne, it’s getting late. Let’s take Dr. Hoffis’ car home.”
Suzanne glanced at the cab-hailing application on her phone. Surprisingly, five other customers were ahead of her in the queue.
She didn’t want to stand there and witness the heartbreaking scen any longer.
“Fine,” Suzanne responded listlessly, turning to walk toward Wendy.
A pleasant smile appeared on Oliver’s face. He quickly walked over to open the passenger door.
“Suzy.”
Suddenly, someone called her gently and intimately, stunning
everyone present.
Suzanne was particularly shocked. She turned to look at the man who called her “Suzy” so endearingly.
It was Nathan.
Had she heard it wrong?
Nathan forcefully pushed away Sally, who was still stubbornly clinging to him.
Having been pushed a step back, Sally gaped at Nathan as he approached Suzanne.
Anyone would be surprised that the tough and stoic man would such a gentle tone to call a woman’s nickname fondly, not to me that it was Suzanne whose reputation was notorious.
Nathan walked up to Suzanne and took her hand while she was dazed. He whispered, “Last night before we slept, didn’t you say wanted to watch our drills?”
Suzanne became even more confused. She had no idea they had drills. When did she say such things last night?
Oliver’s face darkened, and he immediately closed the car door. Walking up to the pair, his gaze was cold as he uttered, “You’re so busy; it wouldn’t be right for her to disturb you.”
Nathan met Oliver’s eyes, his lips curling into a small smile. He
tightened his hold on Suzanne’s hand and pulled her to his side.
“No matter how busy I am, I can spare time to accompany her to watch the drills. If I can’t even fulfill such a small request from my wife, then I’ve failed as a husband.”
He emphasized that they were husband and wife, deliberately showing off.
While Oliver’s expression soured, Suzanne felt her heart pounding and her breathing turning erratic.
Nathan’s palm was broad and warm as he held her hand tightly. She felt like she was floating in space, unable to figure out what was going on with Nathan.
But of course, she wouldn’t expose Nathan’s lie. It was just that she could vaguely sense the tension between the two men.
“What about Sally?” Oliver asked unhappily.