Ch. 641..650
Chapter 641
Cole froze, his phone in his grip, his face registering pure shock.
Mila too, had her expression hardened, a surge of anxiety knotting her insides.
Without exchanging a word, the three of them left the room, rushing to the lounge to find Cameron.
"Cameron, has Fenna taken Nate?" Mila's voice quivered with urgency.
Cameron's eyes widened in shock. Without hesitation, he dialed Fenna's number.
Seconds later, he lowered the phone with a pale expression and stuttered, "She's turned it off."
In that instant, Cameron felt a dread deeper than anyone else. If Fenna had truly done something unethical, not only would she face legal consequences, but her life could also be at risk. No amount of influence could shield her from that.
Taking a seat to steady herself, Mila asked after a moment of reflection, "Did you drive here?"
Cameron nodded. "Yes. I drank, but Fenna didn't. I was counting on her to drive me home."
"Where's your car?"
Without a second thought, Cameron dashed out of the room.
He scanned the parking lot but found no trace of his car. "It's gone; she must have taken it."
Mila turned to Cole and instructed, "Cole, track Cameron's car. It has a GPS tracker on it."
"Understood." Cole dialed immediately, initiating the search.
Rising, Mila turned to Phoebe and said, "Stay home and rest."
Phoebe shook her head firmly. "I can't stay put. I'm coming with you."
Minutes after Cole ended the call, a message arrived.
Glancing at his phone, Cole rose. "Found it."
The group rushed out and pilled into the car. Mila, having abstained from drinking, took the wheel. The GPS led them to a hotel parking lot in town.
Given the hotel's policies, guest room numbers were confidential. Upon their arrival, the police were already present.
Identifying himself, Cole informed
them that Nathan, the missing
person was a defense general from Norvania. Taking it seriously, the
police directed the hotel staff to check Fenna's room.
Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be found. They then turned to the surveillance footage.
As moments ticked by, they combed through the evening's recordings, yet found neither Fenna nor Nathan.
Back in the lobby, Mila sat anxiously
with her hands pressing to her temples, overwhelmed with anxie
and frustration. She felt like she was
on the brink of losing her mind.
If Fenna had harmed Nathan, Mila swore she'd exact revenge, regardless of the cost.
Phoebe tried to offer her comfort with an arm wrapping around her.
At the front desk, Cole and Cameron's expressions grew graver. Despite the combined efforts of the police and hotel staff, they hit a dead end.
Suddenly, a receptionist interjected, "Could they be at the motel up ahead?"
A motel?
Hearing her sudden statement, all heads swiveled to the receptionist.
She explained hesitantly, "Two
hundred meters ahead, there's a
budget motel. They don't have
parking, so guests often leave their
cars here and walk."
Realization dawned on them. Without a word, they bolted out in a frantic dash.
Chapter 642
Chapter 642
As Mila and the group approached the motel, the receptionist whispered, "Looks like we've got more police coming."
A police officer inquired, "What do you mean?"
Pointing toward the elevator, the receptionist explained, "Someone called the police, and the manager just took a few police upstairs."
Not waiting for more, the police pressed, "Did a woman named Fenna check in tonight with an intoxicated man?"
Before the receptionist could respond, Mila and Cameron moved past the police, heading straight for the elevator to check the floor. It halted at the third floor.
Mila pressed the button again, and soon, Cole and Phoebe joined them. "It's the third floor."
The police from the front desk caught up, and together, they ascended to the third floor.
Outside room 302, the earlier police officers were still knocking on the door.
Cole pushed through impatiently and stated, "Stop knocking. Break it down, I'll cover the cost."
As soon as he finished his words, he kicked the door with determination. With a loud crash, it swung open, granting them entry.
On the spacious double bed, Nathan lay fully dressed, undisturbed, seemingly deep in slumber after a night of heavy drinking.
Cameron anxiously scanned the room. "Where's Fenna?"
From the bathroom, the sounds of a struggle echoed.
Mila sat beside the bed, gently touching Nathan's face. Relief washed over her as she whispered, "Nate, wake up."
Cole and Phoebe followed Cameron into the bathroom, with the police close behind.
They opened the bathroom door to find Fenna bound to the shower rod, a white towel stuffed in her mouth.
Seeing the scene, Phoebe couldn't help but chuckle. Fenna had clearly underestimated Nathan. Even in his intoxicated state, he was too much for her. Cameron approached Fenna, gently untying her wrists and removing the towel.
"Cam." Fenna's eyes brimmed with tears.
The police officer spoke up, "We
claiming
report from a man
a woman drugged and
tried
t him in room 302
Panicked, Fenna clung to Cameron, her voice quivering, "I didn't do it. I swear." With stern and disapproving looks, Cole and Phoebe fixed their eyes on Fenna.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Mila had been trying to wake Nathan without success.
After their initial survey, the police replaced the emergency phone and took a glass of water from the table for analysis.
Guiding Fenna out, Cameron pointed at Nathan on the bed, his voice filled with anger. "What have you done to Nate?"
"I did nothing," Fenna protested, her voice shaky.
Frustration mounting, Cameron tried to keep his composure. "If you're innocent, why did Nate tie you up? Why won't he wake?"
"I-I swear, I didn't do anything," Fenna stammered, avoiding eye contact.
The experienced officer chimed in, "Perhaps the sedative was too
strong
and caused him to be inét
sleep. He should wake up soon."
Turning to Fenna, the police commanded, "You have to come with us for further investigation."
Fenna resisted and sought refuge behind Cameron. "Cam, I'm innocent. I'm not going with them."
Torn between concern and
frustration, Cameron embraced
Fenna. I'll go with you. We're adults. We face the consequences of our actions."
Mila's eyes flashed with anger as she asked, "Where's Nate's phone?"
Fenna whispered, "It's in the car."
At that moment, Mila wished to end Fenna.
Chapter 643
Chapter 643
Over and over, Fenna played out the same narrative, and Mila had reached her limit.
Cameron led Fenna away with the police.
Cole carried Nathan, while Mila and Phoebe guided him out of the motel.
The night seemed destined for endless torment.
Unable to take Nathan, who was deeply ensnared in a drug-induced slumber, home with her, Mila chose to stay at the hotel.
Cole returned home with Phoebe.
In the quiet stillness of the early morning, Mila tenderly wiped Nathan's feverish body, trying to cool his soaring temperature.
Despite his drug-induced sleep, he appeared restless, as if the drug still held him in its grip. Mila pondered if easing some of his tension might offer him some relief.
She undressed them both and leaned in to kiss Nathan softly, positioning herself above him.
Just as she prepared to close the distance between them, Nathan's eyes snapped open.
Taken aback, Mila pulled back, her voice trembling. "Nate, are you awake?"
Frowning, Nathan stared at her for a moment before uttering, "Chubs?"
With a nod, Mila's eyes welled up as she softly touched his flushed cheek. "I'm so sorry. I almost let something terrible happen to you."
In an instant, Nathan seized her wrist and yanked it forcefully away, casting her aside.
Mila winced, the sharp pain jolting through her wrist as she barely held on to the bed.
Nathan sat up abruptly, his gaze falling on his now naked body, his face turning pale with anger. He grabbed a blanket to wrap around himself and staggered into the bathroom. "Nate, what's wrong?" Mila, covering herself with another blanket, rushed to the bathroom door and knocked.
"Get out!" Nathan roared. The sound of running water then followed suit.
Feeling lost and distressed, Mila cried out, "It's me, Chubs, your wife!"
"I told you to leave!"
In that
everyheart-wrenching moment,
fell apart. Mila couldn't
fathom what she had done wrong. Nathan had never been so harsh with her before.
Was it because she arrived late? Or because she hadn't taken care of him properly, leaving him vulnerable to Fenna's advances?
Tears welled in Mila's eyes. Lost in her thoughts and growing anxiety, she called out, "Nate, please, what's going on? Why are you angry?" From the bathroom, Nathan's voice lashed out, "Damn it, how drugged am I? Even your voice sounds like my wife's!"
Mila was taken aback by his delirious words. After a moment of shock, she couldn't suppress a tearful chuckle. "Nate, I'm not Fenna. I'm Chubs."
With unwavering sternness, Nathan retorted, "I don't care who you are. You have two minutes to get dressed and leave, or you'll regret it."
Mila couldn't help but feel a mix of
amusement and despair. How should she handle a husband so fiercely guarding his honor?
Suffering from hallucinations due to the drugs, he didn't even trust his own eyes.
"Well, if he can hold it in, so be it," she thought.
With a resigned smile, Mila said, "I'll stay in the next room. Come find me once you're awake. Your phone is on the bedside table. If you need help, call me and I'll send you to the hospital." sŵnovel
A heavy silence emanated from the bathroom.
Mila dressed, left his room, and went to the lobby to check in another room.
An hour later, as Mila teetered on the edge of sleep, her phone chimed twice. It was a message from Nathan.
"Chubs, don't worry. I'm fine. I won't be coming back tonight."
A soft smile graced Mila's lips.
He still doubted his wife was a door away.
She replied, "Okay, drink plenty of water and rest up. I'm just next door. See you tomorrow."
Chapter 644
Chapter 644
Mila set her phone aside, pulling the covers up to sleep.
The next morning greeted her with a refreshed feeling. After freshening up, she checked the time and felt it was the right moment to check on Nathan.
As she opened the door, she was taken aback to find Nathan standing there, still and silent, blocking her path. Their eyes met, and she found herself taken aback yet again.
A soft smile graced Nathan's lips, his eyes clear but tinged with a touch of resignation.
"Are you fully awake now?" Mila teased lightly.
"Is it really you?"
"Yes, did you think I was some sort of imagination?"
"With how I felt yesterday, it wouldn't have been surprising," Nathan admitted.
"Still not feeling well?" Mila inquired.
"Yeah," he replied.
With that, Nathan gently ushered her into the room, closing the door behind them. He lifted her off the ground, his lips finding hers as he carried her to the bed.
Mila had assumed that by morning, the effects of the drug would have faded. To her surprise, Nathan had merely held back, with no intention of dissipating any of the lingering tension.
They spent a passionate morning in the motel room, exhausting themselves until Mila felt her body grow limp and her limbs weak, succumbing to sleep. They had their meals delivered to the room. Meanwhile, at the police station, Fenna remained detained for the entire day, with no sign of being released.
In the evening, Nathan and Cameron arrived at the station to see her. The police questioned Nathan about pressing charges. If he chose to, Fenna would face imprisonment. While the sentence might not be long, it would tarnish her record permanently, ending any chance of a career in public service.
In the interrogation room, Nathan and Cameron sat across from Fenna. She looked downcast and worn out, her spirit visibly shattered.
Cameron, wiping away his tears, spoke with a voice thick with sorrow, "Fenna, why did you do this? What were you thinking? Nate doesn't love you, he truly doesn't! When will you realize that?
"How should I help you? Why would you target Nate? He has a family, a wife, and a child. Do you genuinely wish him well, or do you want to see him suffer? How can you be so selfish? "You claim to love him, but is this how you show it? What have you done that shows your wish for his happiness?
"You've continuously interfered in his family life, jeopardizing his marriage. It's clear, you wish him harm! You want him to suffer, yet you claim to love him? Your mindset is seriously flawed!"
Tears streamed down Fenna's face as she sobbed, "I'm sorry, Cam. I'm sorry, Nate. I was wrong! I don't know what came over me. I can't believe I was so foolish. I know I've made a mistake!" Cameron sighed deeply, rubbing his temples and lowering his head in distress. "You'll have to face the consequences on your own. I can't help you."
Overwhelmed with regret, Fenna rested her head on the table, her tears falling silently.
After a moment of contemplation, Nathan spoke calmly, "I'll give you two options, choose for yourself."
Fenna looked up nervously, meeting Nathan's gaze. Cameron, too, turned to face him, awaiting the choices.
Nathan's voice remained calm and composed, his expression cold as he said First, we press charges. Under Norvania laws, you'll spend about a year in prison, and it will stain your record permanently."
Tears welled up in Fenna's eyes as she shook her head, unable to accept this harsh reality.
Cameron nervously cleared his throat, waiting for the second option.
Continuing without hesitation, Nathan said, "Second, quit Project 905 and refrain from any work. Go to a psychiatric hospital for treatment until you're fully recovered."
Understanding the severity of the
situation, Cameron looked at Fenna, his voice filled with concern. "Yeah Fenna, you must be unwell. Listen to Nate, go to the hospital. Severe paranoia is a mental illness that needs treatment."
Chapter 645
Chapter 645
Fenna's voice trembled as she said, "I'm not sick."
Nathan's tone hardened. "Then we're pressing charges."
Cameron's frustration boiled over. "Fenna, how much longer will you keep this up? Nate is giving you a chance. Why are you still clinging to this? Refuse treatment, you'll end up in jail." Biting her lip and wiping away her tears, Fenna's eyes locked onto Nathan's with determination. "I have one question, and I need the truth."
Nathan nodded. "Go ahead."
After a brief pause, Fenna said, "Swear on your wife and son that you'll only speak the truth."
Nathan complied, swearing on Mila and Jasper to tell the truth.
Content, Fenna questioned, "If not for Chubs, would you have chosen to be with me?"
Without missing a beat, Nathan responded, "Even without her, I wouldn't have any feelings for you. To be clear, even if you were the last woman on earth, I'd choose Cameron over you." Cameron recoiled, stepping back in shock and swallowing hard.
Overwhelmed, Fenna's emotions spilled over, and she began sobbing into the table.
Nathan reached out, patting Cameron's shoulder in an attempt to console him.
After her emotional outburst, Fenna made her decision to opt for treatment.
Upon exiting the police station, Nathan and Cameron escorted Fenna straight to a psychiatric hospital.
Leaving the hospital, Cameron let out a heavy sigh. "Good thing there are plenty of women in this world. Otherwise, I might not be able to resist your charm, and you'd turn me."
Nathan's fist connected with Cameron's chest, causing him to wince in pain.
Nathan retorted, "I'm just helping Fenna move on. What did you think I was doing?"
Cameron chuckled, "That line almost got me."
Nathan pointed toward the psychiatric hospital behind him and asked, "Do you want to keep Fenna company?"
Cameron straightened up, shaking his head with a playful grin. "No, just kidding. I'm straight."
Nathan pulled out his car keys and uttered, "Come on, I'll drive you back."
Without warning, Cameron moved in, wrapping Nathan in a hearty embrace.
Startled, Nathan pushed him off. "Are you serious?"
Cameron laughed. "No, just wanted
to say
thanks. Thanks for sparin
again. I owe you."
"Get in the car. Spare me the drama. I'm not buying it."
Cameron chuckled softly.
They climbed into the car, Nathan started the engine, and they drove off.
As they rode, Cameron asked, "Has Cole taken leave for the wedding?"
"Yes."
"And you? When are you and Chubs getting married?"
"She needs to agree first."
"You've got a kid together. Why wouldn't she?"
"She's waiting for Oliver to be caught."
Cameron clenched his fist, gritting
his teeth
t and punished, or we're a
Right, he needs to
Madam Hoffis down."
Nathan sighed, "What if we never catch Oliver?"
Cameron replied, "It's okay. Chubs's already your wife in all but name. A missed ceremony is just a small
regret."
"Cameron, I need a favor," Nathan said.
"What is it?"
"Don't let Yale win the election."
swho
Cameron turned to Nathan, shocked and confused. "You mean Yale Xander, Lilian's husband?"
"Yeah. He's likely Oliver."
"Damn. That changes things."
Chapter 646
Chapter 646
On the third day of Fenna's hospital stay, Lillian arrived at Hoffis Manor. With Nathan away on official duties, Zach took on the role of host.
Mila had gathered fresh flowers from the greenhouse and was heading back. Approaching the garden, she spotted an unfamiliar man deep in conversation with Elio, while a nanny watching them. Intrigued, Mila moved closer. As she neared, she recognized Yale's profile. Her heart raced, her body tensing.
Setting the bouquet aside, she swiftly reached Elio, pulling him close while keeping a wary eye on Yale.
Yale paused, meeting Mila's gaze with a sly smile before standing up. Sensing the tension, the nanny inquired, "Ms. Hoffis, is everything alright?"
Handing Elio to the nanny, Mila directed firmly, "Take Elio inside. No conversations with strangers, especially not him."
The nanny hurriedly complied, taking Elio with her.
Oliver chuckled, "Isn't this a bit too much, Ms. Hoffis? We're practically friends. Why treat me like a stranger?"
Mila shot back, "How did you get in? Who let you in?"
Approaching casually, Yale said, "Remember when you kicked me? I chose not to bring it up, yet here you are, acting more stringent than I'd expect. I drove here. Any issues with that?" As he drew nearer, Mila retreated, her unease palpable. Despite being certain of his involvement in past incidents, she lacked concrete evidence. Yale was a threat surpassing any terrorist. With Nathan and Cole away, even with guards around, Mila felt vulnerable. "Robert!" she called out.
Robert quickly appeared. "Ms. Hoffis, I'm here."
"Escort him out," Mila ordered.
Just then, Lillian emerged from the house, her voice carried a sharp edge of anger. "Is this how the Hoffis family treats their guests?"
Mila turned to find Lillian, accompanied by Zach, standing at the doorway. With a look of confusion, Zach asked gently, "Chubs, what's going on?"
Though the family was cautious due
to the lack of solid evidence
connecting Yale to Oliver, they à couldn't turn away Lillian. After aft she was the daughter of Donal and Yale was a candidate in the upcoming elections.
With Lillian there, Mila felt safer since Yale wouldn't dare cause a scene in front of his wife.
With her anger in check, Mila greeted, "Ms. Kimmel, what a surprise."
Lillian's expression darkened. "It's Mrs. Xander now."
Had Lillian abandoned her family name upon marriage?
Yielding, Mila asked, "Mrs. Xander, what brings you here today?"
Taking a step closer, Lillian barely contained her anger. "I'm here for Fenna. Why was she hospitalized? Who gave you the authority?"
"Mrs. Xander, perhaps you should
get your facts straight before
confronting us. Fenna's
hospitalization was her decision, endorsed by Cameron, her legal guardian."
"Do you think I'm unaware of your tactics?"
Uninterested in a verbal sparring match, Mila asked, "So, you've come to voice your grievances?"
Closing the distance, Lillian's eyes flashed as she warned, "Have Nathan sort this out. Release Fenna.
"Otherwise, once Yale becomes
president, his first act will be to
dismiss you from the
the
institute and work with other deaders
to remove Nathan from his position."
Chapter 647
Chapter 647
Mila couldn't suppress a chuckle. Lillian seemed oblivious and vastly overestimating herself.
With graceful poise, Mila replied, "Even the President himself wouldn't dare speak so recklessly. Yale hasn't even taken office, and you're already this arrogant. Who knows what will happen if the nation is under his leadership."
Lillian, gritting her teeth, pointed at Mila, spitting out menacingly, "Wanda Hoffis, just you wait." Without a backward glance, she stormed off.
Yale cast a heated gaze at Mila for a moment and flashed a gentle smile. With that, he followed Lillian out.
Zach approached Mila, concern evident on his face. "Chubs, are you alright?"
Returning to the moment, Mila took Zach's arm with a sigh, guiding him towards the house. "Grandpa, whatever the reason, never allow Yale and Lillian in again. There's no one in Norvania Nate can't offend. We must stand our ground."
Zach smiled knowingly, proud as he responded, "Understood. With Nate supporting us from behind, we have nothing to fear."
Mila held back a smile, nodding in agreement.
As the election day drew nearer, Nathan's days became increasingly hectic.
Meanwhile, preparations for Mila's frontiers assignment resumed, picking up the pace from where they had paused.
Soon after, Mila received an appointment letter for Project 905, appointing her as the chief engineer and project advisor.
Scanning the list of project leaders, she noticed Jacob's name.
He was Fenna's classmate and leader of Team B, known for strong connections despite lacking solid expertise. His inclusion hinted at some leniency in the project's vetting process.
Due to different work schedules, Mila needed to head to the frontiers with Jasper and join Project 905 as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Nathan remained in Phoenicia, occupied until the election's conclusion.
On the eve of their departure, Mila and Nathan visited Gary and Florence, allowing them one last moment with Jasper.
In the cozy living room of the Morrison Residence, Florence cradled Jasper while Gary leaned beside her, both delighting in playful moments with Jasper. The moment was tender and intimate.
Nathan's head dipped, fingers entwined with Mila's as he softly caressed her hand. Though a smile graced his lips, a weight of reluctance burdened his heart.
They hadn't even said their goodbyes, yet the ache of separation loomed.
Mila felt the shift in his mood. Nestling into his embrace, she looked up into his striking face. His eyes were deep pools of affection.
"What's wrong?" she inquired.
Nathan's smile softened as he
pulled her closer. Paying no heed to
their parents' presence, he planted a kisson her forehead. "I hate the
thought of being away from you."
"It's just two months. After the election, you'll be with us at the frontiers." Mila assured him.
"Two months feels like an eternity," Nathan sighed.
Playfully, Mila teased, "Since when are you so clingy?"
Pretending to be affronted, Nathan quipped, "Did I annoy you?"
She shook her head with a fond smile. "Not at all. I love it when you're clingy. But you're always swamped. We hardly get time together."
"I'll find the time to visit you and Jasper," he promised.
She hummed in agreement.
"Be safe at the frontiers," Nathan said, his tone turning serious.
The mention of safety intensified Mila's worry. Leaning in, her hands pressed against his chest, her voice quivered with concern. "Nate, please, be careful when you're in Phoenicia. Oliver can be unpredictable; he fights back when threatened."
Chapter 648
Chapter 648
Nathan pressed another tender kiss on Mila's forehead. "I promise, I'll be careful," he whispered.
Duke and Layla, descending the stairs, caught this intimate exchange.
Layla's features tightened, a cloud of disapproval shadowing her face. She settled on the couch without acknowledging Jasper or greeting Gary and Florence. Her expression radiated disdain, as though nursing some grievance.
Quickly, Mila sat up straight, gently pulling away from Nathan's embrace. "Layla," she greeted with courtesy.
Duke followed behind, his smile warm and welcoming. "Nate, Chubs, you're back?"
"Yes, Duke," Nathan and Chubs replied almost simultaneously, returning his greeting.
Duke approached his parents, bending down to playfully tease Jasper, eliciting a smile.
Layla, however, shot a disdainful glance toward Mila.
"Is there something wrong with your eyes, Layla?" Nathan asked, his tone icy.
Suppressing her irritation, Layla huffed, "So protective of your wife, aren't you? Can't even bear to see her glanced at?"
Nathan's voice grew stern. "Yes, I am. I expect a change in your behavior."
The room grew tense, eyes darting between the two. Mila gently squeezed Nathan's hand and whispered, "It's okay, Nate. Let's not make it worse."
Layla scoffed, "This is who I am. If you don't want her mistreated, keep her away. I can't stand her."
Nathan's tone hardened. "Chubs has never done anything wrong to you."
Arms crossed defiantly, Layla leaned back defiantly. "So what? Do I need a reason to dislike someone?"
Gary and Florence always prioritized
harmony They often acted
according to their son and daughter-in-law's wishes. Sensing the growing discord, they quietly leave with Jasper.
Duke, known for his accommodating nature, rarely challenged Layla's assertiveness.
Nathan, however, was less tolerant. "Are you deliberately trying to provoke us?"
Duke's face clouded, sinking into the sofa with clenched fists. Layla remained silent, her expression steadfast.
Recognizing there was nothing to be
said,
"Letthan gently took Mila's h O see Daniel." He had end.
intention of engaging hand.
with
her.
Mila held back a smile, trailing Nathan as they left the room.
Pet
Layla's gaze turned icy, her eyes flickering with cold fury as she watched Nathan and Mila's close departure. The atmosphere in the living room grew heavy and tense, leaving Duke and Layla in a
suffocating silence.
Layla was still caught in her inner storm when Duke finally broke the silence, his voice soft and weary. "Perhaps we should consider divorce." She looked at him, her eyes widening with shock and anger. "Are you serious? Did I hear you correctly? You want a divorce?"
Duke had been grappling with this decision for nearly half a year. That day, he faced a painful truth.
Layla's heart had always belonged to Nathan. Beneath her apparent hostility toward Nathan lay a love that had curdled into bitterness. Layla's response was sharp and furious. "Why? You'd better have a damn good reason, or don't even think about it!"
Tears shimmered in Duke's eyes as he spoke with a bitter undertone, "Because you've always loved Nate. You've never truly loved me. "You stay by my side only because Nate was a part of this family. You are staying just for him. There's no need to continue this charade."
Chapter 649
Chapter 649
Layla fell silent, her face paling. After a moment, she calmly said, "Let's finalize the property division. I'm ready whenever." With that, she retreated upstairs with an icy expression.
Duke slumped onto the sofa, hands covering his face as tears fell silently.
In a villa embraced by maple trees, Nathan and Mila knocked gently on the door.
A maid opened it, greeting them warmly, "Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, good afternoon."
Acknowledging with nods, they stepped inside. Daniel was in the midst of a workout on the treadmill.
As they neared the gym, Mila greeted, "Hey, Daniel."
Pausing the machine, Daniel turned. "Chubs?"
With a smile, Mila responded, "Yes, it's me."
As Daniel moved toward Mila, Nathan intervened, extending his hand. When their hands met, Daniel chuckled softly, "Nate, you're here too?"
Nathan quipped, "You can tell by my hands?"
With a smirk, Daniel replied, "Every time Chubs visits, she always grabs my hand. But you, you keep me from touching your wife, seeing me as a competition." Mila barely contained her laughter.
Feeling a tad awkward, Nathan guided Daniel toward the exit. "I don't see it that way."
Daniel retorted, "You used to."
Sighing, Nathan shifted the topic, "How have you been?"
With a mischievous grin, Daniel replied, "Nice try to change the topic."
Settling down on the couch, the playful banter continued. "Didn't Chubs favor me over you when we were kids? You've held onto that grudge for years, even seeing me as
a rival."
"Had lunch yet?" Nathan tried to divert, feeling a bit embarrassed about dwelling on the past.
Not letting him off easily, Daniel teased, "Right, Chubs?"
Mila suppressed her smile. "Yeah."
Seeing Milà siding with Daniel,
Nathan's face darkened. He tried to
regain the upper hand and
questioned, "Chubs, I heard Sienna's
wedding date is set. Did you get an invite?"
sŵnovel
At this, Daniel's face paled, his tension palpable.
Mila had to stifle a laugh. These two grown men were just like children.
"No," Mila quickly clarified, not wanting to upset Daniel. "Where did you hear that?"
With a hearty laugh, Nathan said, "Must've been mistaken."
Daniel
Sghed in relief, his demeanor
softening. He smiled wryly, "Her getting married is just a matter of time. I'll have to face it eventually."
What was there to celebrate?
Chapter 650
Chapter 650
After their visit with the Morrisons, Nathan led Mila and Jasper back to Hoffis Manor. Phoebe had already packed their bags, preparing them for their departure to the frontiers the following day. After a night of tenderness, exhaustion lulled Mila to sleep, while Nathan grappled with restless thoughts, unable to find slumber. Holding Mila in his arms, he observed her serene face, a quiet unease settling within him.
Sending her and Jasper to the frontiers before the elections was crucial as a step toward settling matters with Oliver. Whether openly or covertly, lawful or otherwise, it had to be done.
With the robust security at the military base, Nathan believed it was the best choice for their safety.
The next morning, Nathan escorted Mila and Jasper onto a military aircraft. As they prepared to part, she clung to him, whispering with a heavy heart, "I'll wait for you."
Nathan tenderly caressed her cheek and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll join you soon."
Mila's eyes glistened with tears, yet she managed a brave smile, masking her apprehension.
As the plane took off, Nathan finally felt a semblance of peace settle over him.
After several hours of flight, the plane landed at a military airport near the frontiers. A military vehicle stood ready at a short distance from the base.
Holding Jasper close, with Phoebe trailing behind carrying their luggage, Mila approached the waiting vehicle.
As she neared, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the person who had come to welcome her.
Jacob greeted her warmly, "Madam, you've had a long journey."
"Jacob, why are you here?" Mila looked puzzled.
With deep respect, Jacob answered, "Mr. Morrison sent me to pick you up."
With that, he opened the vehicle's door. "Please, Madam."
Mila settled in with Jasper, and once Phoebe had stowed the luggage, she joined them in the back. Jacob set the vehicle in motion, steering away from the airport.
During their drive, curiosity got the better of Jacob. "Madam, I heard you've been appointed as the chief engineer for this mission?"
"Yes," Mila replied softly, her gaze drifting to the passing scenery.
"I never imagined that someone so young like you could be the renowned Mila, the pioneer behind hydronium research."
As Jacob uttered those words, a
wave of unease swept over Mila. Her
identity was a closely guarded
secret, known only to the highest ranks of the military group. How did he discover it? Mila figured that it was certainly not through official channels.
"Phoebe," Mila called out cautiously, "something's not right."
Reacting swiftly, Phoebe drew her gun.
Suddenly, Jacob slammed on the brakes. Phoebe and Mila with Jasper in her arms, lurched forward before being jerked back by the seat belts.
As they regained their balance, Jacob was already out of the car. Phoebe reached for the door handle to exit.
Then, several rifles aimed at them from different directions, causing Phoebe to freeze and raise her hands.
Meanwhile, on Mila's side, the car door was yanked open, revealing armed terrorists pointing their guns at her and Jasper.
Mila stepped out of the vehicle slowly and shot a glare of fury at Jacob.
"Mr. Morrison's emissary meant to fetch you," he said with a smug grin, "but I intercepted him."
Mila forced a bitter smile, feeling a profound sadness. The leader of her research team turned out to be a traitor.
No wonder the military strength of
Norvania struggled to grow. It had long been infiltrated and eroded by spies from other nations. It seemed that any scientific breakthroughs made were promptly stolen.
"Kill that woman, take Mila and the child."
Mila's face turned pale, sheer terror gripping her. As the gun aimed at Phoebe, she instinctively stepped back.
"No," Mila cried out, clutching Jasper and extending her arm to shield Phoebe, her voice trembling with fear and desperation. "Phoebe, run!"
Phoebe grasped the situation. They
wouldn't harm Mila, but they would harm her. Without hesitation, as Mila's words fell, she turned and sprinted toward the railing by the roadside.