“Newell, there’s something else…”

Cedric gripped the steering wheel, looking a little uneasy. After hesitating, he finally spoke up. “Your dad mentioned your engagement to Marcia again. He wants you to come home when you can, so both families can talk about the wedding.”

The car fell silent.

The marriage between the two families had been set up more than twenty years ago. There weren’t many big families on the Isle of Veil, but the Hawk family and the Churchill family were at the top. An alliance through marriage was the best way to keep their power solid. Everyone on the island saw it as a done deal—the perfect match.

Newell didn’t say anything, and Cedric thought maybe he hadn’t heard. He swallowed, his nerves obvious, and tried again. “Newell, Marcia’s asked to see you so many times. Maybe you could—”

“Maybe I could what?” Newell cut him off, his voice icy cold. There was a chill in his eyes. “If you care that much, why don’t you marry her yourself?”

Cedric’s face went pale. “I wouldn’t dare!”

Honestly, he didn’t get it at all. Newell knew that Nine was the real heir to the Hawk family. If that ever got out, with Allanson’s obsession with bloodlines, he would definitely try to match the two of them up. Newell would agree in a heartbeat, and if the two teamed up, nobody could stop them. Not just the Isle of Veil—even other countries and continents wouldn’t stand a chance.

Marcia was smart, sure, but compared to Nine, she just didn’t measure up. No wonder Newell had zero interest in her.

“Then keep your mouth shut,” Newell muttered, throwing Cedric a cold glare. He leaned back in his seat, finally relaxing a little, though his eyes grew darker. “Is tomorrow’s flight all set? No surprises?”

“Yes,” Cedric replied, sounding extra respectful.

“Since we know Mrs. W is in Cabinda, speed things up and get the information.” Newell closed his eyes, exhaustion written all over his face. He had to find a cure before Nine turned twenty.

...

The next morning.

After a night of heavy rain, the Isle of Veil looked fresh and clean. Sunlight poured down, and it felt like a brand new day.

Anthony walked out of the hotel, suitcase in his left hand, holding tight to Charlotte with his right.

Adonis was waiting out front with the car ready to go.

As soon as they appeared, Jackson hurried over to open the car door with a little bow. “Charlotte. Anthony.”

Anthony nodded and handed the suitcase to Hans, then helped Charlotte into the car. They headed straight for the hotel’s private runway.

Buying the hotel had been all about that private airstrip. He had his own plane, and Lottie’s mentor had already mapped out their route. Leaving the Isle of Veil was going to be smooth and easy.

Five minutes later, their plane took off without a hitch, gliding right past Aloys’s blockade.

Looking out the window at the mysterious island surrounded by ocean, Charlotte’s eyes turned a little somber.

“Try to eat something,” Anthony said softly, reaching over to ruffle her hair. “Are we heading to Cabinda or Solenia?”

Charlotte turned to glance at him, then leaned against his chest, her voice muffled. “Cabinda.” If she went back to Solenia now, her mom would definitely get suspicious.

“Alright.”

Seeing how tired she was, Anthony pushed the food tray aside and draped a blanket over her. “Get some sleep. I’m right here.”

...

Back on the Isle of Veil.

Aloys sat in the genetics lab, his face stormy as he spoke with G2.

A subordinate burst in, clearly panicked. He leaned over and whispered something in Aloys’s ear. The moment Aloys heard it, his eyes went cold with rage.

“You can’t even catch one girl? Why do I keep useless people like you around?” Aloys snatched up a water glass and hurled it across the room, his anger boiling over. “Get out!”