Chapter 1055:
Agreeing meant he would have to step into a potentially hazardous area himself.
“Who is their designated senior commander?” Brad asked.
“Their Navy Chief—Admiral Darryl Barton. He’s a formidable figure, known for his strict and uncompromising stance,” Elliot replied.
Bringing the senior commanders from both sides into such a sensitive maritime area was a move loaded with enormous stakes—and equally enormous risk.
“Send them this,” Brad finally said, his voice calm but firm. “The first condition is non-negotiable. Our construction in our own waters is completely legal and doesn’t breach any treaty. Regarding the second, inform them I will personally visit the incident site and participate in the investigation.”
He turned to Brock. “Develop a comprehensive safety and contingency plan. Zero gaps, not a single one. We’ll deploy our own survey ship. And our escort fleet stays close enough to respond the moment we call, always within reach.”
“Understood, sir!” Brock straightened sharply, taking the order without hesitation.
𝖱o𝗆𝖺𝗇с𝖾 𝗇𝘰v𝘦l𝘴 o𝗇 𝗴аln𝘰𝘃e𝗅𝗌.𝘤𝗈𝗆
Elliot let out a quiet breath, some tension easing from his shoulders, though worry still lingered in his eyes. “Admiral Morgan, what if they refuse the terms?”
“They won’t,” Brad said with steady certainty. “They’ll agree.”
At the same time, the Owen family and Carter were already quite prominent. Because of Rylie’s upcoming overseas journey, Felix secretly used substantial funds to acquire a private jet. Its maintenance and upkeep were entrusted to Deandre, and additional security was arranged to ensure her travels were safe.
Rylie welcomed her brothers’ care and protection with genuine warmth.
Before leaving, she reviewed an autopsy report sent by the prosecutor’s office.
The findings revealed that among the women’s remains recovered in Malvren, one young girl—confirmed by genetic testing—was indeed Lucilla’s daughter. If the Owen family decided not to claim the body, the girl would soon be cremated and placed in a small urn in the burial chamber.
Rylie had taken Lucilla to Seth for a psychological evaluation, which confirmed she was in relatively stable condition. After weighing the situation, Rylie chose to take her in. Lucilla deserved the chance to see her daughter one final time.
As they prepared to leave, Lucilla still radiated cheer. “Sweetheart, are you spoiling me with new clothes again?”
Rylie took her hand gently, offering a warm smile. “Do you like them?”
Lucilla nodded eagerly. “I love them, but making money isn’t easy. You don’t have to keep buying things for me.”
Rylie’s eyes softened, carrying unspoken depth. “Okay. Why don’t you go on to the car first? I’ll be there in a moment.”
Selah fell into step beside her, eyes flicking toward Lucilla, who waved cheerfully from the car. “Rylie, I think this is for the best. She has you as her daughter to bring her joy… and you have her too.”
Even without words, everyone could see how devoted Rylie was to Lucilla. She prepared medicine to keep her healthy, took her out for shopping and small outings, and always found ways to bring her new clothes. Her love and attention were woven into the tiniest details of daily life.
.
.
.