15:03 Tue, Dec 10 GB.

Chapter 248: Taking Risks

After discovering the bug, we gained a deeper understanding of Anna's tactics. We had to be more vigilant, regardless of Luke's involvement. All potential threats needed preemptive action.

Carter nodded to Damian.

“Understood. I’ll handle it.”

Ten minutes later, Luke was brought to our room. As we suspected, Anna had also planted a bug in his coat. Fortunately, Luke and I hadn't spoken during our journey; otherwise, our cover would have been blown much sooner. His first words were, "I had no idea." I believed him. "Please, have a seat."

A vacant look was in Luke's eyes; despite being in his early thirties, he carried the weariness and desolation of an old man. He looked like a walking corpse, worn down by consecutive misfortunes. I felt no sympathy for him. At least he was still alive, and people cared about him. Unlike me, back then, utterly helpless, watching my supposed loved ones ignore my disappearance. Compared to my past, he was far more fortunate. Yet, people often fail to recognize their own blessings. What seems like misfortune might actually be a stroke of luck compared to greater trials.

I broke the silence, saying, “She also bugged me right after I called her out during the contest. She’s been suspicious ever since. Luke, what brought you here today? Was it merely coincidental?”

He raised his head, took a sip of water, and answered, “I’ve been watching over you. When I noticed how terrified you were of that man, I decided to follow him after you left. I hadn’t anticipated your return.” He had always been timid, but this time he showed unexpected courage.

“Do you recognize that man?”

“Who is he?”

I explained slowly, “He is the one who stabbed me.”

Luke and Carter both turned to me. “Chloe, did you approach him?”

“Yes, Anna sent him to test me. The knife, the slaughtered chicken, the blood on the ground, the snow—he was recreating the scene of my death.”

Luke instinctively moved to embrace me, but Carter was already holding me.

“Were you frightened then?”

I clutched Carter’s wrist. “Yes, I was terrified. I used my fear of blood as an excuse to manage the situation, especially since Zoey had committed suicide before, so it made sense to be afraid of blood. But I didn’t expect that even the seemingly kind woman who helped me was working with Anna. She took the opportunity to steal my brooch and plant a bug inside it. If I hadn’t noticed, Anna probably would know my identity by now.”

Luke quickly suggested, “Let’s destroy the bug right now.”

“No,” I interrupted swiftly.

Carter added, “If we destroy the bug immediately, wouldn’t that tip her off that we know? There’s always a price to pay.”

I nodded. “Exactly. Where did she plant the bug?”

“In the lighter. She hugged me and switched it with mine. Without Damian’s inspection, we would have never known it was bugged.”

“Indeed. Anna didn’t come unprepared. We shouldn’t just destroy it. We need to use it to our advantage to clear any suspicions she might have about me. Now that we’re aware of her secret, we hold the advantage. If we play our cards right with this bug, we might just turn the tables on her.”

Luke finally understood our plan. “So, you’re planning to mislead her with false information?”

“Yes, we’ll feed her incorrect details, disorient her, and gradually draw her out.”

Carter handed over a new phone. “Use this phone to communicate with us from now on. And remember, whether publicly or privately, never refer to her as Chloe again! That’s too dangerous! Today, Anna bugged you; tomorrow, she might employ other means.”

“I get it, Uncle Carter.”

“Also, I’ll have Damian double-check everything to ensure nothing else has been compromised. Moving forward, whenever you interact with Anna or her associates, be extremely cautious. Remember, she’s not working alone; she has a team behind her.”

Luke looked frustrated. “The man responsible for Chloe’s ordeal is right here, and we’re just going to let him walk free?”

“It’s not that straightforward. If we apprehend him now, his backers might just pull back temporarily. Remember, Anna has dealings not just with the Sander residence but also with our Bolton residence. If we make a move now, what other vile strategies might they come up with?”

Carter mentioned the auto repair shop. Hearing this, Luke chimed in, “I know that place. I picked Anna up there once when her car was being serviced. I remember now! There was this tall mechanic, he was just staring right at me. Now that I think about it, that guy… it was Silas! He was staring right at me, I can’t forget that look.”

“If Silas openly gave us his name, it must be a decoy.”

Luke’s face was set with determination. “Decoy or not, their real target is the Bolton residence, not me personally. I still have some value to them; they wouldn’t risk harming me. Tomorrow, I’m going to that auto repair shop.”

Carter frowned. “Isn’t that too risky?” He always felt a strong protective instinct towards Luke.

“I’ll drive close by and feign a car breakdown, then call them to tow it. While they’re fixing it, I’ll snoop around to see if I can find the entrance to that underground basement.”

Luke looked at me with resolve, “Chloe, I want to do something for you too.” He was indeed the best choice for the mission. These past days, Carter had sent people to investigate, but they hadn’t turned up anything suspicious.

“Okay, I’ll set things up. Keep your phone on, and let us know immediately if anything goes wrong.”

“Understood.”

Carter waved his hand. “It’s getting late; you should get some rest.”

Luke gave me a long, meaningful look but remained silent, departing with a sense of solitude. At this point, he had no control over what was happening between me and Carter.

Carter pulled me into a tight embrace, “I’m sorry, I didn’t anticipate she’d be so daring. If I’d known, I would’ve kept Damian close by your side.”

“It’s not your fault. You said she came to test us, and if this tactic failed, she would have another ready. Luckily, we’re ahead of her this time.”

I met his gaze. “Are you really okay with him taking such a risk?”