Chapter 464

It was late at night when Michael, of the Treasure Pavilion, awoke. He yawned repeatedly, checked the time (1:00 AM), and sighed, "Alas, he really doesn't let me sleep…" He dared not disobey His Majesty's orders, however, so he quickly rose, grabbed the key, and rushed to the Treasure Pavilion.

The wide, brightly lit streets were quiet. Weeping willows danced in the distance, their reflections shimmering on the moonlit sea. Michael drove swiftly. Soon, the Treasure Pavilion was before him.

He expertly turned the steering wheel, but as he rounded a corner, a speeding car collided with his.

"Damn…" Michael looked up from the deployed airbag, his face pale. The front of the opposing sports car was severely damaged. Fearful, he exited his vehicle to check on the driver.

As he did, a black shadow darted from an alley. The key, previously on his passenger seat, was secretly replaced.

Unaware, Michael approached the damaged sports car, only to find it empty. A brick was wedged against the accelerator—a prank.

"This is crazy," he muttered, searching for the culprit in vain. Then, remembering something, his expression changed. He raced back to his car, relieved to find his key still there. "Thank goodness," he breathed. He had no time for the accident; another urgent call arrived. He answered hastily, "Soon, I'll be there soon!"

The Treasure Pavilion was only five hundred yards away, but his damaged car forced him to walk. Despite his injured leg, he ran, yet still arrived five minutes late.

As he unlocked the door, a drunkard lurched at him, knocking the key from his hand. Michael spun around, shouting, "Go away!" The drunkard, giggling, stumbled off.

"What's going on tonight? How unlucky," Michael grumbled, retrieving his key. He successfully entered the surveillance room, activating the equipment to retrieve yesterday's footage of the blind girl. He was stunned. The screen was blank; all backups were gone.

Michael's face paled. Everything had been intact earlier. How could he report this to His Majesty?

The Azure Sea King, having waited over forty minutes, paced anxiously. His subordinates eventually reported that the Treasure Pavilion's surveillance system had been hacked. Enraged, he demanded Michael's immediate presence. The Treasure Pavilion had never experienced such a breach. He was suspicious.

Michael arrived at the palace, nearly in tears. He collapsed, revealing his injuries from the car accident. "Your Majesty, I rushed over as soon as I received the news. These injuries were caused by a car accident. I did not tamper with the equipment…"

The Azure Sea King observed Michael's abrasions and bruises. Michael was telling the truth.

"Did you lose the key?" the Azure Sea King asked.

"No, Your Majesty! But," Michael explained carefully, "I placed the key in the car. After the accident, I left the car momentarilyand a drunkard knocked it from my hand at the Pavilion's entrance. Nothing else!"

He pleaded, "Everything I said is true, Your Majesty, believe me!"

The Azure Sea King frowned. Car accident? Drunkard? Too many coincidences. He said, "I understand. Leave. Keep the key safe. Another incident like this, and you will face consequences."

"Yes, Your Majesty, thank you!" Michael profusely thanked him.

As he was leaving, the Azure Sea King asked, "Do you think that girl is blind? What does she look like?"

"She's very beautiful, exquisite, and likable," Michael replied.

"Get out," the Azure Sea King ordered.

Michael left. Silence descended. The Azure Sea King stood deep in thought. After a time, he coughed violently and collapsed. His subordinates summoned a physician.

The palace was in chaos. Over half an hour later, the Azure Sea King improved slightly. Lying in bed, he ordered, "Recall Jeremy. I have tasks for him."

Meanwhile, Morwen, in another palace, anxiously awaited news. The lack of control was unnerving. Soon, a maid announced, "Miss Xanthus, it's done. The Treasure Pavilion's information is gone."

Morwen asked, "Grandpa? Any news?"

The maid replied, "His Majesty's health is worsening. He collapsed again. AndHis Majesty secretly instructed someone to summon the Duke back."

"Jeremy?" Morwen gritted her teeth. "He wants to tell Jeremy, not me. He doesn't trust me anymore." She was not his biological granddaughter, and though she had been cherished, the lack of a blood tie was clear. But Jeremy's return could ruin her plans.

Morwen frowned. I must stop him.