In the living room of the Wyatt family villa in Rivenesco, Amara and Elisa sat opposite their Aunt Margaret. Elisa repeatedly tried to call Bianca, but received no answer.
"She's still not answering," Elisa sighed, finally giving up. "Could something have happened to Bianca?" she asked worriedly.
Margaret responded confidently, "Bianca's smart; she usually has several backup plans. I'm sure she won't be in too much trouble. Dustin is just someone the Wyatt family expelled. He lacks the means to corner Bianca. Let me contact the Winter family; they should be able to find something out."
Margaret immediately contacted the Winters. A voice on the other end said, "Miss Bianca requested some of the family's fighters, but we're unable to contact her at this time."
Margaret's face darkened. "How long ago was that?" she asked.
"She hasn't contacted us since 3 p.m. yesterday," the voice replied.
Margaret, Amara, and Elisa's faces fell. A full day had passed. Margaret angrily reprimanded the person on the phone, her concern evident.
Elisa said grimly, "Dustin is an ungrateful, treacherous man. We don't know what underhanded tricks he might have used. Bianca might have fallen into his trap."
"I'll head to Lannopolis now," Elisa declared. "I can consolidate the two forces formerly loyal to the Wyatt family. Also, a friend from Central Harbor is investigating the Aquila family matter—Dustin's involved, so I can leverage their influence." Elisa had long awaited a chance to visit Lannopolis. The Wyatt family's resurgence had attracted many smaller forces, transforming them from an insignificant Rivenesco family into one of Lovellia's top powers. She eagerly anticipated using this power to exact revenge on Dustin.
Amara nodded. "That's a good idea, Elisa. Investigate Bianca's situation in Lannopolis. And if you can, get rid of Dustin. If not, it's fine. I'll soon expand the Wyatt family's influence to Lannopolis and Grayvale. Once we control those regions, Dustin will be finished!"
Margaret added, "You'll find help in Lannopolis—a hidden asset of the Winter family." Elisa nodded.
"Aunt Margaret, Amara, don't worry," Elisa said confidently. "I'll get this done in Lannopolis. I'll bring Bianca home safe and sound."
"Dustin is no match for the Wyatt family now," Elisa declared. "Once I integrate those two factions in Lannopolis, I'll crush him like an ant!"
Feeling confident, Elisa prepared to depart for Lannopolis. After a few hours, she arrived in the city center, but instead of going directly to either of the two factions, she had her driver take her to the airport. She waited there in sunglasses for about half an hour.
At the appointed time, a group of people in black and white uniforms suddenly rushed into the airport, converging on a single spot. They quickly secured the area, barring anyone from approaching, then formed two lines, as if to welcome a very important person. Whispers rippled through the airport. Elisa grinned; she knew her contact had arrived. Soon, a man was escorted from the gate.