Chapter 464 The Spider’s Web
Because she had earned the trust of Benedict and Wesley, Tilda now had clearance to use Cetherland’s top-level database.
She ran the search across both systems, tracing the source of the strange audio clip.
“It looks like the people watching you are no small players. Even their reports are handled in secret. But too bad for them… Anyone who targeted the Queen of the Dark Web was doomed. Like a fly that had fallen into a spider’s web–wrapped tight in the silk before it even knew it was caught. There was no escape. The real danger was Tilda’s identity as Queen would be exposed. But now she wasn’t fighting alone anymore. She had officially joined Cetherland’s Cyber Security Center, which meant she had the protection of the government. It was a lot safer than the days when she worked solo.
Soon, the database search was complete.
When Tilda saw the result, her eyes narrowed, sharp and dangerous.
Andy asked, “This is the fifth-ranked killer group on the Dark Web–Skin? Tilda, did someone on the Dark Web figure out who you really are and send Skin to hunt you down?”
“Too little information to be sure. But honestly, do they think this is enough? They’re underestimating me. They know who I am and only send the fifth-ranked group after me?” Tilda gave a cold laugh. She had kept a low profile on the Dark Web for too long. Did they really think just anyone could take her out?
“Andy, I need a favor.”
“I know. It’s about Una’s safety, right? Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”
Tilda stood and moved past him to the window, her eyes dark as the night outside.
“Una is too innocent. She shouldn’t be dragged into this mess. Jeselton is dangerous now. Send her back to Slosa. I’ll have Comet Squad protect her on the way.”
Andy agreed right away. “I’ll take care of it. My team isn’t weak. Like you said, sending just the fifth-ranked killers to block us? What a joke.” He pulled out his phone and began setting up the arrangements for tomorrow.
Tonight would be a sleepless one for Tilda. But at least she now knew which group was behind this. Once she broke into their servers, she could uncover the real reason they were after her. Groups like Skin always recorded their deals and payments. If her identity as Queen had really leaked, their database would definitely show it.
Meanwhile, Darell’s plane had just landed.
“Darell!”
The family had already gotten the news and was waiting for him at the airport.
Dragging his suitcase, Darell stepped out alone. Russell and the others hurried to meet him.
Blair scolded gently. “Why are you coming out by yourself? No bodyguards at all? You’re a superstar. What if fans mobbed you?”
“I didn’t announce my flight. No one knew. The company protects my information well,” Darell said calmly. Then, with a softer look that only family ever saw, he added, “I’ve been in this business a long time, Mom. I know how to handle myself. Don’t worry.”
Russell stepped forward, laid a hand on his son’s shoulder, and said with emotion, “It’s good enough that you’re back. We haven’t seen you for days. You’ve lost weight. Shooting on closed sets and traveling all over the world must’ve been hard on you.”
Darell smiled faintly. “It’s fine, Dad. This is the path I chose, the honor I’m chasing. No matter how tough it gets, I’ll endure. Because I know–after the struggle, when I finally get what I’ve worked for–the achievement is worth more than anything.”
Russell laughed proudly. “Well said! That’s my son.”
Darell looked past his parents toward Justin and Kayden. “Hey, guys. It’s been a while.”
“Darell!” they called out in unison.
But Darell didn’t miss the faint bruises near their eyes. They smiled, happy to see him, but the bruises told another story. Something had happened at home. Both of his younger siblings carried the weight of it.
Finally, Darell’s gaze stopped on Kyla.
Kyla seized her chance and put up her performance. “Darell, it’s really been so long. I’ve missed you so much,” she said sweetly, lowering her head like a girl waiting for affection.
Everyone else watched with warm, approving smiles, as if this moment between Darell and Kyla was the perfect family scene.
Darell almost reached out, ready to pat her head in response. But then–he remembered the dream.
In that dream, he heard Kyla’s fake, syrupy voice calling out, “Daddy! Mommy!”