Archie quickly understood and responded, “Got it.” The other party remained silent. Just as the call was about to end, Archie said, “Mr. Carrell, don’t forget our agreement. You promised me… you’d better not go back on your word.”
“Of course,” the man replied with a faint laugh, his tone ambiguous. “You missed such a great opportunity in the rainforest. I hope you don’t disappoint me again this time.”
Archie echoed, “Of course.” The call ended.
Johanna, who had listened to the entire conversation, felt her heart race. “Archie, you’re not thinking of…”
Archie smiled slightly, stroking her hair. “Mr. Russell has been poisoned, blinded, and is now in a coma. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we can’t afford to miss! As long as Stephan dies, Imogen will be the only one left in the Russell family. She’s utterly devoted to me and has just given birth to my son. With this bond, the Russell family will eventually fall into my hands! Johanna, I’ve waited too long for this day. I won’t wait any longer.”
Archie’s ambition burned brightly in his eyes; his expression radiated absolute determination. Johanna felt her blood surge, her whole body thrilling with excitement. She nodded fervently. “Alright! No matter what you do, I’ll stand by your side!”
“That’s my girl.” Archie pinched her cheek and leaned closer, grinning wickedly. “In that case, let’s go again. Wouldn’t want you sulking later, would we?”
“Oh, you’re terrible…” Johanna blushed and pushed him away.
But as their eyes met, it was as though drops of water had fallen into a sizzling hot pan. In an instant, the heat boiled over, burning away all reason. Their presence filled the small apartment.
The man Archie called “Mr. Carrell” was Pete.
The night was still and cloudless, the bright moonlight illuminating the surroundings. The stars sparkled against the clear sky. Pete’s room was dark, lit only by the moonlight pouring through the open floor-to-ceiling windows. The silvery glow stretched across the windowsill, casting faint shadows.
He poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and murmured with a smile, “Good tea. Care for a cup, sir?”
Opposite him sat a figure in a black robe, completely concealing his face. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse and grating, harsh enough to make ears ache.
“No need. I’m not here for tea. Time is running out. I still need four more people. You need to find them for me quickly.”
The robed man stood to leave. A string of black bronze bells at his waist jingled softly, the sound muted as if the bells were sealed. Only a dull clinking was audible.
Pete set down his teacup and looked out the window. The robed figure melted into the night, disappearing instantly. Pete clicked his tongue. Picking up a small slip of paper from the table, he held it between his fingers. Written on it were four sets of numbers—the birthdates of four individuals, accurate to the minute. He glanced at the note before tossing it to a subordinate, instructing casually, “Find the four people based on these birthdays. Make sure to clean up any loose ends.”
“Yes, sir.”