Chapter 1108: Someone Who Can Help

Theodore received a message, his face instantly tightening. He lowered his phone and said to Oscar, "We haven't been able to track Hannah since she left Manuel with us a week ago. Something's happened to her, I'm sure of it."

Oscar remained calm, consciously avoiding panic. "Let's go to Hannah's place in Jolencami."

They quickly left the airport, taking a taxi to Hannah's home, the villa where she'd married Doyle. Arriving at the large villa, they found it shrouded in darkness. It appeared deserted. Theodore moved to open the door, but Oscar stopped him.

"Don't," Oscar said.

Theodore was surprised.

"We shouldn't trespass," Oscar explained. "An alarm system could alert the Jolencami police, making it harder to find Hannah."

Theodore frowned, considering this. "Manuel suggested Doyle might be involved," Oscar continued. "As the prince, he could easily hide her. We need a different approach."

Theodore admired Oscar's thoughtfulness but felt frustrated by their lack of progress. "What now? We have almost no leads."

"We need help," Oscar replied calmly.

"Who?" Theodore asked eagerly. "One of the ministers? I'll check my contacts—"

"Doyle controls his ministers," Oscar interrupted.

Theodore's anger flared. He could throttle Doyle if given the chance. "We need someone else. Real Besse," Oscar emphasized. "If Doyle imprisoned Hannah because he liked her, Besse will cooperate. Doyle abandoned her."

"But where is Besse?" Theodore agreed.

"The palace," Oscar stated confidently. "Besides being Doyle's fiancée, Besse is Queen Carol's adopted daughter. Once she wakes, Carol will likely have her stay at the palace. We just need to get inside and see Besse. We'll probably learn where Doyle has hidden Hannah."

"Could Hannah be in the palace too?"

"Unlikely," Oscar said. "I doubt Queen Carol would accept Doyle abandoning Besse for Hannah. This is speculation, of course. The priority is getting into the palace tonight."

"Tonight?!" Theodore's eyes widened. They were unprepared. The potential for discovery and death loomed large.

"Yes, tonight," Oscar was resolute, unwilling to delay.

Theodore hesitated, but decided to take the risk. Oscar, the long-time leader of Northfield, rarely acted rashly. Theodore hadn't seen this decisive side of him in a long time. Despite the danger, he was willing to witness this raw, determined Oscar.

They left the villa and arrived at the sprawling, brightly lit Jolencami Palace. They needed to observe before attempting entry. They waited for over an hour.

"Theodore," Oscar began. Theodore marvelled at Oscar's strategic mind; he couldn't fathom how they could infiltrate such a heavily guarded place alone. "I've noticed vehicles entering and exiting intermittently..."

"We hijack one?"

Oscar looked at Theodore, who tightened his lips, excitement overriding caution.

"The palace carriage will return. I'll follow a departing vehicle, hide under it, and enter the palace undetected."

"What about me?"

"Cover me outside."

"What if something happens to you, and I can't see it? How can I help?" Theodore was anxious.

"Retrieve my body," Oscar stated bluntly.

"Oscar," Theodore protested.

"I'm speaking hypothetically."

"Oscar..."

"If I fail, I'll signal you. Then, reveal your identity and contact the king's chief secretary. They won't dare kill me. If I die before you call, bring my body back to Northfield."

"I want to go in with you."

"I don't want you to die with me."

"Oscar, we're brothers..."

"I need cover. You must help," Oscar said frankly.

Theodore choked back his emotions.

"Let's go," Oscar said, without hesitation. "Let's find a car."

"Okay." Theodore followed.

They purchased a car at an inflated price and circled the palace. Eventually, a car emerged. They exchanged a glance. Theodore quickly followed, maintaining a safe distance.

It was 10 PM. Traffic was light. The sedan stopped at a shopping mall. Staff opened the door for a man, followed by two bodyguards. The mall appeared cleared for high-ranking officials. After dropping off the passenger, the car returned to the parking lot. Theodore followed. As the car ahead entered, Theodore's car was stopped.

"You can't enter," a security guard declared sternly.

"Why not?"

"Royal nobles are shopping inside. No one else is permitted."