Chapter 137

Phoebe checked and found that Sienna and this number had been contacted since Phoebe left the Jenkins residence. From their conversation, it was clear that they would use one number for a while before the man switched to a new one. Previously, they had been using a different number to stay in touch.

After Phoebe left the Jenkins residence, Sienna sent a message to inform the man. The man wanted Sienna to stir up tensions between the members of the Jenkins family and Phoebe, making sure they did not care too much about her or hold her in high regard. After finishing her variety show appearance, Sienna messaged him again, saying she had noticed a shift in the Jenkins family’s attitude toward Phoebe. The man then instructed Sienna to find a way to bring Phoebe back to the Jenkins residence and continue driving a wedge between her and the family members, ideally to the point where they would completely cast her out. He also told Sienna to keep a close watch on Phoebe and ensure that she did not gain popularity in the entertainment industry.

The moment Sienna experienced pain from Phoebe’s supposed evil energy, she reported it to the man right away. The man told her to endure it, saying that he would arrange for Elliot to personally invite a horoscope reader to deal with it. Phoebe herself had been targeted with evil energy before. The man also ordered Sienna to assist the horoscope reader in getting a hold of Leon’s blood, preferably along with Frank’s.

Then came the messages they had exchanged today. The man’s phone had no saved contacts. Every text was sent to or from direct phone numbers. The rest of the messages mostly revolved around coordinating tasks for a few horoscope readers. Since he frequently changed phone numbers, there were not many messages stored, and the information was incomplete. Phoebe planted a virus in the man’s phone. As long as he continued using this device, even if he changed numbers, she would receive an alert whenever there was any activity.

From their texts, it was obvious that both Sienna and this man were working against Phoebe. Judging by what Sienna had done, it was highly likely that many of her actions had been orchestrated, or at least influenced, by this man.

Phoebe was curious about who he was. Was it Soren, or was it someone else entirely? This was something she needed to be extra cautious about.

The next morning, during breakfast, Phoebe asked Brenda, “What kind of person do you think Soren is, based on your interactions with him?”

Brenda responded, “I haven’t spent much time with him. Every time Ophelia treated us badly, he would step in and play the good guy.”

“He always acted friendly toward me and Reece, like a caring older brother, checking in on us from time to time. But I always felt like he was fake. And in the end, he was the one who benefited the most.”

She continued, “I mean, he does look decent. He wears these gold-rimmed glasses and comes off as refined and gentlemanly, like a charming, well-mannered man. But honestly, I think he’s a total scumbag.”

Brenda was not saying this just because she disliked Soren; she truly found him insincere and calculating.

Phoebe pressed on, “Does he know anything about horoscopes?”

Brenda shook her head. “Not that I’ve ever heard of.”

Phoebe asked another question, “When Ophelia goes antique shopping, does he go with her?”

Brenda thought for a moment before answering. “From what I remember, he doesn’t. Every time Ophelia went, she dragged my dad along to pay for everything. Soren never really showed any interest in that stuff. His focus has always been on the company.”

Phoebe rested her chin on her hand. “From what Ophelia said, she doesn’t have any horoscope artifacts herself, which is why she came to you for one. You refused, and when your dad couldn’t get it for her either, she had Reece ask you instead.”

She continued, “So then, what happened to all the antiques she’s bought before? Some had auspicious energy, some had evil energy, where did they…”

Brenda had not considered this before. “That’s a good point. Where did all those antiques go? Could it be that her lover is a horoscope reader?”

She then added, “No wonder she was more interested in the antiques I had than in my company shares. She wanted them even more. Maybe they were meant for her lover.”

Phoebe nodded. “That is possible.”

With a deep, thoughtful gaze, she said, “I keep feeling like someone is playing a massive game of chess behind the scenes, and we are on the board.”

Brenda took a deep breath. “Then we need to be the ones who step off the board. I will keep looking into who Ophelia gave those things to.”

She thought for a moment and then said, “When you go to that variety show next week, I will move back home.”

After considering it, Brenda felt that if she really wanted to get to the bottom of this, she had to go in person. That meant returning home.

Phoebe nodded. “Alright, I will draw a Protective Talisman for you. Wear it around your neck, and never take off the beads on your wrist.”

Both Ophelia and Soren were hiding secrets. If Brenda did not step out of this game on her own, she could be in serious danger. Taking the initiative was a strategy.

For some reason, Brenda had a strong feeling that in the timeline before Phoebe’s time travel, after Phoebe died, things did not end well for Brenda.

Brenda nodded. “Alright.” Then she added, “I will not go to the studio this morning. I have lunch plans with my dad.”

Phoebe acknowledged with a nod. “Okay. When you have lunch with your dad, do not forget to turn on the interference software I installed on your phone. That way, if there are hidden cameras or wiretaps, they will be disrupted and unable to function.”

Brenda chuckled. “If you had not reminded me, I would have completely forgotten about it. I will turn it on now, so I do not get distracted and forget later.”

Brenda took out her phone and activated the interference software. Since the conversation she was about to have with her father was highly confidential, she had to ensure no one could eavesdrop.

After breakfast, Phoebe left for work, while Brenda focused on investment planning for the studio. As the scheduled meeting time approached, Brenda shut down her computer and drove to the restaurant her father had chosen.

When she arrived at the private dining room, Finnian was already there. Finnian was nearing fifty, yet he looked remarkably young. His handsome features carried an air of refinement, and the confidence of a successful man who had weathered the years only added to his charm.

With a smile, he waved at Brenda. “Hi, Brenda, you are here.”

Brenda walked over and sat beside Finnian. “Dad, have you ordered the food yet?”

Finnian handed her his phone. “I did. Take a look and if you want to add anything.”

Brenda glanced at the order, her face lighting up with a genuine smile. “No need. These are all my favorites.”

Small details like this showed that Finnian did care about them. Finnian took back the phone and confirmed the order.

Brenda then asked, “Dad, what kind of food does Soren like?”

Finnian hesitated for a moment. “Why are you suddenly asking about that?”

Brenda replied, “Just a little curious.”

Finnian thought for a moment before saying, “I cannot quite remember.”

Brenda looked at him steadily. “Dad, it seems like your affection for Soren is only on the surface.”

Finnian was a sharp man. He caught the underlying meaning in Brenda’s words and quickly formed a guess. He smiled and asked, “What are you trying to say?”

Before Brenda could respond, he added, “Be mindful of what you say in a place like this.”

Brenda took out her phone and pointed to the screen. “It is fine. I already turned on the interference software. Rest assured, our conversation is completely secure.”

Finnian raised an eyebrow. “Brenda, since when did you start paying attention to these kinds of details?” Brenda had always been the carefree type, not someone who would normally take such precautions.

Brenda did not hide the truth. “Pheebs installed it for me and reminded me to use it.”

Finnian removed his cufflink and placed it next to Brenda’s phone. Watching the interference waves fluctuate on the screen, he confirmed that the software was indeed working. Feeling reassured, he finally said, “Pheebs is a bright and capable girl. It is a shame that Reece let her slip away.”