Theo didn't think much about it. He typed rapidly with his chubby hands on the computer keyboard, the keys clicking crisply.

"Out of billions of people, it's hard to find Eric's location with just one photo," Will said, staring at the computer and pondering for a few seconds. His round eyes lit up. "I got it."

"Got what?" Theo asked.

"Theo, I want to create a web crawler. First, I'll filter out names that aren't 'Eric Sullivan.' Then, I'll narrow the search area to find our Eric. Wouldn't that be faster?" Will explained.

Theo's eyes widened. "That'll work! You're a genius, Will! You create the crawler, and I'll keep hacking the GPS."

"Sweet."

The two boys had a clear division of labor. They were soon engrossed in their projects, racing against time.

Will's web crawler saved them considerable time and effort. Hundreds of people were named 'Eric Sullivan.' After filtering out mismatches, only a dozen remained.

They confirmed that their Eric was volunteering in a remote village in Creynia. Theo, meanwhile, located Eric's exact location and even extracted his phone number.

Will quickly dialed.

Eric dismissed the call as a prank, warning Will not to cause trouble and threatening consequences. He hung up. He decided to ignore any further calls.

As soon as Will hung up, Theo clenched his fists. "Since he didn't appreciate our polite invitation, he'll regret it!"

"What are you going to do?"

"I'll hire mercenaries to kidnap him!" Theo jumped off the sofa and started toward the door, intent on contacting someone in the underworld.

Will grabbed his arm. "Wait! Don't be rash! Forcing him might make him hostile. It's not good for Mommy!"

Theo reluctantly pursed his lips. Before he could suggest another idea, Will calmly said, "Kidnap his family. That'll give us leverage." Theo gasped.

Daryl, delivering fruit, overheard and was speechless. What a wicked idea! Ms. Reese's boys are villains! he thought, discreetly moving away from the furious boys.

Just then, Will's phone rang. He thought it was Eric, but it was Byron.

Will answered sweetly, "Good evening, Daddy."

Theo perked up his ears.

"I'm at the door. Come out now," Byron's deep voice boomed.

Will was confused. "Daddy, how did you know I'm here?" He hadn't revealed their location.

"I guessed. Five minutes." Byron hung up, allowing no reply.

Will frowned. "Daddy's strange. Why only me? He must've guessed we're all here."

Theo rubbed his chin. "Hard to say. Maybe they're fighting again. Adults call it romance."

Will thought. "I'll go with Daddy and see if he can help find Eric. If anything happens to Mommy, let me know immediately." He wanted to stay, but he couldn't be effective there. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Theo nodded. "Don't worry, I'll take care of Mommy."

Though Theo loved to eat and play pranks, Will knew he was reliable in a crisis, so he wasn't worried.

The night passed.

When Will woke to hear that Byron was taking him on an extended overseas business trip, he snapped awake. He ran downstairs in his pajamas, finding Byron at breakfast. His voice was whiny. "Daddy, I don't want to go overseas. Can we not?" Mommy's so sick. What if it worsens? How can I leave her? he thought.

Byron put down his coffee. "Reason?"

"I have school."

"Islaton Private International Kindergarten has holiday next week. Invalid reason."

Will pursed his lips. He'd forgotten the festival.

"I don't like foreign food."

"Not a problem. Mr. McDaniel always brings a chef. He enjoys Setigal's cuisine," Serena interjected, smiling at Will. "You're young. See the world. Broaden your horizons."

Will's eyelashes drooped. "Good morning, Dr. Malvis."

"Good morning," Serena offered a hand to touch his head, but he avoided it. She withdrew her hand.

Will asked Byron, "Daddy, is Dr. Malvis coming?"

"Yes," Byron replied softly. "It's her hometown."

Serena smiled broadly. "Mr. McDaniel, let me show you around and provide the best hospitality."

Byron didn't respond.

Will clenched his fists. "Daddy, I'm not going. I can stay with Mommy. We have Mr. Nelson."

"No. You're going."

"Why?"

Byron was silent. Too close to Jaylen's son isn't good. And what is Maeve's plan? Won't she worry about Will's reaction to the truth later? I'd never do what she did.

There was no arguing. Will ran to his room, locked the door, and sat on his yoga mat, his dissatisfaction clear. Mommy's sick and Daddy's going overseas with Dr. Malvis. This is infuriating!

Byron knocked repeatedly, to no avail. He turned to leave.

The butler approached, holding a phone. "Mr. McDaniel, Will's phone was found by the elevator. A call's coming in. Look." Byron stopped and glanced at the caller ID.

[Theo]