Chapter 737: The Truth
Lily texted a message. In the other room, Nathan sat at his laptop, the screen flashing a dazzling series of numbers. Alpha stood calmly beside him. Aiden whispered, “Sir, Lily just sent a text.”
Lily had been under surveillance for days, her movements restricted. “Sir,” Aiden continued, “I checked, but the number she texted doesn’t exist. It’s unusual.”
Alpha’s thin lips pursed. His gaze fixed on Nathan, who had already bypassed the phone number's security. The printer quickly produced a printout, which Nathan handed to Alpha.
“Grandfather, this shows Lily's contact history with this mysterious number.”
Aiden gasped. “Sir, she contacted this number over thirty years ago! If I recall correctly, that coincides with the Augustine family incident!” He knew the family history well, and the contact around that time was highly suspicious.
Alpha scanned the information, his eyebrows furrowing. The problem was immediately apparent. He threw the printout on the desk. “Nathan, can you locate this number? Who has been communicating with Lily for so long? I want to know!”
Nathan shook his head. “The number's been heavily processed. Forcibly locating it risks exposure.” He turned to Alpha. “They know I'm skilled at tracking; they’re prepared. Aunt Bounty is the perfect bait; we can use this to catch them.”
Alpha looked at his grandson. “Did your mother teach you this?”
“No. She only said not to panic if something happened to Aunt Bounty while she was gone. The accident is a turning point; we can use it to find the culprits.”
Alpha nodded approvingly. He’d known Olive was exceptional since meeting her in Los Angeles four years prior. “But my mom didn’t tell me how,” Nathan added. “She just said Aunt Bounty loved me most, and to protect those who love me. She left Aunt Bounty in my care and told me to wait for her return.”
Alpha frowned. However intelligent, Nathan was still a child. Olive had entrusted a great responsibility to him. Yet, a satisfied smile played on Alpha’s lips. This was the Augustine family’s eldest grandson. He knew what to do. Alpha felt assured, even thinking Elvis was luckier than he was.
“Nathan, what’s your plan?” Alpha asked.
Nathan considered it. “We don't need to act. Let them worry.”
Aiden’s eyes widened in admiration.
Alpha sipped his coffee, glancing at his watch. “It’s eight o’clock. Four hours until midnight. We haven’t heard from your mother. If she doesn’t return by midnight, Bounty is in danger.”
Aiden checked the time, too. The deadline for the golden pill Olive left behind was approaching. There had been no news from Olive in three days. Alpha had stated she wouldn't be bringing Rory back, suggesting the trip wasn't going smoothly.
Nathan looked at the clock. “Mother’s trip risks Aunt Bounty’s life. She isn’t afraid of time. Grandfather, why should we be?”
Lily tried to send another message, but it failed. What was wrong? A bad signal? Or had the mysterious person already discovered something and abandoned her? Panic surged through her. She stayed quiet, fearing Alpha would notice.
Night deepened. The hospital bell chimed eleven. Silence reigned. Lily, unable to sleep, stayed in the hospital, her unease growing.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a shadowy figure entered. Lily gasped, switching on the lamp. Scarlett stood before her.
“Mother Scarlett, why are you here?” Lily asked, surprised.
Scarlett hushed her. “What’s happening? Why no news of Bounty’s death? Why is the Augustine family being so secretive?”
Lily stared. “Mother Scarlett, who are you? Are you the…mysterious person?”