Wilbur fell silent for a moment and then said, "Now is not the time to care about this. Capture Lena and investigate Belle. Both tasks need to proceed simultaneously."Frowning, Gabriel asked tentatively, "I heard that the Aspen family has a very important person. Obtaining her could mean obtaining the world. Do you suspect that Belle is that person?""That's none of your concern. And don't think that obtaining her will really mean obtaining the world. Before obtaining the world, you need to consider whether you can withstand the pressure."If obtaining her means obtaining the world, the Aspen family wouldn't have been exterminated. Not only would they have survived, but they might have already become the world's overlord."She's like a double-edged sword, with both advantages and disadvantages. She can bring great honor but also great destruction.""If that's the case, why do so many people still want to get her?""Because she represents hope. Without her, becoming the world's o
Grayson was on his way back to the company. He had just gone home and checked the surveillance footage to confirm that "Leah" from the morning was indeed Lena."What did the Fleming family say?""They asked me to search for Lena while investigating Ms. Belle. The Fleming family is still wary of you and wants me to investigate privately without alerting you."Frowning, Grayson was lost in thought.Gabriel continued, "I've temporarily suppressed Ms. Belle's situation, but people from several families have already come to Maltford. Ms. Belle will be in danger because of her identity.""I got it."After hanging up the phone, Grayson lit a cigarette.The news about the café fire was flooding the internet. Those unaware thought it was an accidental fire, but it was intentionally set by mysterious forces.Lena's café was secretive, and the fact that they received the information at midnight and located Lena's café early in the morning indicated their efficiency and capabilities.With
Belle felt regretful that she wasn't at home today to catch Lena on the spot.If she had caught her, she could have avenged Dorothy.Belle clenched her fists and asked after taking a deep breath, "We've always had guards at home. How did Lena manage to slip through and get inside?""Meredith thought she was Leah, who works in the garden, so she let her in. I'm guessing the guards also mistook her for Leah and didn't stop her.""Does she look like Leah?""She had makeup on."Hearing that, Belle remained silent. Lena was probably skilled at disguising herself, much like Belle.Previously, Dorothy mentioned that the Aspens were skilled in disguise. Every time they went out, they would change their appearance to avoid being recognized in case of any trouble."She went to our house just to steal this? What else did she do?" Belle asked."She took only this. She probably came specifically for it. I don't know why she would risk it for this.""This plant is quite rare, and I haven't
Noah's voice was solemn. "I can't figure it out either. There's no one worth suspecting."Belle was rendered speechless.Noah continued, "But it's not difficult to guess that he's a formidable person. He knows your identity and your thoughts, and he's always watching you."At the moment, he seems like a friend and not an enemy. But it's hard to say. If he really is a friend, why doesn't he show himself?"This was what Belle wanted to say as well. She felt uneasy because of this.Unable to distinguish friend from foe, she felt quite passive.What she knew for sure was that this person had been watching her all along.He was mysterious, formidable, and unwilling to reveal himself.What did he want?Belle couldn't figure it out, and her mind was in chaos.After a while, she asked Noah, "How are you doing lately?""I'm fine.""And Lovy? Is he okay?""He's fine too. Don't worry. Since I promised you, I'll take good care of him. You take care of yourself over there.""Thank you
Belle said, "There's a very powerful person by Grandpa's side. He often wears a mask and is knowledgeable about plants."Every time Grandpa discovers an unfamiliar medicinal plant, he asks the person what it is. Do you think he's the one who sent me this plant?"However, before Grayson could respond, Belle shook her head."That's impossible. It can't be him. If it were him, he wouldn't have a reason to avoid me, and Grandpa would be aware."Grayson remained silent.Suddenly, Belle's phone rang. It was Simon calling, and things were urgent."Ms. Walters, someone is causing trouble at the clinic again, bringing funeral wreaths and white candles. If this continues, our clinic will surely have to close. Are you sure we're not dealing with this?"The news about the Sylvester family bullying high school students had aroused public outrage as it was paid to be number one on the list of trending searches.There had been protesters and troublemakers sending funeral wreaths and white can
Grayson suggested, "You should ask for a high amount first, but not too high. I'm afraid the Hoffman family won't be able to afford it. Start with one million and see how it goes.""Alright."Belle began composing a message to Jamie."One million. I want it transferred within ten minutes. If not, I'll upload the video to the internet."Jamie replied, "One million? Why don't you go rob a bank?""What do you mean? You don't have the money?""I can give you the money, but not that much.""Haha! Is the Hoffman family so poor that they can't even take out a million? Such a pauper."Jamie was left with no words to say.Grayson read Belle's message and couldn't help but laugh.Jamie, who usually liked to flaunt his wealth, was being mocked as a pauper now. He was probably infuriated.Grayson suggested to Belle, "Ask him what he would do if those big shots who are currently investing in Quantum Health Clinic find out that the Hoffman family can't even afford a million."Recently, d
Belle chatted with Ginger for a while and then left.Meanwhile, Lena and Ava had found a place to stay.Lena's finger was completely broken, rendering it irreparable. She would be disabled for the rest of her life.The "ghost" who attacked her had been ruthless, leaving no room for recovery.Feeling restless, Lena couldn't help but send a message to that person."There's a mysterious person with Belle, wearing a scary mask and acting strangely. He's very skilled. Do you know who he is?"After a while, the person replied, "I do."Lena's eyes lit up. "Who is it?""I can't tell you."Lena frowned. "Why not?""No reason."Lena's frown tightened. "But I urgently need to know who he is."No response came, so she continued, "I really need that ancient medicinal plant he gave Belle. Perhaps it can alleviate the pain in my body. Without knowing his identity, I have no way to get it."The person replied, "I sympathize with you, but I'm sorry, I can't tell you."Looking at the messa
The person replied, "No need. I haven't thought about studying you."Lena's emotions suddenly surged, and tears streamed down her face. He didn't love her, and he didn't need her."Are you only helping me because you think I'm pitiful? Is there no other reason at all?"Even if there was another reason, no matter how small of a role it played, it would be better.After a while, the person finally replied, "There is."Lena quickly wiped away her tears.But before she could respond, the person continued, "But you'd better not know. The more you know, the worse it is for you. You'll be sad."Now, gather yourself and find a new place to stay. Your current location is not safe."Just as Lena finished reading the message, Ava suddenly rushed in, looking flustered."Ms. Cahill, someone has tracked us down. We need to leave quickly."Only after saying that did Ava notice the tears in Lena's eyes. She was stunned, not knowing what to say.This was the first time Ava, who had been foll
Belle playfully reached for Sixteen again. "Come here!"Sixteen barked back, seemingly firm in his stance. "I'll cry if you don't come here, okay?" Belle then held her face in her hands and pretended to cry.Sixteen immediately calmed down as it nudged Belle's hands with its paws, trying to comfort her. Belle broke character, revealing a grin. "Are you still mad at me?"Sixteen, appeased, finally got into her arms and launched into enthusiastic licks.Grayson watched the exchange with a hint of envy. "Hey, Sixteen!"Sixteen whimpered and offered Grayson a sheepish look.Belle scolded, "Why are you scolding Sixteen? You're a bad guy!"She then petted Sixteen on its head and stood up. "Let's go! We'll get something tasty to eat! Just ignore him, okay?"Grayson was left speechless. He felt defeated by the pet dog as he watched Belle and Sixteen skip and hop into the house.Meredith had already finished preparing dinner when they arrived. She put on a gentle smile as she watched Belle
After returning to the house, Ava asked, "Why did Xenia go crazy? Wasn't she fine not long ago?"Lena wiped her hands and handed the towel back to Ava. "Someone drugged her and induced hallucinations of her worst fears. She's been on the edge ever since. After all, she did commit all sorts of misdeeds." "Someone?""Belle Walters."Ava was shocked. "Why would Belle drug Xenia?"Ava and Lena had been moving from place to place, seeking a safe hideout ever since they picked up Xenia. They had only found a relatively safe place today, so Ava finally had the chance to inquire about the details.Lena shot her a look of disgust and proceeded to ignore her question.Ava dared not press further and changed the topic. "Now that Xenia's lost her mind, can we still get her to talk?"Lena continued to ignore her and went to scribble down a prescription. She had spent the entire day with Xenia in the basement but hadn't managed to extract any useful information from her. Ava sheepishly c
Meanwhile, Ginger, too, was grappling with confusion. She'd also offered Hunter money, only to be stunned into silence by the astronomical sum in his bank statement. Compared to him, she was practically penniless. The largest amount she'd ever held was a few million Gabriel had won in the lottery—a drop in the bucket compared to Hunter's wealth."Why do you think Mr. Sanders was so wealthy?" Ginger queried, seeking Gabriel's insight.Gabriel was similarly grappling with confusion and remained quiet. However, he was preoccupied with a different mystery. His mind was consumed by the deaths of Penny and Terry. He had taken time to visit the corpses and noted the peculiarity surrounding their deaths. Their autopsies revealed unusual injuries that baffled forensics.Both victims, young adults in their prime, looked as if they'd been scared to death.Aware of Hunter's ties to the Nightwalkers, Gabriel wasn't surprised by the inheritance. Compared to the wealth amassed during the Sanders f
Belle pondered aloud, "While Hunter isn't as averse to exploring tombs as Benjamin, they share a similar disposition. Otherwise, with his expertise, he could easily be making a fortune.""The Sanders ancestors might not have been saints," Grayson conceded, "but perhaps Hunter's grandfather started a positive trend. Like Benjamin, he likely tried to shield Hunter from their legacy. A truly evil man couldn't have raised such a kind son."As Benjamin grew, he remained kind-hearted despite his timidity. And now, Hunter has grown into an upright, kind, and courageous young man. His talent for exploration makes him the pride of his lineage."Belle nodded and sighed. "Money is crucial for a comfortable life today. With what Hunter has, financial worries shouldn't trouble him. He'll be well provided for."Grayson pulled her into his arms and responded, "Don't fret. While Hunter may still be in school, he's mature for his age. He can take care of himself just fine."Belle leaned onto his s
Hunter crouched by the bed, methodically clearing away the books until a single floor tile lay exposed. Prying it open revealed a dark hole just big enough for one person. Grabbing a flashlight, he squeezed through the narrow opening and emerged into a moderately sized room of perhaps about 130 square feet. Wooden boxes, weathered with age and adorned with simple designs, filled the space.Hunter made a beeline for a particular box, brushing off the dust before prying it open. The wooden box was filled to the brim with notebooks. Hunter sat down on the floor, picked up one of the books, and started reading it.This hidden chamber and its contents were discovered by a young Hunter, seemingly guided by destiny. Hunter's father, Benjamin, had buried them, driven by a desire to safeguard their knowledge from Hunter's curious gaze. Fear had gripped Benjamin after learning about the Sanders family's history, the expertise that had seemingly drawn them toward a dangerous path. He
Nora let out a long sigh. "It's fine. Just keep it with you! I don't really need the money right away or anything. Besides, an old woman like me won't be spending much in town even if I tried."Hunter stopped Nora as she was about to leave and took a wad of money from his bag. "I have 20,000 dollars right here. It's far from the actual price, but you can keep it for now. I'll pay you the rest when I can."Nora was stunned. "Where did you get so much money?""It's the money I gathered from donations for the funeral, mostly from Ms. Belle and Mr. Grayson.""Oh, that makes sense. Here I was, wondering how you managed to get such a huge amount from donations. I can tell your friends are really kind-hearted people. You should treat them just as well as they treat you, okay? Study hard and make a name for yourself, and then you'll be able to properly repay their kindness.""Yeah, I know. Anyway, the gold nugget weighs slightly over 17 ounces. So, its worth is about 37,500 dollars. I'll pay y
As the final step of the funeral, the townsfolk gathered for a meal after Benjamin's burial. After Benjamin was buried, Belle and Ginger approached Hunter, inquiring about his plans for the future. Belle expressed her desire for Hunter to stay with her and Grayson, mentioning that their house had plenty of spare rooms. The only drawback would be that it was quite the distance from his school, but they could always arrange a driver for him.Ginger also invited Hunter to stay with her and Gabriel as their house had just finished with renovations. They also had a spare room for Hunter if he were to join their house.Hunter was genuinely touched by their offers, but he still declined them both. "I'd like to stay in my school's hostel for now. I'll think about what to do next when I graduate."Belle and Ginger recognized that they couldn't sway Hunter's decision, so they ceased their attempts to pressure him into making a choice."If you run out of space for your belongings, you ca
Hunter detailed, "I recall every person who came to offer prayers for my father... However, it was during my trip to the restroom that the dogs began barking. Upon my return, I spotted some unfamiliar footprints. Without seeing anyone there, I dismissed it. But upon hearing about Penny and Terry's deaths this morning, I began to connect the dots..."Both Gabriel and Grayson were left speechless.Gabriel exchanged a glance with Grayson before turning back to Hunter. "So, you're suggesting that the stranger who came to town also visited your house to pray for your father before departing to exact revenge on Penny and Terry for Mr. Sanders' death?""Yes.""Why didn't he meet you then?""I don't know.""Any other suspects you have in mind?"Hunter shook his head. "My father and I don't have friends other than you guys. It's just the two of us for as long as I can remember.""Could it be someone else from the Sanders family?" asked Gabriel."I don't think so. I'm an only child, and
Belle, Ginger, and the rest of the group arrived at 8:00 am. They noticed the crowd alongside police cars at the entrance to the town. The two of them then squeezed through the crowd to make it to the house as soon as they could. "What happened, Hunter?"The policemen were stunned by their sudden arrival. "Who are you?""We're Hunter's friends. You can tell us about what happened."Hunter's eyes gleamed with hope as he greeted them. "Ms. Belle and Ms. Ginger!"Grayson's car stopped in front of the town alongside a truck filled with equipment for the funeral.Without Belle and Grayson's friendship, Hunter would have had to manage all the funeral arrangements alone, and he wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet Ginger.Sam remained outside to stand guard while Grayson and Gabriel entered the Sanders family's old home.The townsfolk and the police were shocked when they saw them.They didn't recognize Grayson or Gabriel, but they could tell at a glance that they were really special peo