"What are you saying? Absolutely not! We need to handle this quietly ourselves. We can’t make this public. If the news leaks, the investigation will fail, and it might lead to unforeseen complications." Sean quickly told the man, "Use your brain. I bet this involves higher-ups for sure."
Everyone agreed with Sean.
"I really want to meet this Byron guy," I said.
Finn immediately added, "There's a business networking party in Gerby tonight, and many local and foreign businessmen will attend. Byron should be there."
It was almost noon. If I wanted to return to Foswood by today, I needed to leave soon.
I looked at Nick, and he understood my meaning. After thinking for a moment, he said, "We should stay. I want to meet those important people in Gerby, and Arnold’s here too. We can go together."
After finalizing the plan, Finn left, saying goodbye until the evening. The rest of us went downstairs for lunch.
Later, I went to explore the malls in Gerby with Eleanor. We were planning to check out some outfits for the event tonight.
Before reaching the mall, Atlas called. I quickly answered.
I couldn’t stop smiling while talking to him. My plans had changed. I had promised to be back in Foswood today, but it seemed impossible now.
His gentle voice echoed in my ears, "What's going on? Why are you in such a good mood?"
"I can't come back tonight. You know already, right?" I knew he was pretending not to know. If Nick hadn’t reported it to him, Arnold would have.
"Yeah," he replied nonchalantly. "Looks like someone’s getting wild out there.”
I chuckled. "Not at all. This is a special situation."
"She looked emaciated, like a zombie. She used to be cheerful and animated, but now she's like this. She’s a normal person locked up in a mental institution. Imagine how helpless she must feel. I can't even bear to think about it, Atlas. Today, when we said we were leaving, she looked desperate and muttered my name.”
I choked up, and the surge of emotions I had been trying to hold back broke through.
"I’ll definitely help you save her from this ordeal. Don't worry," Atlas assured me unequivocally.
"But it’s not an easy task. To save her and give her freedom, we need to bring Byron down. It's challenging, and I...," I hesitated.
"I promised you I’d do it, and I’ll keep my promise. We can do it. Remember, as long as I'm here, there's no storm I can't shield you from, and no problem I can't solve."
I stood still for a moment, then burst into tears and laughter, surprising Eleanor, who rushed to comfort me. Before she could speak, I expressed my gratitude to Atlas over the phone, "Thank you, my dear husband."
Eleanor awkwardly moved away.
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