Chapter 222


    Elliot had pulled a fast one on him, dering he’d already retrieved the items during the day.


    Without waiting for Gideon’s response, he sent another message.


    [The person you’re looking into? I’ve got a lead. I’ll hand over what I’ve found about him in a couple of


    days.]


    [Much appreciated.]


    Gideon’s confidant responded politely before turning to Gideon, “Sir, it seems we were mistaken. This


    Mr. E isn’t the assant fromst night. He had already taken what was needed during daylight.”


    Gideon frowned, puzzled. “But the spot where Allegra was found is exactly where we stored the items.


    It’s too coincidental.”


    “Well, it’s understandable. Mr. E chose that spot for its seclusion, and naturally, the attacker would seek


    a simr setting to target Allegra.”


    After a moment of contemtion, Gideon nodded. “Alright, let’s set this matter aside for now. We’ve got


    a lead on Mr. E. Make sure our assets are in order, ready to coborate with him at a moment’s notice.”


    “Understood! Oh, and Sir, the annual Bradford family ancestral tribute ising up next month.


    Traditionally, the entire Bradford family ventures into the woods for the ceremony. Given Elijah’s


    conditionst year… it nearly ended in disaster. Should we still inform him about it this year?”


    Gideon’s voice was stern, “He is the sole heir to the Bradford legacy. He’s our future. Skipping such a


    crucial family tradition is out of the question. Let him face ridicule or disdain; I don’t care. As long as


    he’s breathing, that’s all that matters. It’s also a perfect chance to knock Tarquin down a peg. What


    does hispetence matter if his son is naught but a frail shadow of a man?”


    In the following days, Jindale City was besieged by relentless rain, as if the heavens themselves


    mourned for someone.


    Elysia had fallen ill again, copsing soon after Zane’s departure. Thebination of fear, stress, and


    being caught in the rain had left her feverish for days.


    Meanwhile, Tarquin’s life had reverted to its previous routine. It was a simple existence, osciting


    between caring for Elijah at home and burying himself in work at the office.


    After his argument with Elysia, Tarquin had been in a foul mood. Elijah’s refusal to eat properly, even


    shunning the meals he prepared, only worsened his temper.


    His mood affected everyone around him.


    Tarquin was a workaholic by nature, channeling his anger into his work rather than away from it.


    Normally, the office would empty at half–past five, following Tarquin’s departure. Lately, his extended


    hours kept everyone on edge, afraid to leave before him.


    Under hismand, paperwork flew and projects progressed at breakneck speed. His team struggled


    to keep up, barely managing bathroom breaks without theirptops in tow.


    Typically, Tarquin’s bad moods neversted more than three days, meaning the staff could see an end


    to their suffering. But this time, a week had passed with no end in sight.


    Desperate, they turned to Lowell for relief, “Lowell, what’s gotten into the boss? Who’s upset him this


    time? If this keeps up, we’re all going to copse.”


    Lowell was equally concerned, empathizing with both the staff and Tarquin. He prepared Tarquin’s


    favorite coffee himself and braced himself to knock on the boss’s office door.


    Upon entering, Lowell ventured, “Tarquin, are we workingte again tonight?”