I''ve always walked this path alone. Never did I seek understanding from anyone, nor did I need it. Goodbye."


    With those words, he ended the call and switched off his phone.


    "Mr. Chambers... The current president of Helgen is Ms. Evadne''s Darcy. If they join forces against you, considering the government''s resources, you''ll be in a tight spot. Remember how we nearly had Darcy six feet underst time? He hasn''t forgotten, and he''s been biding his time for revenge. Now that you''re down on your luck, the presidential couple will surely seize this chance to settle both public and private scores."


    Harvey looked at the man before him, sick and weak yet standing tall with an unbroken spirit, and felt a mix of emotions. "Maybe you should consider leaving Helgen."


    "Where to, it''s all the same. If living means skulking around like a fugitive, I''d rather face death."


    He needed no one''s understanding anymore, nor did he crave Evadne''s forgiveness. If forgiveness was out of reach, then he''d be-


    The viin she''d remember for a lifetime.


    *


    After a long and winding journey, Elsie found herself back in Helgen, back to the very vi where she first met Avery, and where she once lived. Everything remained unchanged, except for her, now a shadow of her former self, scarred and heartbroken. It felt like waking from a profound dream.


    Confined to the vi, Elsie didn''t step outside for over a week. But she didn''t sit idly; she spent her days searching the vi for evidence of Avery''s crimes, hidden by Harvey. Harvey, too trusting, let her roam freely, even in his study. Yet, despite her thorough search, including hisputer, she found nothing.


    One night, after a bath, Elsie sat at her vanity,bing her long, silky ck hair.


    "Ms. Archer," a servant''s voice came from outside her door.


    Elsie''s eyes were cold. "What is it?"


    "Mr. Harvey''s returned. He wants you in the study."


    Elsie stared at her pale, fragile reflection in the mirror, her grip on theb tightening until it drew blood from her fingertips. She then slowly stood up, adjusting her robe.


    ...


    As Elsie approached the study, she heard noises of chaos inside. Her heart clenched, and she quietly pushed the door open a crack to peek inside-


    There, she saw Harvey, his white shirt stained with blood, his face too, seemingly packing valuables into arge suitcase in a panic, as if ready to flee.


    "Harv, where have you been? Why are you covered in blood?" Elsie entered, feigning concern she didn''t feel.


    Harvey''s stiff expression softened slightly at the sight of her but remained fraught with anxiety. "Tonight, I helped Mr. Chambers take care of some people."


    "Who?"


    Harvey mentioned a few names, nonchntly.


    Elsie''s eyes widened in shock. She knew these men; they were once Avery''s trusted subordinates in Helgen, who had managed his affairs after he left for Elmsworth. These underlings, ustomed to power, found it hard to ept their boss''s return, looming over them once more.


    "Since it''s done, that should be the end of it. Why are you...?"


    "Ellie, Helgen''s no longer safe. We need to leave, now!"


    Harvey reached inside his cor, pulling out a cross ne. Elsie had seen it before but was shocked to discover it concealed a tiny USB drive!


    As Harvey plugged the drive into theputer and started transferring files, Elsie watched, heart racing. Now she understood why her search had been fruitless; he''d been carrying the evidence on him all along, the epitome of caution.


    "The local police, in cooperation with Helgen''s police, are issuing a warrant for Mr. Chambers. After tonight''smotion, they''ll be on us soon."


    Breathing heavily, Harvey''s dark gaze met hers. "We need to leave, quickly. Mr. Chambers won''tst much longer!"