Chapter <b>523 </b>


    33%


    “The codex is just a decoy. Our n ran into some unexpected changes. Now our only option is to rescue the hostages and make sure Zeke stays safe.”


    “Alright. Can I go with you to the site? I don’t want anything to happen to my son.”


    “We’ll see. I’ll arrange everything in advance. Just wait for my message.”


    “Thank you, Caitlin. Once I get my son back, I’ll send you a gift.”


    As Ximena stood to leave, she said this with genuine gratitude. Caitlin smiled and shook her head lightly.


    “No need for that, Ximena.”


    15


    Once Ximena had left, Caitlin returned to her desk and started nning the details of the hostage exchange scheduled for the next couple of days. Not long after, a message came through on her phone.


    [Caitlin, Pierrick and I are heading out now. We’ll see you soon. I kind of miss you. How are things on your end?]


    Reading Zeke’s message, Caitlin paused at the words “kind of miss you.” It surprised her.


    Zeke was always a reserved person. Aside from the one time he confessed his feelings face to face–after some emotional upheaval -he’d never been so direct in writing. Why would he say something like that now?


    Something didn’t feel right. She thought for a moment, then carefully crafted a reply.


    [Contact me again after yound. Stay safe.]


    At Graystone Castle, Samir looked at Caitlin’s reply with a smirk. His eyes glinted with satisfaction, as if everything was unfolding exactly as he nned.


    Before departure, he had gone to see Zorro.


    “Leader.”


    He still called Zorro that, as always. Zorro motioned him toe closer.


    When Samir approached, Zorro grasped his shoulder and looked him up and down.


    “Samir. You’ve endured a lot over the years. Once this is over, I’ll announce to the world that you’re my biological son. From now on, you can call me Father.”


    “Yes, Father. I will not fail you.”


    <i>“</i>Good. Is everything ready?”


    “All set. We’re ready to leave.”


    Zorro nodded Samir hesitated, then asked, “father, once I leave, what about Graystone/I’m worried something might happen”


    “Don’t worry The royal troops will pull back within three days, tops.”


    Zorro was confident. The people af Graystone were now marching to the capital, demanding peace in cities across the region,


    Fred wiped harvin the farthenes for for rett


    then Embe


    Kher the brief eft, fetal taft the foalf het after, Many car in the ment with four


    Zenta pare bath and spordit tak ade the that a Fugte, fstick was to make sure Zimena was edinminated


    “I then Veep me updated then the woman is Cutting don’t fall for her tricks. And remember, the coder must be verified in


    Premark from pepar tally and is to had tas unfished fasiness with Caitlin and Sebastian. Last time, Sebastian had shot ard ingered tam tas time, he nned to return the fava


    The Curry departed Zora perstinally say them off lust thinking about the codex possibly falling into his hands was enough to


    With Samm as this far, ferrick Ferking tum, and Shadow Moon Pavilion forces joining the mission, Zorro was sure Caitlin and


    in the York, the buzz around Zora’s scandals still dominated puldie gossip


    Taking Caitlin’s advice, Zimenaunched emergency Pit efforts. She announced a press conference and prepared a public apology


    She asked Zora to appear and apologize in person, but Zora t out refused.


    in Zara, a poddie apology would he like nailing herself to a pir of shame. And knowing it had been Caitlin’s idea made her even


    She saw it as Caitlin manipting her mother again, pushing her towardplete ruin


    Frustrated by her daughter’s defiance, Kimena sighed Time If you won’t apologize publicly, then I’m sending you to a moutain regen for a shanty campaign Pack up and leave today. F’ll handle things here”


    Let no guess that’s Canbus idea ton! Zora asked, eyes narrowed.


    #Is So what? She’s right we don’t act figge and shun the narrative, public opinion will destroy you Can’t you see that’s doing this <i>b </i><i>your </i>een ged!”


    Zimera used to be proud of her obedient daughter But now, all the saw was a girl whose nature was no different Boon Aurex


    hero tumper knew fever to real her daughter back from the edge


    17:54 Fri, 22 Aug


    Ximena lost her temper and pped her hard across the face.


    “You hit me?” Zora stared in disbelief.


    “Don’t you think you deserve it? I’ve done everything for you! You want to live your life in disgrace? Fine. From now on, I won’t lift a finger to help!”


    Ximena’s eyes welled with tears. Realizing she might’ve pushed too far, Zora dialed down her attitude. She needed her mother if she wanted to survive this.


    “Sorry, Mom. Please don’t be mad. I’ll go. I’ll do the charity event.”


    And just like that, Zora departed for the mountains. The charity work was just a cover–what she really needed was toy low while the scandal cooled down.


    With Zora gone, Ximena hosted the press conference alone.


    She apologized publicly on her daughter’s behalf regarding the fashionpetition scandal, stating she would ensure her daughter was properly disciplined moving forward.


    As for the rumor about Zora and Connor, Ximena called it pure fabrication and announced legal action against those spreading it.


    Behind the scenes, she personally visited the Xenos estate, offering gifts and an apology to Yasmin’s mother, Leah, who finally agreed to help rify things.


    After Yasmin and Connor reconciled, both of them gave statements to the press, confirming that the rumors were untrue and that nothing inappropriate had urred between Connor and Zora. Yasmin even exined it had all been a misunderstanding.


    With that, Zora’s scandals finally began to fade.


    As the storm died down, a new milestone arrived for Sebastian and Caitlin.


    Today marked one of the most important days of their lives–the day they had chosen, down to the hour, to officially remarry