E55 vouchers
Sebastian and James were still puzzling over Maxwell’s behavior. Sebastian’s tone darkened.
“Whatever his reason, if they fail to find the mastermind behind the prince’s attack, the fake identity you’re using–Esme–makes you the easiest target. They could pin it on you and arrest you at any time.”
“If that’s true, we need to get out of A Country immediately. His Majesty already urged me to leave -he doesn’t want me getting dragged into this.”
Caitlin nodded seriously.
“Seems like their king actually knows right from wrong.”.
Sebastian pressed his lips together, making a decision.
“I’ll book a flight right now. We’re flying out tonight. As for Federico, I’ll leave someone here to look after him until he’s discharged.”
“That works. Let’s just go. As for finding my mother, we can delegate that to someone else.”
Caitlin had no desire to stay in A Country any longer. The longer she remained, the stronger her sense of unease grew–like something bad was just around the corner.
Their n was quickly set. Caitlin remained at the hotel. James went to the hospital to say goodbye to Federico. Tyler and King stayed behind to continue tracking leads and ensure Federico’s safety.
Sebastian arranged a flight departing around 6 p.m. that very evening. Caitlin, still under the guise of Esme, bid farewell <i>to </i>the music troupe and boarded the ne out of A Country.
When the ne touched down at JFK in New York, the moment Caitlin’s feet hit the tarmac, she felt grounded again.
The Vanderbilt family’s car was already waiting at the terminal, Sebastian, Caitlin, and James all returned home safely. The family, relieved beyond measure, weed them warmly. The children especially ran straight into Caitlin’s arms the moment they saw her.
After the joyful reunion, Sebastian contacted Federico’s real assistant, the true Esme. She had remained in the US all along.
Concerned upon hearing <b>that </b>Federico had been hospitalized, she listened closely as Caitlin told her everything that had happened in A Country. They double–checked their stories, just in case they were ever questioned.
Esme assured her she wouldn’t slip up if she was ever approached.
That same day, Zeke arrived at the estate.
2:27 pm
“Caitlin, how did your trip to A Country go?” he asked.
55 vouchers
“Mostly smooth. I did find some leads about my mother, though… we ran into some unexpected
trouble.”
Naturally, their conversation turned to S Country.
“Now that you’ve built your ownwork here in the US, what’s the situation back at Graystone?”
Zeke’s lips curled into a light, mysterious smile.
“Let’s just say… I mailed Zorro a little gift yesterday. He should be receiving it any moment now.”
Caitlin chuckled, then grew serious again.
“And your mother? Is she out of the hospital?”
“She is. She’s living with me now. The Thompson Residence is all set. If you’re free, you should stop by.”
“I’m free today. Let’s go. Maybe I’ll notice something useful.”
Meanwhile, in Graystone.
Since Zeke’s defection, Zorro had been on edge. Furious, he had been trying to retrieve his son Samir and his mentor Pierrick–both still in Zeke’s hands.
But without leverage, he’d had no luck.
“Bring me someone!” he shouted.
“Send a team–round up every member of the Gonzales family!”
Zorro had convinced himself that Alicia had helped Zeke escape, meaning there had to be some secret alliance between the two families. Now that Alicia had gone missing, the Gonzales family had be his only bargaining chip.
But about an hourter, a subordinate rushed in.
“My Lord–The Conzales residence is empty. We searched top to bottom–everyone is gone. No
one saw them leave.”
“What?! What about the men 1 posted outside their estate?”
“They’re missing too, sir.”
Zorro’s face twisted in rage.
2:27 pm
“Damn it!”
:【<b>? </b>
<b>55 </b>vouchers
He smashed a goblet to the floor. It was only now bing clear–the Gonzales family must have been in on the escape all along. How else could they have acted so quickly, so cleanly?
They’d yed him–like a well–executed decoy tactic.
They hadn’t just taken Alicia and vanished. They’d neutralized his spies in the process.
They were openly dering war.
Still reeling from that, another servant burst into the hall.
“My Lord! A package arrived–from the United States. It’s addressed to you.”
All packages went through strict screening to ensure safety. This one passed inspection.
“Who sent it?”
“Zeke, my Lord…”
<i>The </i>room fell silent.
Zorro’s expression darkened.
“Zeke? He dares send me a package?”
That name–Zeke–had be a curse in Graystone. Zorro had already disowned him and stripped him of all titles and rank.
Still, hands trembling with unease, he motioned to the box.
“Open it. Now!”
The subordinate carefully unwrapped it.
Inside was a ck box embossed with subtle gold detailing. The moment the lid opened, a sharp gasp rang out.
“It’s… a hand–carved sculpture… of hands.”
Zorro’s blood turned to ice. He fell back into his chair, his face contorting with horror.
“Let me see it… now!”
The servant passed him the box. Inside, the sculpture was masterfully crafted, lifelike and haunting.
Zorro picked it up with shaking hands. On the bottom of the base, an inscription read:
2:27 pm
“The Hands of Samir – With Sincere Regards to the Earl”
“Ahhhhh-!!”
55 vouchers
Zorro dropped the sculpture with a cry of agony. The pain and fury on his face twisted into something monstrous. He seized a ceremonial sword from its stand and began smashing everything in sight.
The hall descended into chaos.
Servants backed away, terrified.
When he finally stopped, the sword’s tip was embedded in the floor, and Zorro was leaning on it, heaving for breath. His eyes were bloodshot.
His only son–**dead**. At the hands of Zeke, the traitor he’d once trusted.
His fury boiled over.
“GUARDS!!”
Several men rushed into the room, trembling.
“My Lord!”
Zorro’s voice was venomous.
“Send word to the Shadow Moon Pavilion. I want Zeke dead. I don’t care what it costs–KILL HIM!”
The room went silent. Then, nodding rapidly, the men scattered to carry out the order.
Zorro gripped his sword harder.
“Whoever brings me Zeke’s head–I will grant them title and fortune!”
“Yes, my Lord!”
The hall cleared quickly.
Momentster, alone and seething, Zorro suddenly coughed violently–and spat a mouthful of blc
AD