After sending the text, Juniper put her phone down, slipped out of bed, and walked out onto the balcony of the magnificent, mysterious Gothic-style hotel.


    Given the Sigma Network leader''s cautious nature, he would undoubtedly choose the most secure location avable. And in this hotel, that meant one of the presidential suites on the top floor.


    There were dozens of them, and he certainly wouldn''t be registered under his real name. It would take some time to track him down.


    "What are you thinking about?" A robe was suddenly draped over her shoulders. Shanley hade up behind her, his gaze soft as he watched her.


    “Nothing,” Juniper replied coolly. Just a few homicidal thoughts, that''s all.


    "Let''s go down for breakfast. We need to head to the conference hall soon," Shanley said, gently taking her hand. "I had them prepare your favorite dishes."


    "Okay." Juniper''s fingers curled, returning his grasp.


    Shanley''s eyes lit up, a proud smile spreading across his face. He could feel her slowly letting him in, step by step.


    "What are you looking at? I''m going to get ready," she said, noticing his expression. She pulled her hand away, a little flustered, and walked back into the room.


    Shanley chuckled softly, the adoration in his eyes lingering like a thick fog.


    Just as the bathroom door clicked shut, his phone rang. "Hello."


    "Boss," Flint''s voice was tense and urgent. "We think ''Specter,'' the head of Subterra Vanguard, is here in Moralia Country."


    "What?" Shanley''s expression turned to ice, his fingers tightening around the phone.


    "Our intelligence unit just intercepted a satellite signal from Binary Oracle," Flint reported respectfully. "Not only is Specter in the country, but their.st known location was this very hotel."


    This hotel? A chill radiated from Shanley, and his voice dropped, low and cold. "Find out which room. Specter is in. What the hell is that old guy doing in Moralia Country?"


    "It doesn''t seem like Specter is here for us," Flint continued. "Knowing Specter''s personality, he would never stay under the same roof as anyone from Sigma Network the knew you were here, he would''vee at you with guns zing by now."


    Flint paused, then suggested, "Boss, it looks like Specter doesn''t know you''re here. This is the perfect chance to eliminate him."


    Once he was gone, Australis would naturally fall into Sigma Network''s hands, and the boss would have one less threat to worry about.


    "Investigate," Shanley agreed. He had been putting up with Specter for years. "Pinpoint his location. After I handle Dr. Houston''s situation, we''ll deal with him."


    First and foremost, he needed to make sure Juniper was safe. He couldn''t let Specter find out about her, let alone harm her.


    "Yes, boss," Flint responded dutifully. "Don''t worry, we have our people in the hotel. We''ll guarantee Ms. Payne''s safety."


    "Flint," Shanley''s eyes narrowed, his voice a low drawl, "Well done. You''re getting a raise when we get back."


    A raise? Was it because he mentioned protecting Ms. Payne? She really was his lucky charm!


    "Thank you, Ms. Payne! Thank you, boss!" Flint was ecstatic, his voice now brimming with even more enthusiasm.


    ...


    After breakfast, Shanley''s group took a private car to Mosby Axis, where the Global Medical Alliance Association was holding its member selection conference.