?<strong>Chapter 358:</strong>


    Before the break of dawn, Michael and Adrian set out. They had scheduled a meeting with the seller, yet such dealers were notoriously unreliable, refusing to share the location with just one party. During their travel, Adrian received a call from overseas. It came unexpectedly from Rafael.


    “I’ve heard about Lacey.”


    Adrian skipped the formalities of wondering if Rafael had been informed by Joelle. He was aware that a reunion between Rafael and Joelle was out of the question. “Yes, Michael and I are about to board an international flight.”


    Rafael said, “I’m familiar with a medical team that specializes in organ preservation due to my past work. Once you secure the heart, get in touch with me.”


    “Alright, thanks.”


    “No need. I’ll hang up now.”


    “Rafael.” Adrian stopped him. “I’m not holding any grudges. Even though Joelle and I are together, you still mean a lot to Aurora. I acknowledge that I’m not as considerate as you. If you find the time, you should visit Aurora. She misses you.”


    “Got it.”


    After Adrian and Michael had set off, Joelle made a call to Jonathan.


    “Wow, you actually called me?”


    “Wasn’t it you who sneakily added your number to my phone so that I could ask you for a favor?”


    Jonathan chuckled dismissively. “Why should I do you a favor?”


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    “You’re superstitious, right? People who live on the edge like you hold on to beliefs. You’ll settle your debts, unless you fancy getting run over the moment you step outside.”


    Jonathan paused, taking a sip of his drink. Joelle had made a valid point. He routinely consulted his spiritual advisor, and if warned of a bad sign, he would avoid leaving his house. “Fine, what do you need from me? Have you finally decided to ask me to deal with Adrian?”


    Joelle was not in the mood for jokes. “Are you familiar with the organ traffickingwork?”


    Jonathan narrowed his eyes. “I’d rmend staying away from that. It’s aplex and dangerous business with enormous risks. The lengths to which people will go for an organ are beyond your wildest imaginations.”


    Joelle responded, “Are you frightened? Don’t be. I only need you to guarantee the safety of two individuals.”


    After sheid out the details, Jonathan was quick to consent. “What measures do you expect me to take to protect them? What if they end up losing a limb or a kidney?”


    Without any hesitation, Joelle replied, “Not even a single finger. If anyone hurts them, hit back twice as hard. And if they are killed, the assant must not survive either.”


    “Alright.” Jonathan agreed without hesitation.


    Over the next two days, while Adrian and Michael were away, the skies of Illerith were consistently overcast. Though life went on as usual, there was an underlying concern for their well-being. Unaware of the specifics, Aurora noticed Joelle’s anxious demeanor and tried to lighten the mood with stories from her day.


    “Mom, today this really pretty teacher joined our kindergarten. She was so kind and gave me lots of little stars!”


    “Mm-hmm.” Joelle embraced her, kissed her hair, and stared out at the brewing storm with worry.


    Unexpectedly, Raelyn made an appearance at their home. Aurora was quite taken with Raelyn’s spirited and independent vibe. “Hello, beautifuldy!”


    Raelyn arrived with gifts, handing the biggest one to Aurora. “Sweetheart, go y with your brother. I need a moment with your mom.”


    “Okay!”


    Joelle served her a cup of coffee. “Do you need something from me?”


    “Where has Adrian gone? He’s been missing for two days. I checked, and it’s not a business trip.”


    Joelle was unfazed. She lifted her cup, a slight smile on her lips. “Are you really that worried about him?”


    “Just curious,” Raelyn said, eyeing her intently. “You don’t know where he is, do you?”


    “I do know.” Joelle told Raelyn the truth.


    Raelyn banged her hand on the table. “Reckless! How could you let him go on such a dangerous mission?”


    “I’m neither his wife nor his girlfriend. I can’t control him,” Joelle responded with a shrug.


    “But he’s the father of your daughter! Doesn’t that matter to you?” With a chuckle, Joelle adjusted her clothes, looking down. “Given that, what gives you the right to be concerned about his well-being?”


    Raelyn faltered, unable to admit that she was his mother. “I’m the one who brought him into this world. I’d worry about a stray animal’s safety, let alone his.”


    “Safety?” Joelle questioned, gazing back at her. “Do you think this is the most dangerous thing he’s faced?”


    Raelyn returned her puzzled look. Joelle exined calmly, “Like me, he lost his father early. Amara never truly cared for him, only concerned with whether he was diligent enough to take over the family business. Growing up, he was shaped to be the perfect heir for the Miller family, with no freedom. Any slip-up was severely punished. And after taking over the business? He faced endless threats and betrayals—assassination attempts, poisonings, car crashes, abductions. Can you imagine the betrayal of being turned against by his own uncle?”


    Overwhelmed, Raelyn was speechless. She was aware of Amara’s temper but had never fully grasped the severity of Adrian’s upbringing within the Miller family.


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