Natasha sat in front of the computer in the evening.
After a brief hesitation, she texted Thalia under the name of “Shadow Seeker.”
She asked: Where are you?
After a while, Thalia replied: What's up? I thought you'd never ask such a question since you're the famous Shadow Seeker.
Shadow Seeker: Are you still in Xyperia?
Thalia replied with a laughing emoji: As expected of Shadow Seeker. You know everything.
Shadow Seeker: You sound a little upset.
Thalia: How do you expect me to sound optimistic when I'm almost dying?
Shadow Seeker: Dying?
Thalia: Yes. I've been poisoned. I probably won't live much longer.
Shadow Seeker: I can grant you a wish.
Thalia: Really?
Shadow Seeker: Yes.
Thalia: I want to meet you.
Shadow Seeker did not reply immediately.
Thalia: Shadow Seeker, I've been looking for you for three years, and we've also been friends for three years, even though we have not met. Why can't you meet me now that you know I'm dying?
Shadow Seeker: Is that your wish?
Thalia: Yes.
Shadow Seeker: What a waste. You could have asked for a better wish.
Thalia: It's not a waste at all. Being able to see your face before dying means the world to me.
As usual, Shadow Seeker remained silent whenever she came across a remark like that.
Thalia continued texting: You said you would grant me a wish. Don't tell me you regret it.
Shadow Seeker: We can meet, but I have a condition.
Thalia: What is it?
Shadow Seeker: You must agree to my condition after the meeting.
Thalia: And that is?
Shadow Seeker: I'll need you to come with me.
Thalia: Please don't tell me you're in love with me.
Shadow Seeker: Don't overthink.
Thalia: Can you blame me? We've never met, and all of a sudden, you said you wanted to take me away.
Shadow Seeker: I'll give you some time to think about it. I'll wait for your answer.
Thalia: I'll give you my answer now. I agree.
Shadow Seeker: Are you sure you don't need to think about it first?
Thalia: What for? I'm not worried even if you plan to kill me. I'm dying anyway.
Shadow Seeker: All right, then.
Thalia: Where and when?
Shadow Seeker: I'll text you again tomorrow.
Thalia: Don't keep me waiting. I don't have much time left!
Shadow Seeker: You'll be fine.
Looking at Shadow Seeker's reply, Thalia froze for a moment. She asked: What do you mean?
Yet, Shadow Seeker stopped replying to her message.
Thalia stared at her phone screen and knew Shadow Seeker would leave her hanging. She always does this to me.
Nonetheless, she was still intrigued by Shadow Seeker's last message. What's the meaning of that?
Three years ago, Thalia had an encounter with Shadow Seeker online. Shortly after, Darknetz had tasked her with recruiting the elusive hacker. From then on, Thalia had been tirelessly searching for Shadow Seeker, but to no avail. Despite her best efforts, all she could uncover was the general location of the hacker, either in a city or a country.
On the other hand, Shadow Seeker seemed to be aware of her whereabouts all the time.
The next morning, Kenneth and Natasha departed.
Meanwhile, Benjamin was leaning against the window in his room, which happened to have a view of the direction of the garage. After he saw Kenneth and Natasha get into the car and drive away, he instantly became alert.
He hopped down from his bed and walked to Anthony's room. “Tony! Tony!”
Benjamin barged into Anthony's room when the latter was awake, lying on the bed and staring blankly at the ceiling.
Upon noticing Benjamin's presence in the room, Anthony looked over. “You forgot to knock on the door again.”
Benjamin looked at his brother. “Daddy went out with Nat.”
Anthony froze for a moment when he heard that. He immediately turned his gaze to Benjamin. “Why do you sound surprised? It's nothing unusual anyway.”
“Are you not curious where they're going?” Benjamin asked.
“Where else could they...” Anthony paused right there before looking at Benjamin with his widened eyes.
“My instincts tell me Daddy and Nat are going to look for Thalia,” Benjamin deduced.
Anthony got up from the bed.
Benjamin went up and nudged him. “Now it's not the time to think about all these. Let's follow them!”
“How?” Anthony asked.
Benjamin pondered for a moment before answering, “Miguel! Let's look for Miguel!”
Anthony contemplated briefly before fishing a phone out of his pocket to give Miguel a call.
“Let's meet downstairs later. I'll get ready first,” Benjamin said.
“Ask Denise to come along,” Anthony said.
“Got it,” Benjamin responded before leaving the room.
A few minutes later, the three children got into Miguel's car.
After learning their intention after driving for some time, Miguel immediately stepped on the brake.
The three children were propelled forward by the force of the sudden braking.
Miguel glanced at them and exclaimed, “Wait—you guys are tailing Kenneth? Dave will kill me if he finds out about this!”
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