Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 706

Their network blanketed every corner of Aethelgard, meaning that as soon as a location was dropped, their trackers were there in an instant. Frankly, they were far more efficient than the authorities.

Because of this, Mira trusted their judgment much more than she trusted Celine's parents' assumptions.

"Keep an eye on him," she texted back.

Right at that moment, Sterling and Valerie arrived. They brought a dozen bodyguards and several massive suitcases.

Mira knew exactly what was inside: mountains of cash.

"Sterling, Valerie, while you were en route, I hacked into your phone systems. If the kidnappers call again, I can pinpoint their location. Just remember, you'll need to burn these numbers once this is over."

"Thank you, Mira. I knew we could count on you," Valerie sobbed, wiping her tears.

"And thank you, Elara, Harvey, and Liora. Words can't express how grateful we are that you rushed over to help."

"Valerie, I also contacted a local friend with a team of elite trackers. Once we get a ping, his people can search for Celine from the shadows."

"Thank you. I can't believe you've only been in Aethelgard for two months and you already have such a vast network. You've done so much for us already; we will gladly cover all their operational costs."

"Let's not worry about money right now. Finding Celine is the only thing that matters."

"Sterling, do you think we should involve the police?" Mira asked.

"Not yet. Celine's safety comes first. We've already prepared the ransom."

In other words, they were more than willing to pay ten million dollars to get Celine back rather than risk complicating things with law enforcement.

"If you end up needing more muscle, call me," Harvey whispered to Mira before leaving.

"I will," Mira replied.

She knew the Rivers family had their own hidden influence in Aethelgard, but he wouldn't expose it unless absolutely necessary. He was mostly just trying to earn a favor from her.

As the night dragged on, sleep was impossible. Unable to keep her eyes open, Mira eventually slumped over the desk for a brief nap.

Liora curled up in the corner of the sofa, stubbornly fighting off sleep until exhaustion finally won. "Mira, promise you'll wake me if there's any news," she mumbled before passing out.

Celine's parents refused to sleep, and the two university officials were too anxious to rest. "You two should sleep in shifts," Mira advised the officials. "Otherwise, you'll be dead on your feet by the early hours. Sterling, you and Valerie should try to lie down for a bit, too."

But how could Celine's parents possibly sleep?