The True Lady Strikes Back novel (Cecilia and Christopher) novel Chapter 250

Chapter 250 

+5 vouchers 

Cecilia’s eyes fell on the woman’s photo. 

The photo Aiden showed her was from an ID photo. The woman’s facial attributes bore a subtle resemblance to hers, and when the woman 

adopted a serious countenance, one could reasonably assert a 50 percent similarity to Cecilia. 

Given her apparent age, the woman appeared to be approximately 25 years old. 

There existed a negligible disparity in age. When the woman applied makeup, the dissimilarity between her and Cecilia was truly minimal. Cecilia averted her gaze and addressed Aiden, saying, “Aiden, I intend to evaluate her capabilities personally. Should she fail to meet the criteria, kindly arrange for her replacement, or I shall commence the mission in person.” 

If the substitute could not defend herself, there was undoubtedly a fatal risk she was embracing. 

Aiden expressed his confidence in his men, smiling as he remarked, “While she might not outmatch you in combat, her prowess in fighting is certainly commendable.” 

“We won’t know until we test her.” 

Evan inquired, “Does this imply that I need not find a stand–in from my end?” 

Aiden responded decisively, “Your search must persist. The more 

stand–ins, the better. Concentrate on individuals hailing from the police special forces and anti–terrorism units!” 

Only candidates from these two forces possessed the requisite combat proficiency. 

“Understood. I shall bring them to you within three days,” Evan affirmed. “Try to expedite the process. Wolf Killer appears to be pressuring Charlie to return. We must stage a scenario where he successfully captures Ceci and delivers her to the organization’s headquarters for the necessary acclaim before he leaves.” 

“I’ll make the call right now.” 

Observing the lack of tasks at hand, Cecilia remarked, “I’ll head home for 

1/6 

now. I’ll prepare lunch and deliver it to you later.” 

Glancing at the clock, Aiden noted it was already eleven o’clock in the morning. 

If Ceci returned to prepare lunch at home, it would imply she would not have a moment to rest before hastening back to the hospital. 

He suggested, “Ceci, why don’t you head home, check on Christopher, and bring us dinner? You should have some rest.” 

“Okay, Aiden, I’ll take over for you and look after Grandma Elaine 

tonight. You should head back to rest,” Cecilia volunteered. 

Just as Aiden was about to protest, Cecilia fixed him with a serious gaze and preempted him, stating firmly, “Your objections are invalid.” 

“Okay, I won’t object. You should go home now.” 

Cecilia had intentionally allowed herself to be poisoned earlier, merely as a ruse to deceive Jeffrey. 

Therefore, there was no harm in her leaving the hospital as she was unscathed at this point. 

Upon her departure, Aiden promptly received a call from Elaine’s attending doctor. 

Worried that something might have happened to Elaine, he swiftly exited Evan’s room and answered the 

phone. 

“Has Grandma’s condition worsened?” Aiden inquired urgently. 

Observing Aiden’s misunderstanding, the attending doctor hastily explained, “No, Commander Shaw. Please come to my office. There’s a call waiting for you on the landline.” 

Aiden had a hunch about the caller’s identity and promptly made his way to the attending doctor’s office. 

The receiver of the landline phone lay beside it, indicating an ongoing call. 

He picked it up, feigning ignorance, and inquired, “May I know who is calling?” 

An unsettling mechanical voice echoed through the line. “I am the one who can save Mrs. Shaw,” it proclaimed. 

Aiden’s tone turned grave. “Who are you?” he demanded. 

The man evaded his question. “If you want to save Mrs. Shaw, give us Cecilia in exchange.” 

2/6 

10:27 

The True Lady Strikes Back 

“How do you propose we accomplish that? Exchange them simultaneously?” 

“You hand over Cecilia first. Once she’s in my possession, I’ll provide you with the antidote,” the voice on the other end dictated coldly. 

“Why should I trust you?” 

“You have no choice.” 

Then, the mechanical voice added mockingly, “Prolonging this conversation won’t help you pinpoint my location. Save your energy.” Aiden had indeed instructed his men to trace the phone number, but their efforts were in vain. 

The other party had disguised their IP address, scattering the traced location across the globe. 

He shifted his gaze away from the computer screen and negotiated, “I’m willing to exchange Cecilia for the antidote, but you must adhere to my conditions. Otherwise, there’s no point in discussing this further.” 

Aiden appeared to be the weaker party, led by the other, but in reality, the other party was more anxious than he was. 

In this situation, the one who succumbed to anxiety would be at a disadvantage. 

As anticipated, the other party hesitated for a few seconds and then relented. 

“Speak, Commander Shaw, what are your conditions? If they are excessive, I will have no qualms ending this negotiation.” 

“I demand evidence of your ability to save my grandmother first. Without assurance, I fear I may not only fail to rescue her but also risk losing my sister.” 

Aiden’s demands led to a moment of hesitation from the other party, who questioned skeptically, “Is it the Shaw family’s practice to allow others to sacrifice themselves to save their lives?” 

He pondered, “Cecilia was exceptionally well–protected under the Shaw family’s watch. Why would he now be willing to sacrifice her life for others?” 

Aiden’s confident chuckle resonated in the other party’s ears. “Because I’m certain I can obtain the antidote and rescue Cecilia from your hands.” 

“You will pay for your arrogance!” 

3/0 

Then, the call was disconnected. 

Aiden promptly forwarded the call recording, call logs, and location details to Cecilia. 

He was well aware of Cecilia’s exceptional hacking skills. She might find a crucial lead within this information. 

Cecilia had just emerged from the hospital basement as she had visited the restroom before leaving. 

She was not surprised to receive the information from Aiden. 

After all, she had anticipated that Wolf Killer would exploit Elaine’s poisoning to manipulate the situation. 

As it was inconvenient to trace the real IP address on her mobile phone, Cecilia devised a plan to investigate the matter further upon returning to the Shaw residence. 

Half an hour later, her car halted in front of the Shaw residence’s 

entrance. 

Upon noticing Cecilia’s return, the butler, Bruce, swiftly instructed the kitchen staff to prepare additional dishes. 

Emerging from the kitchen, he inquired, “Ms. Yancey, I have arranged for Mr. Forte to stay in the main guest room in the inner courtyard. Would you like to check on him?” 

“Have you prepared all the daily necessities for him?” 

“Yes. I’ve also told Mr. Forte to inform me if he needs anything.” 

“Okay. I’ll go check on him.” 

Upon entering the guest room, Cecilia found Christopher engaged in rehabilitation exercises. 

While his leg injury was not severe, the accumulation of past injuries posed challenges to his mobility.