Quentin returned to the Holland family estate, first bidding farewell to Sylvia, informing her that he would be away for a few days. He then discreetly assigned a few powerful warriors to protect her in secret.
“Sir, your flight from the southeast to Atia has been arranged,” Eileen said.
“Have you arranged covert protection for the Time Group?” Quentin asked.
“I’ve already notified our contacts in Stresall to handle it. You can rest assured as you head to Atia,” Eileen replied.
“Good. Also, have the military send people to secretly ensure the safety of Charlotte’s family.”
“Understood.”
The two then drove to the airport. Upon arrival, they were greeted personally by the chairman of the southeast airport, who quickly escorted them onto the plane.
Just before takeoff, Quentin called Charlotte.
At home, Charlotte was worried but became excited when she saw Quentin’s call.
“Hello, Charlotte. I’m on the plane now, ready to depart,” Quentin said.
“That’s good. Get some rest on the plane. I’ll be waiting for you,” Charlotte said considerately.
“I will. Have the kids come back yet?” Quentin asked about Janessa and Theo.
“The kids are asleep. Don’t worry; I’ll take good care of them,” Charlotte replied.
“That’s good. We’re about to take off. I’ll hang up now.”
“Quentin… please come back safely. I love you.”
“I will. I love you too.”
Quentin hung up and switched his phone to airplane mode. This seemed like the first time he and Charlotte had said “I love you” to each other, filling his heart with both sweetness and reluctance.
Eileen, sitting nearby, felt a pang of envy towards Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Charlotte’s face was full of worry as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She prayed for Quentin’s safe return.
Quentin’s departure dampened Charlotte’s enthusiasm for work, but given the current situation of the Time Group, she couldn’t afford to relax.
The treacherous terrain of Miao Territory was notorious for being a place where few returned from, but for Quentin and Eileen, it was merely like tigers entering deep mountains.
The plane took off in silence, soaring through the southeast night sky and arriving over Atia.
From ten thousand meters high, the Atia mountain range stretched endlessly, with rivers winding through it-a breathtaking sight.
The highest peak was Ryongyon Mountain, marking the border between Striudan and the northern territories.
Quentin and Eileen had once led Striudan soldiers in a months-long battle against northern invaders at this very mountain, earning fame and protecting Striudan’s vast lands.
The plane landed smoothly at Atia airport. Quentin and Eileen disembarked and headed outside.
“Sir, should we head directly to Miao Territory now?” Eileen asked.
“How far is Miao Territory from here?” Quentin inquired.
“I checked earlier; it’s about a hundred kilometers away.”
“Why don’t we go to the Atia war zone headquarters tonight? It’s only about thirty kilometers from here.”
“We can rest for the night and set out tomorrow,” Eileen suggested.
“Hmm, that works. We can also borrow some supplies from Caleb,” Quentin said with a knowing smile.
Eileen smiled too. She knew that Quentin had planned to borrow supplies from Caleb all along, which was why he hadn’t brought any luggage.
Borrowing was just a formality; even if they demanded it, Caleb wouldn’t dare refuse.
They immediately took a taxi to the northern war zone headquarters.
Who was Caleb? He was a legendary figure in Atia, known as the King of Atia.
He held command over Atia’s military forces and had once fought alongside Quentin against northern invaders, earning his reputation as Atia’s warlord.
In the taxi, the driver had a simple and honest look but was burly. However, his eyes gleamed with greed as he glanced at Quentin and Eileen through the rearview mirror.
“These two are dressed so well; they must be rich outsiders. Looks like I’ll hit the jackpot tonight,” Brandon thought excitedly.
“And that girl… her figure will keep me entertained for a while.”
The car drove down a dark and quiet road, rough and unlit, with only darkness ahead.
“Driver, I don’t think this is the way to the Atia war zone headquarters,” Quentin said calmly, sensing something amiss.
But did these guys really think they could pull teeth from a tiger’s mouth?
“Sir, you must be new here. This shortcut will save us half an hour,” Brandon lied smoothly.
“Oh, I see,” Quentin pretended to understand but didn’t expose Brandon’s lie, curious about what he planned next.
Brandon didn’t respond and continued driving until they reached a dark alleyway devoid of people.
The moonless night cast no light.
Brandon got out of the car, his face illuminated by the headlights, making his previously honest face look sinister and terrifying.
He walked over to Quentin’s door, forcefully opened it, and brandished a sharp knife.
“Hand over your money if you don’t want to die!”
“Otherwise, in this desolate place, who knows what might happen?”