Chapter 399: Fear!!
The doctor removed the stethoscope from Hope's chest and gave the little girl another careful look.
Hope lay quietly on the hospital bed.
Her cheeks were slightly red from the fever, and she looked exhausted, but compared to when they had first arrived, she already seemed much calmer.
Elena stood beside the bed, one hand gently resting over Hope's tiny fingers.
Daniel remained near the doctor.
Miles stood slightly behind his mother, quietly watching everything.
The doctor finally smiled.
"Don't worry."
Elena immediately looked toward him.
"It's only a mild fever."
A visible wave of relief passed across Daniel's face.
The doctor continued.
"The medicine I just gave her should bring the temperature down gradually."
He looked toward Hope.
"She'll probably feel much better by morning."
Elena exhaled slowly.
"So she doesn't need to stay here?"
"No."
The doctor shook his head.
"You can take her home."
He began writing something on the prescription sheet.
"Keep her hydrated."
"Let her rest properly."
"If she's feeling uncomfortable, use a damp cloth with lukewarm water on her forehead."
Elena nodded carefully, remembering every instruction.
"It should ease some of her discomfort."
The doctor tore the prescription from the pad.
"I'll also prescribe a few medicines."
He handed it to Daniel.
"Nothing complicated."
Daniel accepted it with both hands.
"Thank you, Doctor."
"Of course."
The doctor smiled toward Hope.
"Take care of the little one."
Then he walked away.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Elena simply stood beside Hope.
Her shoulders, which had remained tense since they rushed out of Pearl Villa, finally relaxed.
Daniel looked toward her.
"I'll get the medicines."
Elena nodded.
"Alright."
Daniel glanced at Miles.
"Stay with them."
"Yes."
Daniel walked toward the pharmacy section.
Miles looked at his mother.
"She'll be alright, Mom."
Elena nodded.
"I know."
Then suddenly...
A tear rolled down her cheek.
Miles' expression changed.
"Mom?"
Elena immediately turned her face slightly away.
Miles stepped closer.
"She'll be alright."
Another tear appeared.
"Mom."
Elena wiped her eyes quickly.
"Thank you."
Miles frowned.
"What happened?"
Elena shook her head.
"Nothing."
But Miles simply stared at her.
Elena knew that look.
She sighed.
"Just..."
Her eyes moved toward Hope.
"An old memory came back."
Miles remained silent.
Elena gently stroked Hope's hair.
"The last time Asher had a fever..."
Her voice became quieter.
"I couldn't even take him to a hospital."
Miles' expression changed.
Elena continued.
" Daniel was in a coma then."
Her fingers trembled slightly.
"There were medical bills everywhere."
"Rent."
"Food."
"Medicine."
"I had almost no money."
Miles' jaw tightened.
Elena smiled bitterly.
"Asher became sick."
"He was burning up just like this."
She swallowed.
"And I got so scared."
Miles said nothing.
"I kept checking his temperature."
"I didn't know whether it was serious."
Her voice broke slightly.
"I remember sitting beside him all night with a wet cloth."
Miles slowly placed a hand on her shoulder.
Elena looked toward him.
"Mom."
Her eyes met his.
"I'm here now."
Elena's lips trembled.
Miles continued gently.
"You'll never have to face something like that again."
The words were simple.
But Elena understood everything behind them.
A son who had returned after seventeen years.
Elena suddenly leaned toward him.
Miles opened his arms.
She rested her head against his shoulder.
"Thank you for coming back."
Miles' eyes softened.
Elena closed her eyes.
"The more I think about it..."
She tightened her arms slightly around him.
"I don't know how we would have lived if you hadn't returned."
Miles gently patted her back.
"Don't think about that."
He looked toward Hope.
"We're together now."
Elena remained against him for another moment.
Miles smiled.
"Let's go home, Mom."
Before Elena could respond, a familiar voice came from behind them.
"Hmm?"
They turned.
Daniel had returned with a small pharmacy bag in his hand.
He stared at Elena hugging Miles.
Then placed one hand dramatically over his chest.
"Only the son gets a hug?"
Elena immediately laughed through her tears.
Miles shook his head.
Daniel walked closer.
"That's discrimination."
Elena wiped her eyes.
"Let's go home."
Daniel smiled.
"That's better."
He carefully lifted Hope into his arms.
The little girl instinctively rested her head against his shoulder.
Daniel adjusted the blanket around her.
"I'll carry her."
Miles nodded.
"I'll bring the car around."
He walked ahead.
...
The ride back to Pearl Villa was quiet.
Miles drove.
Daniel sat beside him.
Elena remained in the back seat with Hope held against her chest.
Even though Hope was sleeping peacefully now...
Elena didn't let go.
Not once.
Miles occasionally looked into the rearview mirror.
Every time...
He saw the same picture.
His mother holding his little sister close.
Protecting her.
As if the small girl might disappear if she loosened her arms.
Miles smiled faintly.
Some fears never truly disappeared.
They simply became quieter.
...
The next morning.
Miles slowly opened his eyes.
Sunlight entered through the curtains.
For a few seconds he remained completely still.
Then he noticed movement nearby.
Chloe stood in front of the mirror.
She was combing her hair.
Miles watched her quietly.
Then smiled.
"Good morning, Wifey."
Chloe froze.
She slowly turned.
"Hmm?"
She looked at him with amusement.
"Wifey?"
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"That's not the reaction I was expecting."
Chloe grinned.
She turned completely toward him.
"What reaction were you expecting, my dear husband?"
Miles immediately looked away.
"Nothing."
Chloe laughed softly.
She returned to combing her hair.
"Slept well?"
"Yes."
Miles stretched.
Then added,
"Just felt lonely."
Chloe looked through the mirror.
"Lonely?"
"Sleeping alone."
Chloe turned.
"Come on."
She walked toward him.
"My little brother was alone too."
Miles sighed.
"He stole my wife."
Chloe laughed.
"He was scared."
She sat near the edge of the bed.
"He doesn't like sleeping alone."
Miles nodded.
"Can't be helped then."
Then his expression became more serious.
"How's Hope?"
Chloe smiled.
"Fine."
Miles immediately relaxed.
"Her fever?"
"Gone."
"Good."
"Mom said she's taking the day off from school."
Miles nodded.
"She needs rest."
"Exactly."
Chloe continued.
"She ate a little too."
Miles smiled.
"What about Asher?"
"Oh."
Chloe looked amused.
"He insisted on going to school."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"Without Hope?"
"Yes."
"He's going alone?"
Chloe nodded.
"He said he promised one of his friends something today."
Miles looked slightly concerned.
"He rarely goes anywhere without her."
Chloe smiled.
"He'll be alright."
Miles looked at her.
"Sure?"
"Yes."
She gently touched his arm.
"Don't worry so much."
Then she smiled.
"He's very sweet."
Miles immediately replied,
"Of course."
Chloe already knew what was coming.
Miles proudly continued.
"He's my brother."
Chloe burst out laughing.
Miles frowned.
"What?"
"Nothing."
She stood up.
"Get ready."
Miles looked toward her.
"Why?"
"I prepared breakfast today."
Miles froze.
"You?"
Chloe narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, me."
Miles slowly sat up.
"Really?"
"Really."
A second later...
Miles disappeared toward the bathroom.
Chloe stared after him.
Then laughed.
"At least he's motivated."
...
Breakfast turned out surprisingly well.
Elena had supervised Chloe while she prepared several dishes.
Miles ate with obvious enthusiasm.
Chloe pretended not to watch him closely.
But every time he took another bite...
Her smile grew.
Hope sat nearby wrapped in a small blanket while Timothy entertained her with another story.
She looked much better.
Still tired.
But no longer sick enough to worry anyone.
Asher had already left for school.
After breakfast, Chloe and Monica prepared to leave together.
Both worked inside the Soul Tower.
Monica picked up her bag.
Chloe checked her phone.
Then both walked toward the entrance.
Miles waved.
"Don't work too hard."
Monica immediately replied,
"Tell that to yourself, Boss."
Miles stared.
Chloe laughed.
A short while later, their car left Pearl Villa.
Miles looked toward Elena.
"Mom."
Elena turned.
"If anything changes with Hope, call me."
"Alright."
"And tell her I'll bring her favorite candy."
Elena smiled.
"I will."
Miles looked toward the living room.
Hope was now sitting beside Timothy.
The old man was apparently trying to teach her some kind of card game.
Miles smiled.
"Looks like you have two patients today."
Elena sighed.
"Exactly."
She looked toward Timothy.
"One small one."
Then toward the old man.
"And one very stubborn one."
Timothy immediately protested from across the room.
"I heard that!"
Everyone laughed.
Miles picked up his coat.
"I'll be back later."
...
Sterling Security Base.
Several vehicles had arrived during the night.
The Krause family had honored Miles' request.
They had sent some of their strongest geopolitical and international strategy experts all the way from Germany to Star Harbor.
When Miles entered the underground war room...
He immediately realized Charles had wasted absolutely no time.
A massive world map covered the central digital table.
Several people stood around it.
Some were discussing highlighted regions.
Others were taking notes.
One screen displayed Monaco.
Another showed Norway.
Several smaller nations were highlighted with different markings.
Economic corridors.
Banking networks.
Ports.
Trade routes.
Political relationships.
Miles stopped near the entrance.
"It seems busy here."
Charles turned immediately.
"Good morning, Boss."
"Good morning."
Miles looked toward the unfamiliar people.
"They just arrived and you already put them to work?"
Charles looked completely unapologetic.
"I made sure they rested."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"How much?"
"Enough."
Miles laughed.
Charles continued.
"We simply can't afford to lose time."
He gestured toward the map.
"We're doing an initial assessment."
"After that, everyone gets proper rest."
Miles nodded.
"Alright."
Charles walked toward the group.
"Let me introduce you."
One by one, Charles introduced the strategists.
Some had advised corporations entering politically unstable markets.
Others had previously analyzed sanctions, international financial movements, emerging political alliances, and government instability.
A few had backgrounds that made even Miles recognize their work.
Miles shook hands with each of them.
"I've read some of your previous analysis."
One of the strategists looked surprised.
"You have?"
Miles nodded.
"The Eastern trade corridor prediction."
The man's eyebrows rose.
"You remember that?"
"It was accurate."
Miles smiled.
"Almost annoyingly accurate."
A few people laughed.
The introductions ended quickly.
Nobody had come to Star Harbor for formalities.
The lead strategist immediately turned toward the digital map.
"We have reviewed the material Mr. Charles provided."
Miles nodded.
"And?"
The strategist enlarged Monaco.
"The conclusion is straightforward."
Everyone listened.
"Monaco is extremely important to the WEB."
Miles folded his arms.
"How important?"
"Enough that losing access to the Prince is not something they'll accept."
Another strategist spoke.
"The financial significance alone is enormous."
"Residency."
"International capital."
"Private holdings."
"Corporate registrations."
"Cross border liquidity."
"Political access."
The first strategist continued.
"If the WEB gains long term influence over Monaco..."
He pointed toward several surrounding economic channels.
"They gain an extremely valuable financial gateway."
Miles looked toward Charles.
"So saving the Prince created a much bigger problem for them than we initially thought."
"Exactly."
Miles smiled faintly.
"Good."
Several people looked toward him.
Miles continued.
"If they're angry, they'll make mistakes."
The strategist nodded.
"But they will also become more aggressive."
Miles' smile disappeared.
"Meaning?"
"They won't stop looking for him."
Another person pointed toward Monaco.
"The first team failed."
"The next one won't necessarily be ordinary operatives."
Miles immediately understood.
"They'll send elites."
Charles nodded.
"Regarding that..."
Miles turned.
Charles changed the screen.
An airport surveillance feed appeared.
"Thea is moving."
Miles' eyes sharpened.
"Where?"
"Airport."
The feed showed several people moving through a secured section.
Charles continued.
"She's with WEB personnel."
Miles stared at the screen.
"Destination?"
"We haven't confirmed the final flight path yet."
Charles looked toward him.
"But everything indicates Monaco."
Miles became silent.
Then slowly...
A grin appeared.
Charles immediately noticed.
"What are you planning?"
Miles looked toward him.
"Call Darius."
Charles' expression changed.
Miles continued.
"I want a team from the Ancient Warrior Order on the next possible flight to Monaco."
Charles nodded immediately.
"Understood."
Miles watched Thea's image on the screen.
"This time..."
His voice became quieter.
"We extract her."
Charles looked toward him.
Miles continued.
"She's done enough."
His expression hardened.
"I don't care what she's pretending to believe."
"I don't care what Bjorn is holding over her."
"And I don't care whether she fights us."
He pointed toward the screen.
"Get her out."
Charles nodded.
Miles continued.
"Once she's extracted, she disappears."
"No public records."
"No visible movement."
"No communication."
"Nothing."
Charles understood.
"Until the WEB situation is over."
"Exactly."
Miles' eyes remained on Thea.
"She just needs to vanish until this ends."
Charles immediately began preparing instructions.
"I'll contact Darius."
"Give them everything."
"Routes."
"Known WEB personnel."
"Thea's movements."
"Airport details."
Charles nodded.
"I'll send the instructions."
Then Miles suddenly called him.
"Charles."
The man stopped.
"Yes, Boss?"
Miles looked at him carefully.
"You need rest."
Charles blinked.
"What?"
Miles folded his arms.
"You've been here almost continuously."
Charles opened his mouth.
Miles continued.
"You have a family at home too."
Charles scratched the back of his head.
"Boss..."
"Don't get so involved in work that your wife and children start complaining to me."
Charles looked genuinely embarrassed.
"Ah."
Miles smiled.
"I don't want your wife showing up here asking why I'm keeping her husband hostage."
Charles cleared his throat.
"Understood, Boss."
"Good."
Miles started walking toward the exit.
"After the current planning session, go home."
Charles sighed.
"Yes."
Miles left the war room.
...
Outside, several Sterling Security agents were training on the grounds.
Miles slowed.
He watched them for a moment.
Hand to hand drills.
Conditioning.
Close combat movements.
Weapons transitions.
His eyes followed one pair exchanging strikes.
He had missed his morning workout.
A faint smile appeared.
"Perfect."
He removed his coat.
One of the agents noticed him approaching.
"Boss?"
Miles rolled up his sleeves.
"Continue."
The group immediately became nervous.
Miles stepped onto the training ground.
"What?"
He smiled.
"I missed my workout."
The next several minutes became considerably more painful for the agents than they had expected.
Miles moved through the drills with them.
Fast.
Controlled.
Precise.
He corrected posture.
Foot placement.
Guard positions.
Balance.
Occasionally demonstrated a movement.
Then made them repeat it.
Again.
Again.
Again.
Sweat quickly covered his forehead.
The familiar rhythm his body had known almost his entire life.
By the time he finished, several agents were breathing heavily.
Miles looked completely refreshed.
One agent stared at him.
"Boss..."
Miles picked up his coat.
"What?"
The man shook his head.
"Nothing."
Miles laughed.
"Train harder."
He headed toward the changing area.
After a quick shower...
He changed into fresh clothes.
Then left the Sterling Security Base.
Cinder Square was waiting.
June had already messaged him twice.
There were several plans requiring approval for the Formula One track.
Miles got into his car.
For a moment he remained still.
His thoughts returned to Thea.
There were countless moving pieces now.
Some enormous.
Some dangerous.
Some invisible.
But Miles wasn't carrying them alone anymore.
Charles.
Monica.
Commander Ray.
Wilfred.
Lucian.
The Ancient Warrior Order.
The Krause strategists.
All of them were working continuously to make sure nothing slipped through.
There would always be uncertainty.
There would always be risks.
But they were closing the gaps.
One by one.
Miles started the engine.
For him...
One of the final important pieces remained Thea.
If he could bring her back...
If he could finally learn what was truly happening inside Horizon Biotech...
If he could understand why she had chosen to stand beside Bjorn despite everything she once wanted...
Then stopping the WEB would become a little easier.
Miles shifted the car into gear.
His eyes became calm.
"Just hold on a little longer, Thea."
The car pulled away from the security base.
There was still much to do.