Chapter 206 - The Islet Mystery 22

A ring on Ryan's phone disrupted their emotional moments. Ryan took a glance at the caller's name, and his expression gloomed. He accepted the call and spoke slowly; his eyes were on all of them.

"I'll call you back. Give me ten minutes," Ryan spoke into the line and his brows creased into a frown.

Ryan then apologized that he had to cut their discussion off because he had to take the call and that it was important. He also told them that it might take him long, so everyone decided to call the night off. When everyone left and returned to their rooms, he assisted Shiela into their bed and tucked her in.

"Don't wait for me, dear. Dad is on the other line, and I'm expecting it to be a long discussion."

He then bent down and gave her a quick smack on the lips. "Good night, baby. I want you to know before you sleep that though I live in a world of lies, there is one thing I am true. I love you."

Shiela stared at him, and she saw pain and sincerity in his eyes. Her eyes glistened with a threatening outbreak of tears. She pulled down his neck with her two hands and planted him a good night kiss as well.

"Good night, Neil."

Shiela then closed her eyes and curled up her legs and arms, placing herself into a fetal position. Ryan sat by her side for a while and brushed her hair with his fingers. His thoughts were on how he would answer his father. Due to his father's connections and the sum of money he

spent to gain a special favor, he was able to buy the loyalty of a certain jail warden. Every time that officer reported to his unit, he would allow his father to call anyone once a week.

He did not return the call until his dad gave another ring. He stared at Shiela and watched her drifting off to sleep. He realized how fast she fell asleep. He got amused at the thought that this woman slept like lard, despite being depressed or emotionally disturbed. No wonder she almost died a while ago.

He then slumped at the couch and turned his phone on speaker mode. He swiped the call icon and answered the call. Little did he know that Shiela was not only good at sleeping, but she was also good at pretending to sleep.

"Ryan, what's your progress? You are already taking so long. Act fast if you still want me to place your name on my last will. You know very well that you have no right to all my businesses and properties should you fail me. I already feel I'm not going to live longer."

"Dad, I'm almost there. Just give me more time. They are all in my hands now."

"I could no longer wait how you would crush the head of that serpent Gerald. You should do it with your own hands. Until then, my soul with be at peace."

"Dad, it's not Gerald Dioko who did it. I find it out."

"What? Good job, Ryan, boy!"

"The story is long, dad, but it was she who betrayed us and sold the blueprints and passcodes to all our secret chambers in the lab."

"So, who are you going to kill? His daughter?"

"Of course. Allyza's death would also be the father's death."

"I'll send my men to help you there.'

"Dad, your name is already on the surveillance list. I have my way of doing this. No need to act harshly. I am working as a wolf beneath the mask of a lamb."

"Good, baby boy. I'll call my lawyer now. I would also make a prenuptial agreement that Jullien would not share your inheritance from me."

"Do as you wish, dad."

"By the way, you don't really need assistance?"

"Joey is enough."

"Okay, son, then I'll be off."

"Dad, may I ask two questions?"

"Sure."

"Did you threaten to kill Mr. Dioko's son to get his loyalty?"

"Of course. That Mr. Dioko is a fool. He wants to stick to clean businesses. How could he recover his loss?"

"Then, dad, is our previous hideout far from here?"

"Ah, I-I can no longer tell. The earthquake broke down the landmark also. Why do you ask?"

"I'm just wondering. I love that place."

Shiela stiffened in her bed. She pretended to snore, too afraid that she wouldn't be able to conceal her reaction. Her heart was beating fast, taking her breath away. She couldn't imagine how treacherous Ryan was. He had everyone in his hand, and she was afraid they could no longer go out of this trap. She had to act fast before everything would be too late! She could not allow Allie to die.  Allie was so good and compassionate to her, and she already had more than enough miseries to break her down.

On the other hand, she found it hard, even in her thoughts, to betray Ryan. She knew he loved her, though he loved his family's wealth more. She could not afford, even in her dreams, to see him cuffed and dragged to jail. Between him and Allie, he held a much deeper place in her heart. What should she do? Should she warn Allie and give her tips to survive on this island? 

To her relief, she heard footsteps going away, followed by a clicking sound of a closing door. She took a deep breath and sat up quickly. Ryan went out, and her mind went wild. Where was he going now? Was he going to kill Allie now? The thought of this made her heartbeats race even faster. She felt she could not last this long this way. Her heart would surely explode!

She went to the window and looked out. The moon had shone brightly above the still, blue water. The storm had calmed down already, and the whole place was serene. It was such a beautiful night to bask under the moonlight.

She remembered that their room was close to the exit. Picking up her jacket, she walked out of the room and went outside through the exit door. All she needed at the moment was fresh air and a clear mind.

Finding herself a good place to stay, she settled down on a bench facing the sea. The water was silent, with only tiny waves rolling out on the shore. The water level was already ebbing down, and soon the moonlight would be hiding beneath the clouds. She then fixed her gaze on the horizon, and in the next moment, her eyes lit up. Not far away, a  vague outline of a rocky cove appeared like a dark shadow.