Chapter 233 - The Islet Mystery 49

Shiela did not waste time and she talked to the travel in-charge right away. She booked for an island-hopping package and made an arrangement to go into all the islands without time constraints. She was willing to pay the price, no matter how big. And it did not matter if she had to do it alone, she had to prove her worth. This was all about her son and she believed that somewhere along the way, she would find the link.

After changing into sleepwear, she walked toward the glass wall across her room and watched the spectacular view of the sunset. Far across her room, shone the golden sun just above the horizon. It cast crimson and orange hues until it hid beneath the hills, painting the skies grey and blending it with black patches, and streaks. The outline of the hills and trees then soon become dark silhouettes, creating a breathtaking portrait of a beautiful sunset.

Taking in the splendid scene, her gaze bore beyond the hills as the image of Ryan's islet paradise flashed in her mind. She knew that somewhere behind that hills, he could be there. She also knew that somewhere beneath the waters, sprawled the cove that hid her son and Ryan's parents.

______

"When is your wedding?" Joey looked straight into Ryan's eyes and the latter stepped back, not expecting the question.

"I want to find my son and my parents before the wedding my father sets three weeks from now. That is the only way I can retract. I need the evidence that he is hiding them underneath the water dungeon. That is just one of his sins."

"Presenting him his sins and using it as an excuse is still not a wise idea. He could kill you for that. From how I see it, you can not get away from the wedding that easily unless your fiancee would also find a way to escape."

Ryan stared at him as he pondered on his point. He was slacking about his defense should his father know about his plans. Any act against his father's will would pose a threat against him and Jullien. 

"Forgive me for saying this, sir. You are still too clumsy in planning out for your revenge. Your father is used to this and has men under him. Work into your revenge in a more cunning way. Ride along with the tide and surprise him later."

When Ryan just stared at him and did not say anything, Joey added. "I know you have plans but it's more on finding faults to use against him. He already stayed in jail for many years and has already accepted the fact of his lifetime ordeal. Change your strategy and turn the tide against him."

"Should I work with Jullien?" he asked in a desperate tone. He did not have enough time. Three weeks was never enough to turn the direction of the wind.

"No, she may turn against you when under pressure. Work with me."

Ryan got dumbfounded at his suggestion. Joey was not either born to be an assassin but behind his simple suggestion was a brilliance he could use against this warfare.

"But first, we need to deal with your daughter's stubbornness. I sent her away but..."

Joey cut Ryan off. "Her decision is also about you, her future with you and your son. Instead of sparing her from all the pain, let her be your strength. If you truly love my daughter, lay out your plans with her. Who knows her opinion might be the key? Stop treating her as a fragile figurine, she couldn't have endured the storm."

Ryan became teary-eyed as more words of wisdom flowed out from Joey's mouth. "My problem is that,  I no longer know where she is now."

Joey did not answer him, He gave him a quick stare as he pulled out his phone from his backpack. As soon as the call went through, he turned on the speaker for them to hear.

"Shiela?" 

"Pa?"

"Can I have a moment with you? I'm burning with fever and I'm alone," Joey winked at Ryan as everyone around held their breaths.

"What? Where are you? Why are you calling me just now?" Her scared and worried voice pierced into Ryan's heart and all he wanted at the moment was to hold her close and comfort her.

"Just tell me where you are. I can ask my boss to send me to your place." Joey bit his lip and held his breath, praying that Shiela would catch his bait. When after a few moments of silence she began to speak again, he took in a deep breath.

"I'm at the Amara Hotel and Resort. It's a bit far away from the city."

"I know the place. What are you doing there?"

Without any hesitation, she babbled foolishly. "I am going to scour the whole seabed in this territory and find my son!"

Ryan gave out a long sigh and picked up his own phone. An expression of relief painted his face though a frown still lingered. 

"Forward me to Miss Anna, please," Ryan spoke into the line with an air of dominance. It was not hard to tell that he knew the hotel staff.

"Transfer Miss Shiela Ferrer to my suite and assign guards to watch over her. Don't tell her it's my order. Just say the room is out of order and as compensation to her discomfort, she needs to transfer into a better room."

_______

Shiela was about to lie down in bed when a call from the intercom shattered the silence in her room. The long hours of travel exhausted her and this disturb annoyed her. However, the call did not stop until she heard a knock on the door. She peeped into the hole and saw the receptionist standing outside.

"Ma'am, I'm so sorry to inform you that this room has a leak in the bathroom. We need to transfer you to the 10th floor as it is the only one available as of now. As compensation for your inconvenience, the management is offering you a fifty percent off for the room rate."

Shiela shook her head in annoyance but let out a polite smile at the beautiful lady in front of her. The transfer was fast, with the hotel staff taking care of her belongings. It didn't take her a minute to drift into a deep sleep, only to wake up in the middle of the night finding someone cradling her in his arms.