Chapter 420
“Besides saying Forrest’s name, there was one more word, but I didn’t catch it clearly.”
Sebastian analyzed carefully, offering possible interpretations.
“Maybe he was saying, ‘Forrest did it,‘ or ‘Forrest escaped.‘ Could be he was trying to tell you Forrest killed him and fled.”
“Yeah, that’s possible.”
Caitlin nodded, agreeing with Sebastian’s logic.
As for the final syllable-“tang“-neither of them could think of a clearer explanation.
The next morning, Timothy’s autopsy report came back, confirming death by sharp–force trauma. It was officially ruled a homicide.
Fingerprints on the knife matched Forrest’s, leaving no doubt that he was the killer.
But from the night before until now, there was no trace of Forrest.
A warrant was issued, and checkpoints at ports, airports, and major roads were on high alert for his capture.
James returned after scouring the area all night. He hadn’t found Forrest.
He regretted not catching the subtle signs when he’d run into Forrest right after the murder. If he’d paid more attention, maybe he could’ve stopped him.
But there are no “what ifs” in hindsight.
The last person to see Forrest was one of the Yuncey estate gatekeepers. As the head butler, Forrest had simply said he needed to go out, and the guard had opened the gate without question.
After that, Forrest vanished as if off the face of the earth.
The police continued their investigation. Everyone in the Yuncey Family was devastated by Timothy’s murder.
He had always been the patriarch in their eyes. His death left a void, a loss of the last thread holding the family together.
The idea that their longtime house steward had murdered him left everyone in shock and disbelief. They all hoped the police would catch the
killer soon.
Caitlin postponed her original plan to return to the U.S. out of respect and responsibility for Timothy’s funeral arrangements.
She summoned all remaining Yuncey household staff and made an announcement.
“After Timothy’s funeral, I’ll be reclaiming the Yuncey estate. The property will undergo preservation and redevelopment. Eventually, it may be converted into a cultural site or tourist attraction.”
Her goal was to incorporate the estate into the broader revival of *Fragrance & Dye Studio*, transforming it into a fragrance and dye museum.
“Those of you who want to stay can apply to become official employees once the project launches. Those who wish to leave can do so with severance–four times your monthly salary, based on your years of service.”
Some staff members chose to stay, eager for the opportunity. Others decided to move on.
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Chapter 420
With her arrangements finalized, Caitlin contacted Yosef’s team to begin the legal procedures for rezoning the estate.
All antiques and heirlooms were to be carefully cataloged and preserved.
Once everything was in motion, Caitlin and Sebastian prepared to return to the U.S.
She wanted to bring Billy along, but the old man insisted on staying to watch over the estate. Caitlin respected his wishes and made sure someone would take good care of him.
བ 1:|:ཀྱ ང བ བ པ ར ར བ ནི
Yosef would stay behind to oversee both the Yuncey Group and Fragrance & Dye Studio operations, leaving Caitlin with peace of mind.
At the airport, the group waited in a VIP lounge. Sebastian went to the restroom.
His bodyguards waited outside, and shortly after, a plain–looking man entered the same restroom. His ordinary appearance didn’t raise any suspicion.
Sebastian, after finishing up, was washing his hands when he spotted the man in the mirror–head down, hair obscuring his face.
The man wasn’t there to use the restroom. He lunged at Sebastian with a flash of steel.
Sensing danger, Sebastian dodged just in time. The attacker wielded a blade, aiming straight for Sebastian’s vitals.
The fight exploded in the narrow space. The attacker moved with ruthless precision–clearly a trained killer.
Sebastian fought back hard, countering each strike with cold, calculated moves.
Bang!
Sebastian kicked the man into a stall. While he reeled, Sebastian’s fist smashed into his jaw, drawing blood.
But the assassin wasn’t finished. He swung back, landing a hard punch to Sebastian’s gut.
The scuffle inside caught the attention of the guards outside.
Tyler burst in first and immediately rushed the attacker. Xavi and the others pulled Sebastian to safety and escorted him out of the restroom.
Back in the lounge, Caitlin jumped up the moment she saw Sebastian’s bloodied hand.
“What happened?”
“I’m fine,” Sebastian said calmly, hiding the pain.
Seeing her worry warmed something in him.
Xavi quickly explained, “Someone attacked Mr. Vanderbilt in the restroom. Tyler is dealing with the suspect now.”
“I’m going to help!”
James stood up and bolted toward the restroom.
“I’ll go too!”
Xavi followed, but Sebastian called him back.
“You’ll just get in the way.”
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Chapter 420
“…Oof.”
That hit Xavi hard.
Right in front of Zinnia, too. Could Mr. Vanderbilt not roast him so openly?
He snuck a glance at Zinnia. Luckily, she didn’t seem to think any less of him. That alone gave him some comfort.
Caitlin urged Sebastian to sit. She examined his wound carefully.
Zinnia brought out the travel medical kit. Xavi helped hand supplies to Caitlin.
Looking at the gash on his hand, Caitlin’s heart ached–but she kept calm and bandaged it expertly.
“It’s probably the same group that ambushed you last time. If they’ve tracked us here, maybe we should cancel the flight?”
“No need,” Sebastian said. “It’s even more important we leave now.”
He understood all too well–V Country was no longer safe. The longer he stayed, the more exposed he was to international assassins.
Back in the restroom, Tyler had exchanged dozens of blows with the attacker.
Eventually, the killer made a break for it–only to run straight into James.
Wham!
James nailed him with a side kick, then followed up with a brutal combo that left the assassin dazed.
They dragged him back to the VIP lounge.
“Mr. Vanderbilt, we’ve got him.”
Tyler kicked the man behind his knees, forcing him to kneel.
Sebastian looked at his bandaged hand, then down at the subdued assassin. His eyes narrowed, voice colder than steel.
“Talk. Who sent you?”
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