She kept reading the message over and over, growing more shocked by the second. “This… what…”
“What is it, Caitlin?”
Sebastian leaned closer, curious about what had startled her.
“Look at this message. It was sent a few hours ago.”
Caitlin handed him her phone. After skimming the contents, Sebastian’s expression shifted to one of surprise.
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The message came from an unknown number, claiming to be from Zeke. It said he hadn’t been able to reach her directly, so he had resorted to texting. He warned her not to proceed with the hostage exchange with Pierrick and his team. He promised to join them as soon as possible.
Even more shocking was this: the person currently with Pierrick, posing as Zeke, wasn’t the real him. The message urged her to stay alert.
“How is that possible? Can you call him back and check?” Sebastian asked.
“Yeah.”
Caitlin immediately returned the call, but the number was unreachable.
“No luck. I can’t get through.”
Without being able to verify the sender’s identity, it was impossible to know if the message was real or fake.
Still, Caitlin couldn’t ignore it. She began to think aloud. “If it were fake, who’d go through the trouble of impersonating Zeke just to contact me? But if it’s real, then what does that mean?”
Sebastian followed her train of thought. “Maybe Zeke’s plan was exposed. Maybe Zorro figured out that Zeke was faking his loyalty and turned the tables–sent a decoy in his place to get the codex.”
“Exactly! That’s what I’m worried about.”
Caillin’s expression turned grim. “I knew it wouldn’t be that simple. Zorro’s too cunning. There’s no way he didn’t see through Zeke’s ‘defection.“”
Their original plan had been to lure Zorro to the US and confront him directly. But things had clearly gone off course. Now they were left with Plan B rescue the hostages and ensure Zeke’s safety
But if what the message said was true, then even if they succeeded in rescuing the hostages and killing Pierrick, the real Zeke would still be in danger.
Zorro could be keeping him as leverage.
As the pieces fell into place, Caitlin realized things were far more complicated than they had expected. Their current plan would have to be paused
“So, what do we do now?” Zinnia asked. She wanted to save her family, but not at the cast of Zeke’s life.
“We stall,” Caitlin replied decisively. “We have to verify Zeke’s status before taking further action. As long as they don’t get the
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hands on the codex, the hostages should remain safe.”
Sebastian nodded. “I’ll contact Xero, see if he can dig up any intel from inside Graystone.”
“Good. That’s our best option right now.”
At this point, all they could do was wait.
Meanwhile, word of Caitlin and Sebastian’s remarriage had already reached Beatrice and the rest of the family. Overjoyed, the elderly matriarch insisted on seeing the marriage certificate with her own eyes to believe it.
Caitlin and Sebastian brought it over to the main house just to show her.
Beatrice beamed with pride. “Excellent! This should’ve happened long ago. Well done!”
She adjusted her reading glasses and squinted at the certificate, her smile growing wider. “Sebastian must’ve done something incredible in his past life to deserve a wife like Caitlin.”
Molly grinned. “Well, Grandma, now you can eat and sleep in peace, right?”
“Absolutely! I couldn’t rest until this was official. Now I can.”
Then, with a gleeful chuckle, Beatrice tucked the certificate into her coat. “Since you’re officially remarried, and I’m this happy, let me hold on to this for safekeeping. Grandma will keep it nice and secure.”
It was obvious she adored Caitlin and was still a little afraid of any future misunderstandings that could lead to another divorce.
“Great idea, Grandma! You should definitely keep it,” Sebastian said, laughing.
Eliza and Raymond took a look at the certificate and shared in the joy.
Raymond added, “Now that the papers are signed, shouldn’t we start planning the wedding?”
“Yeah, when are you two thinking of doing it? We should start preparing.”
Eliza clearly wanted to go all out with the celebration, making sure the entire city knew The Vanderbilt Family had gained such a wonderful daughter–in–law.
“Whatever Caitlin wants,” Sebastian said, wrapping an arm around her. “Tomorrow, if she’s up for it”
Caitlin smiled softly. “I’d rather wait until I’ve found my mother. I want her to be there when I get married”
“Of course. We’ll wait as long as it takes,” Eliza said warmly.
Raymond asked gently, “Sebastian, any leads on Caitlin’s mom yet?”
“There’s something. We’re still following up,” he replied.
“Thope you find her soon.” Eliza added with sincerity
On the way back to Vanderbilt Manor, Caitlin and Sebastian followed the sound of piano and found them is the Carriage House
Federico was inside teaching Howard, who was fou used and attentive, earning frequent prane tree by
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Chapter 528
Not wanting to interrupt, Caitlin and Sebastian waited until Federico noticed them through the bamboo grove. He stepped out to
meet them.
“Hope we’re not disturbing your lesson.” Caitlin said.
“Not at all What’s up?” Federico asked.
“Any updates on the Ashfall lead?”
Federico nodded. “I checked in with the studio yesterday. They’ve been getting a lot of calls–some are real leads, but a lot are scammers trying to cash in. They’re verifying everything before taking action. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know as soon as we have something concrete.”
“Thanks,” Caltiin said with a small smile.
She felt a pang of disappointment
tshow it. She reminded herself to be patient–hopefully, they’d find Ashfall soon.
Not wanting to distract Howard from his lesson, she and Sebastian headed back
Just as they returned to Vanderbilt Manor, Caitlin received a new message
“He says he’s landed in New York”
Caitlin looked up at Sebastian, who gave her a look and tilted his chin.
“Well then,” he said. “Call him. Let’s see if he picks up.”
AD
