She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 283

The villa's surveillance footage from the past two days had been completely wiped. Besides the eyewitness accounts, the only thing Hank had was a composite sketch of ‘SaintHealer’ created by a police artist based on descriptions. The face in the sketch bore a fifty to sixty percent resemblance to his sister.

Yet, when he called home and checked Loyce's location data, it all confirmed she was traveling in Heviwax. She had even just posted a beach selfie. Her alibi was solid.

So, was it all just a coincidence?

Hank finished his cigarette but was no closer to an answer.

...

Loyce had anticipated that Hank would check her whereabouts. She timed her arrival in Heviwax perfectly, making a video call to Gordon and posting a photo to her Twitter feed. She had left no trace in Mexistar, wiping the surveillance records clean. The bank card used for the payment was tied to a dummy account and the money was moved and laundered the moment it arrived, making it impossible for Hank to trace the owner.

Everything was flawless.

After a day of rest in Heviwax, a refreshed Loyce began her journey home. As her plane landed at Metropia International Airport, she received an encrypted text: [Hank is safe. Situation in Mexistar is stable.] Her lips curved into a slight smile as she tapped the delete key.

Stepping out of the terminal, the sun warmed her skin. Loyce took off her sunglasses, squinting at the sky. A discreet black sedan pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Lucian’s sharp, chiseled profile.

“Get in,” he said curtly, his eyes scanning her.

“What?” Loyce glanced down at herself. “Is there something on me?”

“I heard from your grandfather that you're planning a homecoming banquet. Finally come to your senses?”

Lucian looked away, placing a paper bag on her lap. Inside were freshly baked, steaming hot chocolate muffins.

“I just don't want Grandpa to worry,” Loyce said, taking a bite of a warm muffin. “Having an official identity will also save a lot of trouble.”

Lucian’s lips twitched into a smirk. “Good. At least people will have to think twice before causing you trouble, given your status.”

“Something like that,” Loyce nodded.

“That phone call the other night,” Lucian said, “what were you going to tell me?”

Loyce looked puzzled. “What phone call?”

Lucian glanced at her, knowing she'd forgotten. “Nothing.”

Loyce stared out the window for a moment. “Thank you.” Her voice was almost lost in the wind. Lucian's fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, a smile playing on his lips. “For what?”

“I... I have a little left,” Cyrilla stammered, biting her lip in embarrassment.

Lucian's face was devoid of any smile, only the stern demeanor of a guardian. “Your midterms are coming up. I hope you remember what you said when you first came to the Shapiro family.”

The intimidating aura he exuded made Cyrilla take a step back. “I'll study hard.”

“Good.” Lucian nodded slightly, then said to Loyce, “Let's go to the lab.”

Cyrilla bit her lip and jogged a few steps after them. “Lucian, my birthday is soon. Can I have some friends over for a party after my midterms?”

“Have it somewhere else,” Lucian replied.

Cyrilla's face fell. “Why?”

Lucian stopped and turned to the red-eyed young girl. “Too many people, it’s not secure.”

Cyrilla lowered her head, dejected. “I understand.”

When Loyce entered the research lab, many people were already waiting for her, most of them new faces.