Thankfully, Julian, with whom Mila had become familiar over time, was a trustworthy child who never broke a promise. As long as he agreed, he wouldn’t spill the beans.
This secluded villa community was inconvenient for everyday life, which explained why most houses remained vacant and sales were poor. Even though it was daytime, the streets were deserted.
Once inside the villa, Mila took Julian to the second-floor bedroom, put on a cartoon for him, and promised she’d be back in half an hour. She then locked the door and headed downstairs.
…
In the basement, Mila took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Her eyes met the gaze of the man leaning against the wall.
Roland was awake, his face still pale, but amusement sparkled in his eyes. You came.
Mila nodded silently, setting up a folding table with a nourishing meal she had picked up from the hospital, along with some medication. She then retreated to stand by the door.
Roland, evidently starving, ate with a swift elegance. After finishing his meal and wiping his lips, he casually tossed the pills into his mouth, chewing them before addressing Mila with a smile. Why so far away? I’m not a man-eating beast.
You’re more dangerous than a beast, Mila thought silently, keeping her distance. I’ve brought new bandages and ointment. You can change them yourself.
Roland wasn’t in a hurry, chuckling as he asked, Don’t you have any questions for me?
Mila blinked. Would you answer if I did?
Roland simply smiled, not responding directly, instead asking suddenly, Has something happened to the Lockwood Group?
Yes, she replied bluntly, not bothering to hide the truth. They say you’re missing and presumed dead. People are lining up to carve up your family’s empire.
Having made up her mind, Mila shut the basement door, unwilling to waste more words on someone whose sincerity was so elusive.
…
Once she left, Roland kept his smile intact. He unwrapped the new bandages and began applying the ointment, keeping his right side hidden from the wall camera. As he worked, he casually fiddled with the luxurious diamond watch on his wrist.
The watch face opened to reveal a tiny screen with a compact keypad underneath. He quickly typed two lines of text.
It’s done.
Your beloved really knows how to hide me well.