Chapter 319 It was Dorian Again
"What happened? What's wrong with Emerald Vein?" Chloe and Sarah asked in unison as Ethan hung up the phone.
"I don't know all the details. A batch of goods from Emerald Vein is missing, and so is she!" Ethan said, shaking his head. He avoided mentioning Hannah's name because Camila was there, and he didn't want her to catch on.
Chloe and Sarah exchanged glances, understanding Ethan's caution.
"Then you should go quickly. Remember, the goods aren't important, but you must find her and bring her back safely!" Chloe urged.
"Are you sure it's okay for you to go to Emerald Vein now?" Sarah asked, still worried.
"I'll be fine. You go inform Robert, and I'll tell Jesse. We'll meet outside in a bit. I'll take you back first, then head to the airport!" Ethan said, heading towards Jesse's room.
Jesse was still troubled by the lady thing. Seeing Ethan return, he looked even more uneasy.
"Alright, I'm back to inform you that I have an urgent matter and need to go to Emerald Vein immediately. Don't worry. I'll be back in a few days," Ethan explained directly, not having time for pleasantries.
"Are you in trouble?" Jesse was taken aback.
"Sort of, but I can handle it. I don't need your help, nor do I need you to come with me. If you really feel idle, I have a favor to ask!" Ethan said solemnly.
"Go ahead. As long as it's within my power, I won't refuse. You saved me." Jesse readily agreed.
"While I'm not in Novaria, help me take care of Chloe and Sarah. You can stay at my villa to recuperate. Is that alright?" Ethan shared his thoughts. He wasn't intentionally giving Jesse a task, but Hannah's sudden disappearance, along with the matters concerning Ronald and Larry, made him extremely cautious.
"Are they the two ladies who just appeared?" Jesse confirmed.
"That's right. Just ensure they are safe after they get home. I'll handle the rest, and it won't interfere with your recovery," Ethan explained again.
"Alright, I... agree." Jesse hesitated for a long time but finally nodded.
"I saved your life, and I'm just asking you to protect someone. You don't have to be so hesitant." Seeing his conflicted expression, Ethan asked, looking frustrated.
"Don't misunderstand... I... I'm just afraid that lady will ask me some awkward questions again..." As Jesse's face turned red, he quickly explained.
Ethan laughed, trying to hold it in but failing.
"I can't guarantee that. You'll have to handle it yourself. Anyway, you agreed, so you have to keep your word!" Ethan turned and left without waiting for a response.
"Why do I feel like I've boarded a pirate ship?"
Jesse sighed but still followed Ethan out of the room.
As Ethan was leaving, Robert quickly came out with his men to see him off. They watched until Ethan and his group got into the car and disappeared down the road, finally breathing a sigh of relief.
"Let him go; the farther, the better. My poor heart can't take it anymore! This sixtieth birthday was truly thrilling!" Robert muttered to himself, looking frustrated. Thinking about how last night's birthday party ended abruptly, he felt helpless.
"I bet Mr. Torres is regretting it deeply. If he had known so much would happen last night, he probably wouldn't have invited you even if you paid him!" Sarah laughed, recalling Robert's relieved expression when they parted.
Ethan, who was driving, chuckled. He did feel a bit guilty since the birthday party was ruined because of him.
"Well, it was a blessing in disguise for him. Getting Ethan's help isn't something that comes easily!" Chloe teased.
"I even treated Robert's hidden ailment. He shouldn't have anything to be unhappy about," Ethan said, not taking it seriously.
"No wonder you were gone for so long last night. By the way, why did you bring Jesse home?" Sarah asked, glancing at Jesse in the front passenger seat.
Jesse felt a chill down his spine, almost breaking into a cold sweat.
"I got you a free bodyguard. While I'm not around, having him at the villa will ensure your safety!" Ethan quickly explained, stopping Sarah from asking more questions that might embarrass Jesse.
"Is he really that good?" Sarah raised an eyebrow.
"At least he's not much worse than Larry from last night," Ethan said calmly.
"That good? Then how did he get injured?" Sarah and Chloe were both surprised, looking at Jesse with new interest.
Ethan didn't explain, and Jesse was too nervous to speak.
Chloe and Sarah didn't press further. The person who injured Jesse must be terrifyingly strong, possibly a master-level expert.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, which ironically made Jesse breathe a sigh of relief.
After dropping Chloe and Sarah off at the villa, Ethan repeatedly instructed them to have Greg arrange for experts to protect them starting tomorrow. Only then did he drive straight to the airport.
On the way, Ethan called Alexander, asking him to book a flight and also to investigate any clues about Hannah through online data.
However, just as he arrived at the airport, Ethan received a message back from Alexander. "Ignatius had recently arrived at Emerald Vein with a group of people!"
"Ignatius?" Ethan's expression grew even more serious.
He was certain that Hannah's disappearance and the missing goods were related to Ignatius.
"I don't care what you do. Find out Hannah's whereabouts as soon as possible. Finding Ignatius will do, too. Reply to me once I arrive at Emerald Vein!" Ethan gave his final instructions and ended the call, preparing to board the plane.
Fortunately, there was one last flight to Emerald Vein tonight, and the timing was perfect, so Ethan didn't have to wait long.