Chapter 618 Cremation
Xavier was sure he hadn't messed up—Jared would definitely take the water route.
For Jared, leaving via the docks was the safest and easiest option.
He called Mason and the team, "Any sightings of Jared anywhere else?"
Mason replied, "Boss, we've checked everywhere. None of these guys are Jared."
Those were decoys Jared had set up; they weren't actually him.
"Keep looking. Any updates from the satellite? We can't let Jared slip away!"
They widened their search area, continuing to comb through the docks, but still no sign of Jared.
The police had also contacted the docks, and due to the weather, no boats were departing, which meant Jared couldn't escape that way.
But where had Jared gone? Xavier quickly analyzed the situation. If he were Jared, he would definitely choose to go by sea.
Currently, Skigeth had only one operational dock, but there were other abandoned docks. If Jared wanted to leave unnoticed, those could be an option!
Xavier immediately called Mason to check the abandoned docks. After leaving some men at the current location, Xavier headed over there himself.
While in the car, his phone rang. It was Grace.
"Grace," Xavier answered.
Grace was extremely worried, so she called Xavier.
"Xavier, how's it going over there? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Everything's good here, but we still haven't found Jared. Not sure where he's hiding."
Hearing Xavier's voice, Grace finally breathed a sigh of relief.
For some reason, she had been on edge, possibly because of her grandfather's death. She felt a deep, indescribable pain.
Even though hearing Xavier's voice calmed her a bit, her anxiety remained.
"It looks like it's going to rain. Be careful."
"I will."
"Come back soon. Don't forget, the baby and I are waiting for you."
"I won't."
Grace was reluctant to hang up, just listening to Xavier's breathing. Then Xavier chuckled softly.
"Grace, take care of yourself. Think of the baby. Don't be sad, or the baby will be sad too."
"Okay," Grace agreed.
But for some reason, as Xavier spoke, she couldn't hold back her tears.
She bit her lip, trying to control her emotions so Xavier wouldn't notice and get distracted.
She didn't want to hang up, as if keeping the call connected would ensure Xavier's safety.
"Wait for me to come back," Xavier's voice tightened.
He had said this several times today.
"Okay," Grace agreed again.
Just then, another call came in for Xavier. "Grace, Mason's calling. I'll hang up now and call you back later."
"Okay, but you have to call me back. Promise!"
"Promise."
Though reluctant, Xavier ended the call with Grace and answered Mason's call.
"Boss, we've found Jared. There's a yacht docked at an old pier, and it looks like it's about to set sail. It seems to be Jared's."
"I'm on my way. Stop him."
"I'm afraid we can't. Jared's got his men there, and he might already be on the yacht."
"Track him. Do whatever it takes to stop him. Get a yacht ready and coordinate with the police. We're heading out to sea!"
...
At the crematorium.
After Xavier hung up, Grace felt a sharp pain in her chest.
It was an indescribable pain, as if something was being forcibly ripped from her heart, making it hard to breathe.
She clutched her chest, leaning against a corner, her face contorted in agony.
Angela came out, looking for Grace. Seeing her, Angela rushed over. "Grace! Grace, are you okay?"
Grace's condition was deeply concerning.
Grace shook her head. "Angela, I'm fine."
"This doesn't look fine. Are you feeling unwell?" Angela asked, worried.
She knew Grace was probably the most heartbroken, having witnessed her grandfather's death. Grace was sensitive and tended to overthink, and Angela feared she might blame herself for everything.
"Really, I'm not that fragile. I just needed some fresh air."
"Grace, come inside. Grandpa..." Angela didn't know what to say.
Chase was about to be cremated, and this was Grace's last chance to see him.
"I know, Angela. I'm going in now." Grace quickly went inside to be by Chase's side.
Chase still looked so kind, even with a smile on his face.
But his eyes would never open again, and he would never call her Grace again.
The Coleman family was there, all dressed in black, to bid Chase farewell.
Though she had promised Xavier not to cry, Grace couldn't hold back. Her eyes were swollen, and her heart ached.
"Grandpa, Grandpa!"
As they said their final goodbyes, Chase was taken away, leaving only his urn behind.
Though Grace didn't want to let go, her cousins gently pulled her away.
"Grace, let go."
Grace shook her head. She didn't want her grandfather to leave. She hadn't even fully etched his image in her mind.
Despite her reluctance, there was nothing she could do. Chase was taken to the furnace.
The flames roared, consuming everything, and Chase's body turned to ashes.
Just days ago, he had been so happy, holding her hand and talking to her. Now, he was gone forever.
Grace clutched a heavy black box, just as she had held her mother's ashes tightly when she was a child.
The Coleman family was somber. They would soon return to Aetheria to bury Chase there.
Scott wanted to say something to Grace, but Angela stopped him.
"Not now. Let Grace be alone for a while."
"Grandpa's death must be very hard for Grace. Let's hope nothing else happens. I hope Xavier catches Jared soon."
If anything happened to Xavier, it would be the final blow for Grace.
But Angela believed that God wouldn't let someone suffer twice in a row. Grace had already been through enough.
Jared had done too much evil. If anyone had to die, it should be Jared first!
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