Chapter 1522 Don't Be Too Uptight
When Selena reached the approximate location, she found the area even more devastated than she'd expected. The original compound had been completely obliterated—this wasn't even ruins anymore, just the skeletal outline of foundations etched into scorched earth.
A direct hit from artillery had vaporized everything. If anyone had been inside when it struck, given the sheer destructive force, there wouldn't even be body parts left—just a fine mist of blood and bone.
Her heart seized. She knelt down, erected a small wooden marker in the rubble, then walked away in a daze.
Richard was waiting by the helicopter landing zone. When he saw her ashen face, he quickly offered her an oxygen canister. "Is it the smell getting to you?"
Selena shook her head, her complexion visibly pale. Richard helped her aboard the helicopter, and they didn't return to Raymond's hospital until evening.
Selena sat in the corridor, her head pounding. When the doctor finally emerged, she asked, "How is he?"
"Strong will to live. He should wake up tomorrow."
Relief washed over her, but the images from the island kept flashing through her mind, making her stomach churn. She rushed to her room's bathroom and dry-heaved, though nothing came up.
Richard brought her dinner, insisting she eat properly. "International investigators are looking into the Mystic Prison situation, but the research facility is deeply hidden. It'll take time."
With professional investigators on the case, at least she and Raymond wouldn't have to hunt for the facility alone—one less burden to bear.
"Richard, the moment they locate that research facility, I need to know immediately. Father's situation can't wait any longer. And what about Mario—did they find him?"
Had Mario died on the island the night Mystic Prison was bombed?
"No trace of him. Some bodies were blown to pieces—we can't tell if he's dead or alive. No leads so far."
Selena leaned back against the wall, the cool surface providing some comfort. Richard opened the food container and pressed a spoon into her hand.
"Even if you don't feel like eating, force yourself to have something. You need a full medical checkup afterward."
For a pregnant woman to endure what she had and still have the baby survive—she was incredibly fortunate.
Selena managed a weak smile. "I understand. I'll focus on taking care of myself and the baby from now on."
Richard studied her gaunt face, rubbing his temples. "You control most of the Smith family shares now—you're the head of the family. If you and Raymond want to leverage the Smith family's influence, just say the word. Lawrence has been managing everything these years, and his network is far more extensive than ours. If there are families you want to court as allies, you could use Lawrence's connections."
Frankly, Lawrence would be grateful for the opportunity to serve Selena in any capacity.
Richard sat on the edge of the bed, strategizing with her. "Take Clifton, for instance. He has an extensive intelligence network throughout Vistalia—didn't he provide you and Raymond with crucial information when you infiltrated Mystic Prison? His network spans the globe."
That impressive?
"Selena, he and Lawrence are close friends. He helped us this time, and there's Walter from the Perez family too. Walter's a bit of a wild card with virtually no friends, but he'll do favors for Lawrence. He controlled the maritime forces that helped you escape—without him, you wouldn't have made it out."
Richard was trying to mend the relationship between Selena and Lawrence, but thinking about Lawrence's past actions made him too ashamed to broach the subject directly. Instead, he continued his subtle persuasion.
"I've added Lawrence's contact information to your phone. If you don't want to call him, just text. He knows how much you despise him, but the sooner we end all this, the sooner you and Raymond can have a proper wedding. Don't wait until after the baby's born while you're still dealing with this research facility nightmare."
A wedding? Selena looked down, placing her hand on her belly. "Richard, I understand."
Richard nodded, pleased to see her eating obediently. The more he watched her, the more protective he felt.
After leaving her room, he texted Lawrence: [I've done what I can. Whether you can repair this relationship is up to you now.]
Lawrence still hadn't returned to the Smith estate and remained in exile. With virtually no money to his name, his phone was his most valuable possession.
He was currently staying at Clifton's place. Clifton lounged in casual clothes, swirling wine in his glass. "I never imagined I'd see the day when I'd be harboring you as a refugee."
Lawrence set down his phone without responding. According to their original agreement, he wasn't supposed to contact his friends, but investigating the research facility warranted an exception.
Still, he refused to touch any of the food Clifton offered, planning to return to his apartment for instant noodles instead. Despite the feast spread across the table, he didn't spare it a glance.
Clifton set down his wine glass, fingers drumming a restless rhythm on the table. "Come on, don't be so uptight. Surely this feast beats slurping instant noodles in that shoebox you call an apartment?”
The memory of visiting Lawrence's rental two days before flashed through Clifton's mind, stirring a rare pang of sympathy.
The Smith family had once been Vistalia's crown jewel—wealthy enough to buy half a continent—yet here was its former patriarch, reduced to living off instant noodles in a cramped studio.
In all their years of friendship, Clifton had never seen Lawrence brought so low.
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