Chapter 659 Wyatt's Life Is at Stake

Fiona expressed her intent to continue flipping through the iPad.

Darwin promptly powered off the screen and fixed Annie with a piercing gaze. "Why did you show us these?" he inquired.

"I just wanted to inquire if these two families who were wiped out had any connection with Hathaway," Annie responded, her face drained of color, struggling to articulate her thoughts.

"Why this line of questioning?" Fiona interjected, sidestepping Annie's inquiry.

"All the families you saw die, along with the other two families you haven't seen yet, are all linked to Hathaway," Annie murmured. "So when I learned that someone related to you was wiped out yesterday, I unconsciously linked it to these cases."

Darwin's gaze sharpened with curiosity.

"I speculate that perhaps someone from your Ross family harbored deep affection for Hathaway, and they seek vengeance on her behalf," Annie asserted firmly.

"Absolutely not from our family! There are Ross family members among those families that were wiped out! While our family may have internal conflicts, we would not kill each other," Annie retorted vehemently.

"Miss Annie, you must be jesting. I know of numerous instances of the Ross family members murdering each other. For instance, how your father wrested the title of the head of the Ross family from his elder brother," Fiona revealed bluntly.

Annie's expression soured. "Fine, I concede that I've pondered over it and even conducted clandestine investigations to uncover any suspicious individuals within the family."

Annie shook her head. "Everyone is going about their businesses as usual, and there are no signs of any suspicious individuals. But there's one person I've been unable to locate."

"Who?" Darwin inquired.

"Hathaway's mother. After Hathaway was disowned by the family, she divorced her father and later remarried quietly in Southeast Asia. They've had no contact for many years, and she didn't attend Hathaway's funeral."

Fiona scrutinized Annie's demeanor closely as she spoke.

For the time being, she didn't detect anything amiss about Annie.

"So, is my speculation accurate? Are the mass murder cases under Mr. Solomon's command also linked to Hathaway's circumstances?" Annie inquired.

"Yes," Fiona responded unequivocally.

Annie furrowed her brows, appearing on the verge of collapse. Her slender figure swayed slightly.

"Who could be so depraved?!" she exclaimed anxiously. "Despite her conflict with Mr. Solomon, Hathaway is typically very kind. If she were to learn that so many people perished because of her, how devastated she would be!"

"I understood that Miss Annie and Hathaway were not acquainted," Darwin maintained his icy demeanor.

"We are indeed not close, considering the age gap of over ten years. However, she's still my sister," Annie sighed deeply, then looked up at Darwin. "Mr. Solomon, now that we have clear images of the suspects, you must apprehend these two individuals swiftly and expose the mastermind behind it! We cannot allow anyone else to perish in such a horrific manner!"

"Miss Annie, you don't look well. Is the injury bothering you? Should I arrange for someone to escort you to the hospital?" Fiona inquired with concern.

Annie shook her head. "Unraveling the mastermind's identity is more pressing. Additionally, I heard that Mr. Solomon has ties in Southeast Asia, so we should investigate Hathaway's mother. I heard she wedded a prominent figure in an organization there. The mastermind's actions are treacherous, and they seem to mirror their modus operandi!"

"I will look into it," Darwin assured. "During this period, Miss Annie, please remain in the hotel. It's for your safety, especially since you've already survived an assassination attempt due to Hathaway."

Annie regarded Darwin incredulously. "Mr. Solomon, you don't suspect me, do you?"

A cold smile crept onto Darwin's lips. "I harbor equal suspicion towards every member of the Ross family. Until the true culprit is unmasked, any one of them could be the perpetrator."

Annie appeared wounded. "Understood. I'll heed your instructions and remain in the hotel until this matter is resolved."

With that, Annie stowed away her iPad and returned it to her briefcase. She rose from her seat and apologized to Fiona. "Chelsea, we'll have to postpone our meal once again. Let's reconvene once Mr. Solomon has unraveled everything."

"Alright," Fiona replied.

With her bag in hand, Annie exited, wearing a despondent air.

Once they were alone, Fiona turned to Darwin. "Do you think she was being truthful?"

"Let's focus on investigating the murder cases she mentioned first," Darwin suggested, pausing. "Then, I'll delve into Hathaway's mother. Additionally, we should have Burl Allmond hack into the network in Annie's room to monitor her every move."

Darwin harbored no trust for anyone anymore.

His suspicion knew no bounds.

After completing their tasks, the two of them prepared to depart.

Henry hurriedly approached them.

"What's the matter now?" Darwin felt a sense of impending doom merely from Henry's expression, as if catastrophe loomed.

"Mr. Durham is in trouble!" Henry's tone was grave.

"Who?" Darwin's complexion paled. "Wyatt?"

"Yes, Mr. Durham went to inspect the factory in the neighboring province the day before yesterday. He departed yesterday evening and has since disappeared. He was just discovered an hour ago, along with his car, at the bottom of a cliff."

"Is he alright?" Fiona inquired anxiously.

"He's currently receiving treatment at the hospital. His condition is dire!" Henry's expression was grim.

At this crucial juncture, Henry naturally linked anything to the retaliation for Hathaway.

Without hesitation, Darwin and Fiona promptly rushed to the hospital where Wyatt was receiving treatment.

Throughout the journey, Darwin kept himself updated on Wyatt's current condition and the type of aid he required.

Wyatt's family had departed earlier to prepare for Christmas abroad.

Initially, Wyatt was scheduled to return after inspecting the factory and attend his company's annual meeting before joining his family overseas for the Lunar New Year celebration.

Who could have anticipated this turn of events?

"Darwin, the port is blanketed in thick fog. Flights are grounded. Can you stay with Wyatt and inform him that his parents and grandparents are en route? Ask him to wait for us," Wyatt's mother implored Darwin over the phone, her voice trembling with tears.

Darwin's mind raced.

The spate of family massacres.

"Mrs. Durham, I'm here with Wyatt. Please remain where you are for now and refrain from boarding the plane. If Wyatt requires any specialized medical equipment not available locally, I may need your assistance with the procedures there," Darwin responded in a grave tone.

"Why aren't we returning?" Wyatt's mother sounded bewildered. "Darwin, Wyatt's life is in jeopardy. How can we not return? Are you withholding something from us?"

Having watched Darwin grow up, Wyatt's mother knew he wouldn't make such a statement without reason.
The Substitute's Revenge: From Secretary to Queen
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