Chapter 544 Andrei and Ashley: A Prior Connection
Ashley looked at him with surprise. "Ethan, you already changed into your pajamas. Didn't you already shower?"
"Well... that disgusting rat accidentally crawled on me too. I need another shower."
"Are rats really that bold here?"
Though she wasn't particularly afraid of rodents, she'd never heard of such brazen behavior from one, and she felt a flicker of fear.
"Yes, but don't worry. I've had it thrown out. There won't be any more rats here. Go lie down and rest—I'll join you shortly."
"Alright."
Ashley didn't think much of it as she climbed into the freshly made bed. She was exhausted and fell asleep almost immediately.
In the bathroom, Ethan scrubbed himself frantically. The mere thought of Mary touching his skin made him want to tear off his own flesh. After washing for over an hour until his skin was raw, he finally felt clean enough to dry off and emerge.
He quietly sat on the bed, watching Ashley sleep peacefully, a tender smile crossing his face. He leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Goodnight, Pearl."
Outside, thunder rumbled as rain poured down. Ethan held the woman he loved close, sleeping soundly and contentedly.
In a darkened basement room elsewhere, Andrei traced the outline of a woman's face in a photograph, his eyes filled with barely contained emotion.
"So your name is Pearl..." he murmured. "After all these years, I thought we'd never meet again. Perhaps this means our paths are destined to cross after all? Pearl, when we meet tomorrow, will you remember that little boy from long ago?"
His usually predatory, malevolent eyes softened with unexpected tenderness.
He opened his computer, using sophisticated software to search for Pearl's personal information. He could only find records of Ashley's life in Gold Valley District for the past six years. The more he searched, the deeper his frown became.
When he saw Atticus's photo, a sinister gleam appeared in his eyes.
"Strange," he muttered. "Why are there only records from the last six years? Where's everything from before?"
Finding this suspicious, Andrei began using facial recognition software to search for more information about Ashley.
In Aivalia, Pauline's phone chimed with a notification: [Someone is searching for information related to your tagged photo.]
"Who's searching for my mentor's information?" she murmured.
Pauline immediately opened her computer, tracing the IP address. After a prolonged digital battle, she discovered the search was coming from overseas, specifically Gold Valley District, though the exact location remained fuzzy.
Just as Pauline was closing in on the precise location, the connection disappeared.
"Damn it," she cursed.
"Darling, who are you swearing at?" came a voice from behind her.
"Ryan, you're back!"
"Yes, my mission ended early. Am I in trouble again? You seem upset."
"I wasn't cursing you. I was cursing some hacker who's searching for information about my mentor through our secure networks. What could they want?"
"Someone's looking for your mentor?"
Pauline explained, "Yes. Years ago, when she disappeared, the White family used my facial recognition system to try to find her. We never succeeded, but I kept the system running—if she ever appeared in Aivalia, I'd be notified immediately."
She added, "But I never expected someone from Gold Valley District in Ferndale would be searching for her. Do you think that's where she's been all this time?"
"It's possible. Perhaps something happened to her there, and someone is using technology to investigate her background."
They exchanged worried glances.
"This is bad, Ryan! She could be in danger!"
"Don't panic. I'll contact the local authorities there and ask for their assistance."
"Good idea, but I'm still worried. I think I should go to Gold Valley District myself."
The next morning in Ferndale, Ashley woke early. Seeing Ethan still asleep beside her, she placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
"Good morning, Ethan."
He stirred slightly, tightening his arm around her. She whispered, "Let me go—I need to make breakfast. We're meeting Landon, Samantha, and Liam today, and I want to buy some gifts first."
"I know," he mumbled, eyes still closed as he held her closer. "Just let me hold you a little longer."
They cuddled for another ten minutes before Ashley tried again. "That's enough now. Let me up."
"No." Ethan rolled over, pinning her beneath him.
"What are you doing?" she protested.
"You know how men are in the morning..." he murmured, pulling the covers over them both.
From beneath the blankets came Ashley's laughter. "Stop it... that tickles! Don't tease me—today is really important, and I don't want to be embarrassed in front of my family."
Ethan stopped his playful advances. "Fine, I'll let you off today. You fell asleep early last night and I didn't want to disturb you, but tonight... I won't be so merciful."
Ashley blushed. "I know. Now get up—let's have breakfast and head to the hospital."
Little did Ashley know that danger was silently creeping closer to her with each passing moment.
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