Chapter 697 The Substitution Was Uncovered
After a good night's rest, the group awoke in significantly better spirits, their complexions noticeably brighter.
However, their brief respite was interrupted during breakfast when Kaleb received a call from Maximilian. At first, Maximilian appeared cheerful, but as the conversation progressed, Kaleb's expression shifted dramatically.
A palpable sense of unease spread through the room.
Kaleb ended the call and placed his phone on the table, turning a concerned gaze towards Patricia. "The substitution has been discovered."
Everyone had anticipated this eventuality, but not so soon. Patricia's voice trembled with anxiety. "Is the girl who stood in for me alright? Did Mr. Hill do anything to her?"
Kaleb quickly sought to reassure her. "She's safe. Maximilian said that Carol intervened and rescued her. Since Joe wasn't targeting her specifically, and thanks to Carol’s appeal, he decided to let it go."
Upon hearing that Olivia was safe, Patricia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Kaleb clasped Patricia's hand, his worry evident. "You need to find a place to hide immediately. Joe's reach might not extend fully into Country Y, but given his paranoia, there's no telling what he might attempt in secret."
Martin, setting down his fork with a solemn look, agreed. "Kaleb's right. Joe, as the prime minister of Country D, can leverage considerable influence. Even high officials in Country Y might find it hard to deny him."
Sebastian concurred, his tone grave. "Indeed. It’s wise to lay low until Joe's anger subsides. When the heat dies down, then you can resurface."
He swiftly called his assistant to search for a suitable hideout. Despite the numerous properties the Koch family owned, all were traceable and therefore too risky for Patricia. The safest bet was to blend into a high-density area where she would be harder to find.
Ryan frowned. "How long does Patricia have to hide? I feel like his temper won't easily subside in the short term."
Martin responded thoughtfully. "If Patricia isn't found here, Joe’s attention will likely remain fixed on Sunset Bay. When his agents fail to locate her, they’ll move on."
A plan began to form in Martin's mind, and he added, "We need a diversion to draw his attention back to Sunset Bay."
Ryan appeared puzzled. "What do you mean? How do we divert him?"
Martin, after a moment of contemplation, looked Patricia in the eyes and held her hand firmly. "You stay hidden here for now. We’ll head back to Sunset Bay. I'll find a woman of similar build to travel with us, ensuring Joe’s spies catch wind of our movements. We’ll lead them on a wild goose chase back to Sunset Bay."
His concern for her evident, Martin continued, "I'll have you hidden securely while I'm gone. Do not leave unless absolutely necessary. The moment I’ve drawn Joe’s attention away, I'll return for you."
Understanding the necessity of temporary separation for their long-term safety, Patricia nodded, eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Alright. I'll stay hidden and wait for you to come back for me."
Martin gently caressed Patricia’s face, his touch a silent promise of protection.
Patricia, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and affection, cautioned him, “You must also protect yourself! Obvious dangers are easy to avoid, but hidden dangers are harder to guard against! Although Sunset Bay is your territory, you must be careful of unseen threats.”
Martin nodded with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. I need to stay alive to bring you back home.”
Sebastian interjected, “I’ve found a good place for you to stay. There's a landline there, so if you need anything, call me, and I'll have it delivered to you.”
Patricia’s eyes softened with gratitude. “Thank you, Sebastian.”
Ryan, ever the pragmatist, chugged his milk and wiped his mouth, saying, “In that case, let’s finish up our breakfast quickly and head back to Sunset Bay.”
Sebastian chuckled. "No rush. Mr. Hill has just discovered that Patricia is missing. Even with all his power, it will take some time for him to track us down here. We can enjoy breakfast leisurely.”
Ryan considered this and nodded, picking up his sandwich once more.
Unbeknownst to them, their conversation was overheard by Brooke, who stood silently at the stairs. Her mood soured by their sudden appearance in her home, she had come down later than usual, only to catch wind of this explosive revelation. As she pondered the implications of Patricia’s impending disappearance, she calculated how the redistribution of shares might benefit Sebastian.
After breakfast, Ryan and Kaleb stayed behind while Sebastian took Martin and Patricia to her new hiding place. They drove to a bustling neighborhood in the city center, where Sebastian’s assistant had found a suitable apartment.
As they entered the freshly renovated space, Martin ran his fingers over a spotless tabletop. “Is this a new house?”
Sebastian nodded, leading them out onto the balcony. “Yes, it’s been unoccupied since the renovation. I rented it at a premium. It’s a two-bedroom, two-living room apartment, surrounded by the World Trade Center and numerous office buildings. This area has the highest foot traffic in Country Y. The most dangerous place can be the safest. As long as Patricia stays inside, Joe will have a hard time finding her.”
Martin gazed at the throngs of people below. The bustling activity below reaffirmed the wisdom of their choice.
Handing over an access card, Sebastian explained, “You’ll need this for the elevator. The door lock’s password is Patricia’s birthday.”
Martin accepted the card and patted Sebastian’s shoulder. "Sebastian, thank you."
Sebastian smiled. "We're all family; there is no need to thank me!"
After a thoughtful pause, he continued, “You and Patricia should check if anything’s missing. I’ll have the assistant bring over whatever you need. I had the basics stocked earlier, but I might have overlooked something.”
Martin gestured towards Patricia with a grin. “She’s already on it.”
As Patricia methodically inspected the apartment, Sebastian leaned against the balcony railing with a sigh. “I hope we can get through this.”
Martin imitated his stance, his expression meaningful. “We will. We have to.”
Sebastian sighed. "Once this is over, our family will truly be reunited."
Martin smiled and advised, “Sebastian, keep Patricia’s whereabouts a secret. Only Riley and I should know. Not even your parents, Ryan, grandfather, or Ariel.”
Understanding the gravity, Sebastian nodded. “The fewer who know, the better. I won’t tell a soul.”
Relieved, Martin watched Patricia finish her inspection. She handed Sebastian a list of items to be replenished.
Martin produced a hairpin from his pocket and clipped it gently into Patricia’s hair. “This hairpin has a tracking device. Wherever you go, keep it on. I’ll be able to trace you immediately.”
He remembered another detail and added, “Also, keep your phone off to prevent Joe from tracing it. Use the landline if you need to contact us.”
Patricia touched the hairpin, a smile of assurance spreading across her face. “Okay, I’ll wear it wherever I go.”
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