“Kidnapped?!” The old master’s expression contorted with concern. The thought of James being taken away sent a chill down his spine. He couldn’t help but ponder silently, “How can I exin this? I am one of the top masters of the Banks Family, here in Aurous Hill to safeguard the second son. If he has truly been abducted right under my nose, how will I face my superiors? What will I tell the master when I return?”


    In a moment of desperation, he recalled Steve, who lived next door to James. Grasping at this potential lead, he eximed, “Is the boss over there chatting with that American next door?!”


    The assistants, who were anxiously waiting for a breakthrough, perked up at this suggestion. After realizing James was nowhere to be found, panic set in. They immediately responded, “That could be it! We need to check!”


    Without wasting another second, they turned and dashed out. Others hurriedly followed suit. However, when they rang the doorbell at Steve’s room, there was no answer. The flicker of hope they had quickly extinguished, leaving everyone looking to the Old Master, Master Hett, for direction. He usually maintained a calm and enigmatic demeanor, but with a grim expression, he kicked the door to Steve’s room open and rushed in with the others. To their dismay, they found that Steve, much like James, had vanished without a trace.


    Like a dog on a scent, he searched high and low, checking every nook and cranny. After an exhaustive search, he found no useful clues, and his frustration mounted, causing his hands to tremble involuntarily. Finally, he sank to the ground, his face pale, and urged, “We need to call the master and report this!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    A few minutes earlier, Lord Banks had just settled down for the night. The events in Aurous Hill kept him restless, particrly the uncertainty surrounding Deana and Zara’s whereabouts. His heart was heavy with concern, especially for his eldest granddaughter, Zara, who had always held a special ce in his heart. However, as the Banks Family began to regain control over public perception, his anxiety eased somewhat.<fn2df7> This text is hosted at find(?)ovel</fn2df7>


    Though still worried about Zara, he rationalized the situation. Since both she and Deana had been in the same car during the ident and had disappeared together, he concluded that if one were to perish, so would the other. If he hoped for Deana’s demise, it was unlikely Zara would survive, and conversely, if Zara were to live, Deana would likely be safe as well.


    Thus, he shifted his mindset, convincing himself that the most favorable oue would be for both of them to meet the same fate. If only Zara were alive, her determination to uncover the truth could spell trouble for him, potentially turning her against him. It was simpler to assume they were both lost to him.


    With this thought, he felt a bit reassured. Now, he could only wait for James to bring news—ideally, confirmation of their deaths. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. “Master, the Thorne Family is here,” the butler announced.


    “The Thorne Family?” Lord Banks sat up, intrigued. “Who all is here?”<h3 ss="has-text-align-center" id="chapter-list"><strong></strong>