Chapter 505
505
505
Their kiss started at the villa door and didn’t stop until they made it inside. The night unfolded with deep affection and intimacy .
No one would disturb them tonight. Security had been arranged in advance, ensuring they could spend the evening in peace and bliss
Morning.
The sea breeze rustled the curtains.
ide the bedroom, everything was bathed in a soft, tangled mess of love and sleep.
Even the crashing waves outside didn’t wake the sleeping woman. But Sebastian was already awake, gazing at her beautiful face. He couldn’t resist leaning closer.
“I’m so tired…” Caitlin mumbled, not opening her eyes, only vaguely aware as he pulled her into his arms.
“Then go back to sleep…”
But she never really got the chance to.
Hours passed before they finally fell into an exhausted sleep, only to be woken by the vibration of a phone.
Sebastian groaned, reaching blindly to silence it–until he saw the caller ID. It was his close friend from S Nation , Xero.
“Hello? Xero? What’s going on?”
Caitlin stirred awake too, hearing Sebastian’s hushed voice as he answered the call.
Xero’s voice crackled over the line. “The royal family is about to investigate Graystone Castle!”
“What?”
“I got this directly from a high–level source. Count Zorro is suspected of treason and attempting a coup. The king is planning to strip him of his title and banish him from Graystone. His lands will be confiscated.”
Sebastian sat up straighter, the seriousness of the news kicking in.
“Got it. That’s good news. Keep watching and report anything new immediately.”
“Will do.”
Sebastian ended the call and turned to Caitlin, who was now fully awake.
“There’s movement in S Nation. Zorro might be stripped of his title and lose everything.”
“If that happens, I bet the military will be reassigned too.”
“But there’s also the risk he won’t go down without a fight. This could trigger a real conflict.”
“I just hope Zeke stays safe.”
Caitlin knew this had to be Zeke’s birthday gift to her. The timing was too perfect. It was time to put their plan into motion.
They left the beachside villa and headed back to the Vanderbilt estate. It was already past 10a.m. Sebastian had Caitlin return home to rest and prepare while he went off to coordinate operations,
Back at the estate, Caitlin showered, changed, and tidied up before heading out again.
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505
Just as she stepped outside, she ran into Zinnia and Xavi . Xavi gave Zinnia a look , urging fier to speak up
But before Zinnia could say anything, Caitlin said, “You two, come with me, Xavi, you’re driving . ”
“ Got it. Where to? ”
“DanCa Estate first . ”
Seeing Caitlin’s decisive tone, Xavi guessed something urgent was going on and started the car right away.
In the backseat, Caitlin pulled out her laptop and began scanning for news from S Nation. Nothing about Zorro or the loss of his title had been released
yet.
It made sense. Xero had access to high–level intel through royal connections. That meant they still had a window of time to act before the news broke publicly.
Zinnia glanced at Caitlin several times, wanting to confess, but Caitlin was busy typing away, clearly in the middle of something critical
By the time they arrived at DanCa Estate, Zinnia still hadn’t said a word.
The estate was normally unoccupied, but always kept in immaculate condition by staff.
As they entered, the housekeepers bowed politely.
“You’re all dismissed for now. I’ll call if I need anything.”
“Yes, Miss Caitlin.”
Once the staff left, Caitlin turned to Zinnia and Xavi.
“Wait in the living room. I’ll be right back.”
She headed upstairs. Xavi looked at Zinnia.
“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”
“I was going to, really. But she was so focused. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
It wasn’t the kind of thing you could blurt out. It needed the right moment.
“Fine. Just make sure you find that moment soon.”
At least Xavi could vouch for her sincerity. She was clearly struggling with guilt.
Moments later, Caitlin came back downstairs holding a box. Both Zinnia and Xavi stood as she entered.
“Xavi, wait outside. Don’t come in unless I call for you.“/
“ Okay.”
Still unsure what was happening, Xavi glanced at Zinnia, then exited and shut the door behind him.
Caitlin set the box on the coffee table. Zinnia’s curiosity got the better of her.
“What’s in the box?”
Caitlin sat down, casually flipping her hair over one shoulder. Her voice was calm, but firm.
“Isn’t this what you’ve been trying to get your hands on? The codex? Take a look.”
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Zinnia froze .
Her legs gave out, and she dropped into the nearest seat. A cold dread spread through her body.
It was too late, wasn’t it? Caitlin had already figured everything out?
“You want me to open it for you?”
Caitlin’s tone was cool and measured.
“Caitlin, !…” Zinnia’s voice cracked. Her eyes brimmed with tears. She didn’t even know where to begin.
Caitlin opened the box herself, revealing the ancient text inside: “Yun’s Aromatic Codex.*
The sight of it stunned Zinnia. Her mind spun. Her throat closed.
“You knew all along?” she asked, barely able to speak.
“You think I wouldn’t figure it out?”
Caitlin’s gaze sharpened.
“Back in Silverstone, when I asked if Zorro forced you to sign a death pact, you said yes, and told me it was to protect your
“I asked you what he wanted in return. Do you remember what you told me?”
Zinnia lowered her head in shame. She’d had a chance then to tell the truth. Caitlin had given her an out. But she had lied.
Now, all she felt was regret–and overwhelming guilt.
family.
“I’m sorry… I lied to you. Zorro did force me to sign the pact. He used my family as leverage. I just didn’t tell you the whole truth. His goal… was the codex. I’m so sorry, Caitlin…“.
“Sorry doesn’t fix it. I want to know what’s going on in your head. Were you really ready to serve Zorro?”
Caitlin wasn’t here to punish her. She was here to convince her to switch sides. To break free from Zorro’s control.
Zinnia shook her head through tears. “No… I never wanted to work for him. But I was so scared…”
“You’re afraid he’ll hurt your family, right? But tell me something–if you do everything he wants, do you honestly believe he’ll let you and your family go free?”
AD
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