Chapter 506

506
Zinnia shook her head. She didn’t know what the final outcome would be. Most likely, she wouldn’t be able to complete the mission , and both die zrút her family might end up dead,
“Caitlin, I know I’ve wronged you. You trusted me, helped me so much, but …”
The more Zinnia spoke, the more upset she became. “There were so many times I wanted to tell you the truth, but I just didn’t have the courage. I was afraid that once I told you, you’d never forgive me.”
She lowered her head, tears falling onto the back of her hand.
Caitlin sighed and reached out to hold her hand. “Did you really think I was that narrow–minded? I’ve been waiting all this time for you to come clean . But you kept hiding it. So I had to come find you instead.”
“You’re not mad at me, Caitlin?” Zinnia asked in surprise. She had thought that once Caitlin discovered her true intentions, there would be no way out
“I’m very clear about who’s been good to me. And you’ve helped me before. How could I hold a grudge against you?”
Caitlin handed her a tissue. “Dry your tears.”
“Thank you, Caitlin… Thank you for forgiving me…”
Zinnia was overwhelmed with emotion. She’d made everything out to be worse in her own mind, putting herself under unnecessary pressure.
“Alright, that’s enough crying. In my eyes, you’re supposed to be the unstoppable Iron Lady. Who knew you had tears in you?”
Caitlin teased lightly, then smiled and said, “Back to business. If you want to save your family, I have a way to help you.”
“What way?”
Zinnia wiped her tears and sat up straighter, realizing she had to pull herself together. Caitlin was giving her a second chance–she had to take it.
“I have the codex here. I want you to contact Zorro and tell him you’ve found it.”
Zinnia nodded. “Last night, I got a message from Shadow Moon Pavilion. They’re pressing me too.”
“Then contact Zorro now. You and I need to work together if we’re going to defeat him and rescue your family.”
“Yes!”
With Zinnia on board, Caitlin’s operations in the US were officially underway.
S Nation.
Graystone Castle.
Zorro stood with Zeke on the terrace overlooking the castle’s massive coliseum. Below, countless operatives of Shadow Moon Pavilion were assembled in perfect formation, having traveled from all over the country.
“Everyone,” Zorro’s voice rang out, “the feason I summoned you back today is to make an official announcement . From this moment forward, my son
ue to expand . ” Zeke will be named Vice Commander of Shadow/Moon Pavilion. He will share my authority and, in time, take over operations as we cr
He pinned the symbol of command on Zeke’s chest.
A wave of cheers rose from below. “Vice Commander!” they shouted in unison.
Zeke waved to the crowd, then stepped forward to speak.
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“Thank you, all members of Shadow Moon l’avilion. Starting today, I stand with you through glory and hardship afike . We’ll fight side bo katees, that belleve, together, we will make Shadow Moon Pavilion a leading force among global organizations!”
Applause erupted. Even Zotro clapped, his eyes filled with pride.
Ever since Zeke returned and pledged loyalty, their relationship had improved. Zorro had started frusting him more, even assigning him undis responsibilities.
He believed Zeke to be his finest creation, raised and trained by his own hand.
What Zorro didn’t know was that this was all part of Zeke’s plan. Every step was leading Zorro deeper into a trap he couldn’t see.
After the speech, father and son descended from the terrace.
As they walked, Zeke brought up his thoughts on the organization’s next steps. “Father, if we want to obtain Yuri’s Aromatic Codex, I will do everything in my power to get both volumes for you.
“But one of the codexes is in Caittin’s hands. She’s in the US, and we’re all the way here in S Nation. Trying to acquire it remotely through our agents will be nearly impossible. I have another idea.”
“Oh? Let’s hear it,” Zorro said with interest.
“I suggest we move Shadow Moon Pavilion’s headquarters to the US. That way, we’ll have far more opportunities to get close to them and reach our goal
“You could come with me. With both of us there, our chances of defeating Caitlin and Sebastian will increase dramatically.”
Zeke finished, watching his father carefully.
He knew that getting this sly old fox to leave Graystone wouldn’t be easy. It would take effort and persuasion.
“Move to the US?” Zorro repeated, frowning.
It sounded risky.
“Wouldn’t that be too dangerous? Graystone is my domain. If we go
to the US, we lose our home–ground advantage.”
That had always been his reason for staying in S Nation. Graystone Castle was his fortress. As a count, he had noble status, his own army, and even the king had to tread lightly around him.
Leaving Graystone was a gamble–and not a smart one.
“You’re right,” Zeke agreed. “But only if you’re thinking short–term. To truly get close to the codex, you have to be there. Do you realize how many fakes exist? Only you can tell the difference between real and counterfeit.
“And even if you leave Graystone, your lands will remain protected by the army. With Shadow Moon Pavilion’s elite following you, you’ll be safe.
“Besides, I already have a growing power base in the US. With Shadow Moon Pavilion joining forces with me, we’ll be unstoppable , ”
He leaned closer to Zorro, lowering his voice.
“There’s one more thing I must report.”
“What is it?”
“Do you know who I ran into in the US?”
Zorro didn’t get the chance to answer.
“It was Ximena,” Zeke continued. “And guess what she told me?”
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“She wanted to reunite with you?” Zorro guessed.
“She did. But how could I ever accept her? After everything she did to betray you? I will never forgive her.”
Zeke’s voice was cold, full of hatred.
“And that woman–she’s insane. She actually told me her daughter is my sister. That her daughter is your child. Can you believe that?”
“What? My daughter?” Zorro froze, stunned.