Chapter 549

“Yeah, it’s definitely strange.”
James and Tyler fell into deep thought. Neither could make sense of it.
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Caitlin finally offered a solution. “If we want to find out the real reason behind the demolition of the Huashi Tower and the suspension of the Outercity project, we need to find Mikkel and ask him directly. Harrison, tomorrow, investigate Mikkel’s movements in detail. See where he usually stays, where he likes to spend his time or money. As soon as you know something, call
me.”
“Got it.”
After making arrangements, James and Tyler returned to rest.
Caitlin removed her makeup and made a video call to Sebastian. Soon, his handsome face appeared on screen. From the background, she could tell he was in his study.
“I heard from Harrison you didn’t find any leads on your mother?”
Sebastian had already spoken to James earlier in the day.
“No, nothing yet. The building was demolished. But I still want to keep searching. I might need to stay here a few more days.”
There was a trace of disappointment in her tone. Sebastian quickly reassured her, “Don’t lose hope. We’ll find something. We can’t give up.”
“You’re right. I won’t give up. I have this feeling that I’m really close to finding her. Maybe I just need one more clue.”
Caitlin thought about Black Hawk. “By the way, we need to keep pressing on Black Hawk too. Try to find a breakthrough there.”
“I know. That guy’s tough as hell. I even tried poisoning him, had him on the brink–but he still won’t talk.”
“That guy’s iron–willed.”
They had pulled out all the stops and still couldn’t get a word out of him. Who was Black Hawk protecting that made him willing to die rather than talk?
Their conversation shifted from her mother to the orchestra performance.
Sebastian asked, “The performance is over? Everything went okay?”
“Yeah, it went well. I even got summoned by their king.”
“He summoned you? Why ? ”
Sebastian’s voice tightened, clearly uneasy. Another man taking an interest in his wife, especially a king, was not something he could ignore.
“He wanted a private violin performance.”
Sebastian went quiet, clearly thinking, “Really? Out of the entire country, no one else plays violin?‘
Caitlin could tell what he was thinking. “Relax, I went as Federico’s assistant, Esme. They didn’t see my real face. And their king was
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very polite. He just wanted to hear one song. Nothing happened. Their queen also gave me a gift–a box of jewelry.”
“I heard he’s in a wheelchair. Is that true?”
“Yeah. He really is. Kinda sad to see, actually. How did he end up like that?”
Caitlin felt sympathy, mentioning it casually.
Sebastian flipped his phone camera to show her some articles he had pulled up on Leif VI.
“Apparently, he had an accident while studying abroad in France more than twenty years ago. He’s been paralyzed since.”
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The article included photos of Leif VI in his younger years. Caitlin stared at them, a bit taken aback. “He’s got a bit of that camera- ready look… kinda reminds me of my brother.”
“I thought so too, ” Sebastian admitted.
Then came the photos of him in the wheelchair. Caitlin sighed. “What a shame. He was really handsome back then. Still has a dignified air, though.”
Sebastian’s face darkened. He flipped the camera back to himself. “More handsome than me? More dignified than me?”
Caitlin laughed at his sulky expression. “I’m just being objective. Of course, in my heart, you’re always the most handsome, the most charismatic.”
“That’s better.”
Still not totally reassured, Sebastian reminded her, “Keep that face of yours hidden. Don’t let anyone see what you really look like. I’m getting serious security alerts over here.”
“Alright, alright. I got it.”
They chatted for a bit longer before hanging up and heading to bed.
After the royal performance, the entire European Royal Philharmonic Orchestra stayed at the hotel. The Aurelian royal family had arranged a luxurious tour for them the next morning, with a private car for transport.
Caitlin joined the others for the day trip, with King by her side as security. Meanwhile, James and Tyler went off to track Mikkel. Everyone moved separately.
They spent the day sightseeing in Sanctis. The group enjoyed themselves–everyone except Federico, who seemed distracted and tense the whole time.
Back at the hotel around 4 p.m., Caitlin knocked on his door. When he opened it and saw her, he stepped aside to let her in.
“Is something wrong, Trinity?”
“I just wanted to check on you. You seemned off all day. Did something happen?”
Federico hadn’t planned to tell anyone. But Caitlin, being sharp as ever, had clearly seen through him. There was no point hiding it.
“Have a seat. Yeah… something’s bothering me.”
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They sat down. Caitlin leaned in attentively. “What is it? Talk to me. Maybe I can help.”
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Federico rubbed his hands together, hesitating for a second before speaking. “You know, with this face of mine, it’s not uncommon for women to fall for me. During my tours, I’ve had wealthy women, socialites–plenty of them throwing themselves at me, Some go as far as offering themselves outright. But you know I’m not that kind of guy. I’ve always been selective.”
“I know. If you wanted to, you could be with a different woman every night. But you’re not that kind of man. So what happened? Did someone proposition you? Make some kind of offer?”
Caitlin guessed right away that the issue had to do with an admirer. If it were anything else, Federico would’ve handled it himself.
“Yeah. Someone made it very clear they were interested… and invited me to perform privately tonight. And maybe even more…”
He paused, clearly uncomfortable.
“I get it. So, who is she? Just another obsessed fan?”
“She is… but not just a fan. The thing is… I can’t refuse, but I have to. What am I supposed to do?”
Caitlin grinned. “You’re really not gonna tell me who she is? You’re the great piano prince. Who on earth could you not say no to?”
“If it were you, I’d never say no,” Federico joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Then he grew serious and lowered his voice.
“It’s the queen. So tell me… what the hell am I supposed to do?”
The queen?”
Caitlin gasped.
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