Chapter 818

Chapter 818:
That night, Stella lay restless in bed, her thoughts tangled around the email. Sleep barely touched her eyes as unease gnawed at her.
Across the city, William stood inside the Briggs Group office, his gaze fixed on the massive screen that displayed the preliminary analysis Professor Ritchie had sent from the lab. Beside him, Luca remained stiff and solemn, his expression carved with concern.
The report showed a photo developed from the old film that had undergone preliminary restoration. Though not particularly clear, it was sufficiently legible to cast a shadow over William’s expression.
“It looks like the film was soaked in a special solution meant to erase critical details, but a few unique traces remain visible…”
William studied Professor Ritchie’s explanatory video, an icy gleam flickering in his eyes.
He had already told them he recognized the symbol, convinced it tied directly to Alonzo. Now Professor Ritchie’s report left little room for doubt, strengthening his suspicion.
What rattled him, however, wasn’t the pattern itself but the sudden phone call Professor Ritchie received—from Harold.
A police officer believed dead for more than ten years reached out at the precise moment of film identification—such timing could never be dismissed as coincidence. It felt calculated, like a piece of a larger scheme carefully put in place.
What was Harold really trying to convey? Was the call a genuine warning, or just another move engineered by the forces lurking in the shadows?
William’s thoughts churned, but clarity evaded him.
“Have there been any signs from Curtis?” William’s voice dropped into a low, commanding tone.
“Our men have eyes on him around the clock. So far, he’s kept himself in line—studying at the tutoring center, playing games now and then, nothing suspicious on the surface. He does seem nervous, though, always pressing us about when his safety will be fully secured.”
After a pause, Luca ventured carefully, “Mr. Briggs, are you suggesting Curtis himself might be tangled up in this?”
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William’s stare hardened, his eyes fixed on the darkened window. His reply came low and steady. “Think about it. His father resurfaces out of nowhere, and the information he passes on leads straight to that symbol. Doesn’t that strike you as a little too neat?”
Luca’s eyes flickered with surprise, yet he held back any response as William pressed on. “Keep him under strict surveillance. Every action, every detail must be examined. And double the manpower if you have to. I want Harold found, no matter what it takes—even if we have to overturn the entire city.”
William’s resolve hardened; he had to uncover how a man buried in death for so long could suddenly return to the world of the living.
“Understood,” Luca answered without hesitation, already turning to leave.
“Wait.” William’s low voice stopped him. He pinched the bridge of his nose, a trace of fatigue slipping into his tone. “Send another team to protect Stella. Amon’s back in the country, and he’s circling around her like a vulture. He’s clearly set his sights on her.”
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