Free Web NovelChapter 380: Chapter 380
Aria’s POV
My gaze stayed on the map.
“If we’re set, I’ll redirect drones to focus on management,” Amelia added.
“No.” The word came out sharper than I intended. Both of them looked at me.
“What’s the matter?” Amelia asked.
I lifted my hand and pointed, not at management, but at a junction between the workers’ sector and the distribution zone.
“Factory workers don’t live online,” I said slowly. “They don’t track political scandals or pack disputes. Even if Tyler stood right in front of them, covered in scent markers and fear, they might not know who he is.”
My jaw tightened.
“That means he doesn’t have to be hidden in management.”
The silence thickened.
Amelia’s eyes darkened in thought. “So...he can be anywhere.”
“Yes,” I murmured. “Patrick could hide him in plain sight.” The hunt just got harder.
“If that’s the case,” Amelia admitted, “finding him quickly might not be realistic.”
I pressed my lips together. My wolf paced inside me, claws scraping at my control. Time mattered. Every hour Tyler and his wife stayed there, their scent trail grew colder.
“We will have to split our approach,” I decided.
Both of them straightened.
“Amelia, you will still move forward with the drone surveillance on management. There’s a strong chance you’re right.”
“Simultaneously?” she asked.
I nodded. “I see two other options. First, we plant someone inside the factory. A long-term infiltrator. Someone patient enough to wait for a scent match or a slip-up.”
Chloe swallowed.
“The second,” I continued, “is faster, we isolate a worker and question them. But that’s risky. They might know nothing... or alert someone.”
My gaze moved between them. “Any other ideas?”
They exchanged a look.
“No,” Amelia said quietly. “Your first option is safer.”
Chloe nodded. “I agree.”
I twisted my fingers together, thinking. freēwebnovel.com
“Then we need someone to go in.”
“Chloe and I can’t,” Amelia said after a moment. “Patrick visits sometimes. He knows us, and a random hire is too dangerous.”
Chloe started listing names, one after another, but I could tell from the way her scent grew sharper that she was rejecting each one.
Her face scrunched in irritation.
“How about Francis?” I said suddenly.
Both of them looked at me.
“I remember he’s worked with Sophia before, but he’s never met Patrick.” My mind was already moving ahead, instincts lining pieces up. “And the drone tech? It’s his creation. If anyone can adapt mid-mission, it’s him.”
Chloe and Amelia exchanged a look.
“Plus,” Amelia added, nodding slowly, “if he handles the field adjustments himself, the system will run smoother than if we try to relay everything.”
Chloe slapped the table. “I’ll go get him.”
I pushed away from the table too. “I’m coming. This mission’s too important to pass through layers. I’ll speak to him directly.”
My wolf stirred in agreement. This wasn’t just a strategy, this was a hunt.
We drove to the Starsource Institute, the city’s hum fading behind layers of steel and glass. The moment I stepped out of the car, sterile air hit my nose.
Rose, Francis’ assistant, stood at the entrance.
Her expression soured the moment she saw us. Her scent turned sour too with sharp jealousy, thinly masked. She went back in.
When we reached the door, Chloe lifted her hand to knock, but Rose opened the door and stepped in front of it.
“Mr. Murray is resting. Please don’t disturb him!”
“Resting?” Chloe checked the time. “It’s almost dinner time. I’ll wake him.”
She tried to move past but Rose blocked her again, her shoulders stiff. “Because of you, he’s been overworking in the lab. He finally fell asleep, and now you’re here to drag him back!”
Her eyes locked on me.
Ah...So that’s it.
I frowned, confused but calm. My wolf didn’t react with hostility, only assessment. She smelled protective... but also territorial.
“If that’s the case,” I said evenly, stepping back, “tell him to contact us once he’s rested.”
Before she could reply, Francis’ door opened.
“No need. I’m awake,” he said.
He stood there, his shirt rumpled, sleep still clinging to him. His gaze cleared the moment it landed on us.
Rose rushed forward. “Mr. Murray, you barely slept. Let me send them away...”
His scent shifted with cold authority.
“You are my assistant,” he said, his voice flat. “Your duty is to follow instructions.”
She faltered.
“If you can’t, I’ll ask Wanda to reassign you.”
Her face drained of color. Submission rolled off her like mist. “I’m sorry... I won’t do it again...”
“Take the rest of the day off,” he said, already looking at me. “Come in guys.”
Inside, the lab-office hummed softly with machines. My eyelid twitched. I have been stressed lately and have had lack of sleep. Francis handed me hot tea.
“Are you not feeling well?”
“Just work pressure,” I said, wrapping my hands around the warmth. It grounded me and steadied my racing pulse.
“You should rest more.”
I snorted lightly. “Your assistant says you haven’t been resting either because of me, is that true?”
“Don’t mind her,” he said. “She’s fishing for emotional territory she doesn’t own.”
Francis was direct, as always.
“So,” he said, his eyes bright now, studying me. “What brings the big bad CEO to my office?”
