CHAPTER 79: TROUBLEMAKER

Theo followed Andres into the control room, where Calix was already stationed, eyes focused on the CCTV footage playing across the monitors.

"Someone’s observing the perimeter," Calix said, frowning. "He’s definitely using some kind of power, but I can’t get a clear view of his face. He’s disrupting the cameras with static energy."

Theo narrowed his eyes at the footage. Glitches and distortions danced across the screen, enough to hide any distinguishing features.

"Looks like someone’s found our safe zone," he muttered. "But honestly, it was bound to happen sooner or later. We just need to make sure they can’t breach our walls."

The intruder was either AMS or UMS, and that was concerning, especially if he had bad intentions. If he was trying to trespass, it could mean trouble. But Theo hoped that wasn’t the case. Maybe the man was just lost and happened to stumble across their walls.

Andres folded his arms, his expression grim. "I’ll need more men to start reinforcing the outer security. Another layer, maybe two. We can’t take any chances."

Theo gave a curt nod, eyes still locked on the distorted footage. "Do it. But make sure the men you send are ones you trust completely, Uncle Andres. No outsiders. And follow standard protocol, full cover and masking."

Andres glanced at him, already knowing what he meant. "So they won’t know the layout. No one should have a clear idea of the path in or out of Twinfront," Andres seconded.

Calix stepped away from the monitor. "We can check the perimeter ourselves. I want to see if this guy left anything behind."

"Yes," Theo replied. "Let’s move."

***

After a thorough sweep of the outer perimeter with no fresh tracks or lingering energy signatures, they returned inside the estate. As soon as Theo stepped into the main hall, something felt off.

He scanned the area. It was too quiet.

"Where are the kids?" he asked, brows furrowing.

Calix checked the time. "Oh. Right. Today’s the day Aries was planning to take them shopping. And she said they’d meet a friend, Beatrice, I think."

Theo blinked. He had completely forgotten. Aries had tried to convince him to come yesterday, but he declined. It was supposed to be a girls’ bonding time between Aries and Beatrice, and he figured they should catch up first. Besides, he’d heard that Beatrice might be staying longer in the province, so he thought he could join them another time.

Before he could ask anything else, Aunt Brenda walked in from the hallway, wiping her hands on a towel. "Don’t worry, Theo. Kael offered to drive them."

Theo’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Kael?"

"Yes," Aunt Brenda replied calmly. "He insisted. Said it would be safer if he tagged along. He left with them not too long ago."

Theo exhaled slowly, trying to process the sudden shift in pace. He trusted Aries and Kael, to a certain extent but the unease in his chest didn’t go away. Not with someone suspicious lurking near their perimeter. It still didn’t feel right to be going out, especially with the kids. It was better to lay low for now.

"Did they say what time they’d be back?"

"They’ll return for dinner," Brenda reassured him. "Relax. Aries made sure the route was clear and mapped. She’s always careful."

Theo nodded, but his gaze drifted to Calix who quickly understood his gaze.

"I’ll get the car ready. I know where they went," Calix said promptly.

Theo gave a firm nod. That uneasy feeling in his chest hadn’t faded. He couldn’t just sit around and do nothing, not with the kids out there.

"Let’s go. We’ll follow them," he said, his tone calm but resolute.

Before getting into the truck, Theo opened his system menu and quickly checked his inventory. His eyes landed on the Tactical Reinforced Jacket, and with a tap, he selected it to materialize.

A soft shimmer formed in the air, and the jacket appeared in his hands.

He turned to Calix and handed it over.

"I gave Kael a suit earlier. Thought this might suit you too," Theo said with a small nod. "It’s like armor, lightweight but reinforced."

"Thanks. Could come in handy."

Calix grinned as he took the jacket and immediately slipped it on. It adjusted smoothly to his frame, fitting like it was tailored just for him.

"Damn, this fits perfectly," he said, looking down at himself with clear approval. "It even looks cool on me. I could get used to this."

Theo chuckled softly at his reaction. "Glad you like it."

As Calix admired the jacket in the truck’s side mirror, Theo’s thoughts drifted to Aries. He hadn’t given her anything yet, not something protective like this, at least.

"I should get something more fitting for Aries next time," he silently resolved. Something that would not only suit her but keep her safe, just in case things went wrong.

With that thought in mind, he climbed into the passenger seat.

*****

Meanwhile, the sun peeked through scattered clouds as Kael carefully parked the minibus near a modest coffee shop nestled on a quiet side street. The kids were chatting in the back seat, full of energy after picking out new clothes and small toys from the market plaza.

Aries glanced at the rearview mirror with a small smile before turning to Kael. "Let’s stop for a bit. Beatrice said she’s already inside."

Kael nodded. "I’ll stay close. Want me to keep an eye on the kids outside?"

Aries shook her head with a chuckle. "You’re coming in too. She’s your friend now, whether you like it or not."

The bell above the coffee shop door chimed softly as they entered. The scent of roasted beans and something sweet filled the air. Beatrice stood from a corner table and waved, her blonde curls bouncing slightly as she smiled warmly.

"There’s my favorite troublemaker," she said, pulling Aries into a quick hug.

Beatrice then turned to Kael. "And you are?"

"Oh, this is Kael, my friend," Aries introduced casually.

Kael blinked, caught off guard. "I-uh, yes. Kael," he echoed, quickly offering his hand for a handshake.

Beatrice smiled politely and took it, but Aries was already watching her closely, barely hiding her amusement.

’If only Theo were here.’ She sighed inwardly.