CHAPTER 239: CHAPTER 239: COOPERATION

Natalie Summers was so scared that her heart skipped a beat. She tried to straighten her chest and seriously explained, "You were on a mission, and I was afraid something might happen to you, so I..."

"Self-impose fifty military rods as punishment!" Desmond Fairchild’s tone was grim.

"Yes." Natalie knew she was in the wrong and didn’t dare to complain.

Just then, Quentin Jennings burst in joyfully, "Master Fairchild, we’ve made contact with Shadow. With Shadow’s help, finding your wife might not be that difficult."

Shadow’s name resonated throughout the international arena. His hacking skills were top-notch, making him a prominent figure internationally.

Now, Desmond Fairchild had to pin all his hopes on him.

"Take me to meet him." Desmond stood with his hands behind his back, exuding a reign-over-the-world aura that was hard to resist.

"No need, I’ve already reached out to him." Quentin Jennings raised the high-tech electronic device in his hand, revealing a blurry figure on the screen.

The man in the video wore a hoodie with the hood up and a mask over his face, completely obscuring his features.

Desmond Fairchild also had his face covered.

Before Desmond could speak, Shadow spoke first, "Are you Fenrir?"

"That’s right." Desmond disguised his voice, responding in a deep voice.

"I heard you’ve been looking for me? I wonder what for?" The man in the video emitted a chilly aura, and his exposed eyes were striking with coldness.

Through the screen, Desmond stared at those familiar almond-shaped eyes, feeling a sense of familiarity, but couldn’t recall where from at that moment.

Facing Shadow’s icy gaze, Desmond remained unfazed, calm and collected: "Indeed, you’re the renowned hacker king in the international realm. I know you never serve anyone, but I wish to discuss a deal with you."

Shadow seemed amused, "Since you know I don’t serve anyone, yet you come to me for a deal, do you think I’ll agree?"

"Whether you agree or not is your choice; reaching out to you is my leverage." Desmond was in no hurry.

"You’re interesting, so go ahead. What kind of deal?" Shadow was intrigued by someone who could remain unfazed in his presence.

Fenrir’s name was also widely known.

Doing business with him was indeed a challenge.

Desmond spoke in a low voice, "I want you to help me find someone."

"Oh? And what’s in it for me?" Shadow showed little interest once he realized it was about finding someone.

"Find her, and I’ll do something for you." Desmond promised.

Standing behind him, Quentin Jennings widened his eyes at his words, "Sir, you..."

"Anything?" Shadow’s interest was piqued at being able to have Fenrir owe him a favor.

Everyone knew about Fenrir’s fearsome reputation, taking on impossible tasks without fail.

But everyone had their strengths, and in finding people, Shadow was highly confident. No one could hide from his eyes once he set his mind to it.

Certain exceptions applied, of course.

Desmond nodded slightly, "Anything."

"Who do you want to find? Tell me." Shadow’s icy cold eyes softened slightly, seemingly satisfied with Desmond’s answer.

"Seraphina Sinclair and Jude Sinclair." Desmond calmly uttered the names.

The mention of these names caused the figure in the screen to stiffen, with a slight change in tone, "What do you need them for?"

Desmond didn’t explain, his narrowed eyes hinting at a touch of danger: "It’s my business why I’m searching for them; you just need to find them."

"I’m sorry, I’m suddenly not interested in this deal anymore." Shadow frowned, and the screen immediately went black, leaving no trace of him.

Quentin Jennings quickly approached and tapped the electronic device, exclaiming, "What’s Shadow’s deal? Just as he was about to agree, he suddenly backed out. This person’s temper is way too strange."

Desmond didn’t respond, his mind repeatedly flashing the image of those smiling almond-shaped eyes. Coupled with Shadow’s noticeable reaction upon hearing the names Seraphina Sinclair and Jude Sinclair.

Realizing this, Desmond’s lips slightly curled up.

It seemed that Seraphina and Jude were safe now.

Seeing Desmond suddenly fall silent, Quentin Jennings mumbled, "Master Fairchild, what now? If the Shadow route is blocked, how can we find your wife and Jude?"

His anxiety had turned his hair gray; if they couldn’t find Seraphina and Jude soon, he might end up occupying a street corner tomorrow.

"No need to search anymore." Desmond remained indifferent.

Quentin Jennings was puzzled, "What? Are you really planning to give up on your wife and child?"

Desmond didn’t respond and left the small black room, his expression unchanged.

Quentin Jennings followed behind, unable to comprehend Desmond’s actions anymore. First, he wanted to find them, and now he was giving up.

Despite spending so many years together, he could never fully grasp Desmond’s thoughts, sigh...

After Desmond left, Quentin Jennings went to the punishment room, where Natalie Summers had just finished receiving her penalty, slowly dragging her bruised and battered body outside.

"You knew how important his wife is to Master Fairchild, yet you dared to hide it; now look?" Having worked together for many years, Quentin Jennings stepped forward to support Natalie, speaking with a hint of regret.

"I must ensure Master Fairchild’s safety. You know how risky each mission we undertake is; a moment’s distraction could cost a life. I can’t let him take this risk." Despite her severe punishment, Natalie didn’t feel wronged.

If she could redo everything, she would still make the same choice.

In fact, Quentin Jennings could understand. To Desmond Fairchild, the most important people were Seraphina and Jude. However, to his comrades, Desmond himself was whom they valued the most.

"Let me take you to the infirmary." Quentin Jennings sighed.

During this period, they had finally cleared out two internal spies, preparing to return to Bayside City. Yet, this incident popped up, ensuring they’d remain in Aridia for a bit longer.

Meanwhile, the thought-of Seraphina was sitting on a beach sunbathing.

Diamond Island’s climate differed from Bayside City. Even though it was April, it was warm enough, bordering on hot.

After indulging in drink, she cowardly fled Bayside City, unable to face reality.

Now, on the beach of Diamond Island, she found herself lost in thought.

"Mommy, are we really not going to need Daddy anymore?" Jude Sinclair sat beside Seraphina, playing in the sand with his tiny hands.

Seraphina said nothing, but it was Austin White who spoke up, "Does he deserve it? My godmother doesn’t need such a philandering jerk."

"But, I feel like Daddy has his reasons." Jude pouted.

Previously, he would’ve chosen Seraphina unconditionally. But over time, knowing Desmond Fairchild better, he wasn’t so sure anymore. There could be a misunderstanding, after all.

Austin White was dismissive, "No matter his reasons, what he did is unforgivable. Jude, whose side are you on? After all your godmother’s done for you, how can you take his side?"