Chapter 38 Chapter 38 Three black SUVs rolled out of the Velor family mansion gates, moving in tight formation. It hadn't taken Aliana long to prepare for departure. Now, she and Elena sat in the back seat of the lead vehicle. M 25 vouchers. Aliana wore a casual outfit-a long beige coat, a thin black shirt, and dark jeans. Her hair was half-loose, partially covering her right shoulder, which hadn't fully healed. In the front seats, the driver and a bodyguard sat upright. Both wore earpieces and had remained mostly silent since leaving the mansion. One of them was Elric. Aliana immediately recognized him as the man who had once attacked her alongside Andrian. Elric's expression was cold and stern-much like his superior, who never showed warmth. He kept glancing at the mat chewy mirror, observing Aliana's every move. Aliana knew this surveillance wasn't just for formality. Elric had been specifically assigned by Andrian to keep close watch. She was fully aware that every step she took would be monitored and reported back directly. But Aliana had anticipated all of this. She wouldn't do anything suspicious during the journey. She intended only to enjoy the ride. There was nothing left for her to arrange. Everything had already been prepared. Aliana had sent Rafe ahead to Ravenska to make all the necessary arrangements-especially regarding the meeting with her adoptive father. "How much longer until we reach the airport?" Aliana asked calmly. Elric glanced back slightly. "Approximately twenty minutes, Miss. After that, we'll depart by private jet." Aliana nodded softly. She had already expected as much. The 6,000-kilometer journey from Zenith to Ravenska couldn't be completed by car. That's why, from the start, Andrian had arranged for a private jet to transport Aliana and her security team to their destination. The aircraft belonged to a private security company partnered with the Velor family-discreet, efficient, and unregistered in public records. The SUVs were only to take Aliana to the private airstrip on the outskirts of Zenith. From there, the guards would accompany her on the flight. Elena, seated beside Aliana, appeared anxious. Her hands clutched the edge of a small bag on her lap. She knew Aliana had another plan for this trip, but didn't dare ask. She understood well-once Aliana made a decision, nothing could stop her. Moments later, the motorcade turned onto a secured private road. In the distance, a white jet with a small, unidentifiable logo-clearly disguised-stood prepared on the runway. The vehicle stopped near the aircraft stairs. Elric exited first, exchanged a few words with the crew below, and then opened the door for Aliana. She stepped out wordlessly, her eyes quickly scanning the surroundings. Everything looked clean. Safe. Organized. Andrian was meticulous and responsible. He might distrust her, but as a husband, he didn't take her safety lightly. "Let's go, Elena," Aliana said calmly. They ascended the aircraft steps under tight escort. Two more guards followed, carrying a small black suitcase with Aliana's 1/4 8:19 pm S Chapter 38 essentials-and another, special case containing communications equipment accessible only by Andrian's team. Once seated inside the cabin, Aliana fastened her seatbelt. She exhaled quietly, steadying herself. Vouchers This trip wasn't just a vacation-it was the beginning of something bigger. Once she identified Sable-13, Aliana intended to hunt them down immediately. The jet prepared for takeoff. As the engines roared to life, Aliana closed her eyes for a moment. Ravenska awaited-and so did unfinished business. The city of Ravenska was blanketed in morning fog as the Velor family's private jet landed smoothly on a secluded airstrip. Outside the window, rows of cedar trees swayed gently in the cold breeze, as if welcoming Aliana's return in tenses it me From her seat by the window, Aliana stared out with no expression. There was no nervousness on her face, but her eyes remained fixed on the silhouette of the distant forest-a place filled with memories. That forest wasn't just part of the landscape-it had been a witness to Aliana's life for the past 25 years. It was where she learned to survive, to endure pain, and where she became who she is now. Elric stood several meters behind her. Throughout the journey, he hadn't stopped observing her every move. At a glance, it looked like standard security. But Aliana knew better-Elric wasn't just a guard; he was Andrian's eyes. Once the plane came to a complete stop, the ground crew opened the side door and lowered the stairs. The cold, damp air of Ravenska hit her face, and without realizing it, a small smile formed on Aliana's lips. She was genuinely glad to be back. "Come on, Elena," Aliana said calmly, though her voice carried a quiet urgency. Elena simply nodded, clutching her small bag tightly, and followed Aliana off the plane. In the quiet airstrip parking area, several black SUVs were already waiting. A local driver-prearranged by Andrian's security team-stood beside one of the doors and opened it for Aliana without a word. Elric approached, scanned the surroundings, then inspected the vehicle. He exchanged brief words with the driver to confirm identity and the designated route. "Where are we headed?" Aliana asked flatly. "Hotel Zyrast," Elric replied promptly. Aliana nodded and stepped into the car. The rest of the security team followed, boarding the vehicles behind. As the main car pulled away, Aliana discreetly unlocked her hidden phone beneath her bag. One message had come through: "Meeting point A is secure. But... the gentleman insists on meeting you at the hotel." Aliana paused, then quietly replied to Rafe: "I'm not sure they'll allow me to meet Father. But I'll be staying at Hotel Zyrast." "Understood." She closed the secure messaging app and returned the phone to her bag. Her heart ached to see her adoptive parents, but she knew patience was crucial. 2/4 Chapter 88 Though Aliana had claimed this trip to Ravenska was a vacation to visit her adoptive family, she knew things wouldn't be so simple. Under this level of surveillance, she doubted she could see them right away. First, there would be layers of security protocols -escort procedures, route inspections, possibly even communication tracking. She had to be cautious. One wrong move could ruin everything. Aliana leaned her head against the seat and looked out the window, waiting for them to arrive. At Hotel Zyrast, as Aliana stepped out of the vehicle, she froze at the sight that greeted her in front of the lobby. Behind the glass security barrier stood two very familiar figures-Gabriel and Marisse, her adoptive parents. They just arrived and were being approached by two uniformed security officers. "Father... Mother..." Aliana whispered, almost in disbelief at seeing them so soon. Reflexively, she stepped forward toward them-but before she could get close, Elric moved swiftly to block her path. "Apologies, Miss. Security protocols apply to all guests. You are not permitted to meet outsiders-including family-until clearance is granted." Aliana stopped in her tracks, her expression tightening. "They're my parents. I just want to say hello." "I don't have the authority to override procedures," Elric replied flatly. "I suggest you wait inside while the verification is completed." Aliana clenched her fists, heat rising in her chest. But before she could argue, a deep, familiar voice rang out from behind the glass. "ALIANA! I'm here, sweetheart!" Gabriel waved his large hand with a wide grin. His boisterous voice filled the air, unmistakably cheerful. Aliana turned, a smile slowly forming on her lips. "Father!" She moved toward him again, but Elric stepped in once more. "Please stay where you are, Miss," he said firmly. Gabriel stood there casually in an old brown jacket and wool cap. He looked like a simple man from the countryside- friendly, jolly, and with no ties to any dangerous world. Next to him, Marisse stood calmly, her face gentle and full of warmth. She waved too, offering a soothing smile. "We're okay, darling. Just wait inside, alright?" Marisse said softly. Gabriel nodded enthusiastically. "Let them do their checks. Who knows, maybe I'm hiding a meat bomb!" He laughed heartily, causing one of the guards to almost break a smile. Aliana finally nodded. "Alright... I'll wait inside." 3/4 8:20 pm Chapter 38 "Good! We'll be right in!" Gabriel gave her a thumbs up. "Don't be sad. We brought food for you too!" Aliana turned back, still smiling-though guilt tugged at her heart. Her parents didn't deserve to be treated like strangers. But for the sake of her plan, she had to stay composed. 4/4 Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...