Chapter 426

These folks needed strict protocols to come and go. Sienna realized that to get inside now, she had to wait for someone to come out or for those two heading to the small building to return. But by then, Finnian would quickly notice she wasn't in the garden.

She initially planned to return the way she came and try the route to the dungeon again. But then another thought struck her.

Sienna and Simon had already explored most of the manor's layout. The two paths seemed unrelated, but the dungeon hadn't changed direction; it was still the same dungeon as before.

With that in mind, Sienna found a way to bypass this area. After walking a bit, she confirmed that the path to the dungeon and the research base were connected. Did that mean they could enter the research base from the dungeon?

After all, in Sienna's memory, kids like Elise didn't enter the dungeon from the surface like she did; they came in from inside.

The light at the top of the small building went out. Sienna didn't dare linger and quickly left.

During this process, she confirmed once again that with Orville and Elise captured, Finnian's manpower was significantly reduced.

By the time the unexpected commotion at the small building had settled, Sienna had returned to her room.

There was no way she could sleep with all this going on. When Finnian and the others came out, she went downstairs to meet them. As she approached, she saw the disappointment on Finnian's face.

Chris was with Finnian. Seeing Sienna, he sighed in relief.

Finnian, seeing Sienna, hurried over despite his back injury and asked, "What did you say to her today?"

Sienna feigned confusion. "What? She woke up?"

Finnian's eyes showed disappointment. "They said there were signs of waking, but then nothing. Did anything happen when you saw her today?"

Sienna saw a father's longing in his eyes, similar to when Benjamin asked them to help find his child. But seeing this expression on Finnian's face, she felt it was well-deserved.

"Nothing happened. I just talked about Zachariah and Simon. If something had happened, wouldn't the doctors have noticed? Why wait until now?"

Finnian had a rough day. First, Sienna threatened him and injured his back, then she told him about Wilder. Although he wasn't easily trapped by Sienna's schemes, he couldn't deny that some of her words had struck a chord.

In this state, the news of Sloane possibly waking up gave him immense hope. He rushed over joyfully, only to leave disappointed. He was now feeling exhausted.

So, even though he sensed the sarcasm in Sienna's tone, Finnian didn't care. He let himself be helped away.

Watching his slightly hunched figure, Sienna smirked coldly. He deserved far worse for what he had done.

As the group left, Chris stayed behind with Sienna.

Falling a few steps behind the others, Sienna whispered, "Send word to Simon. I've confirmed the location."

Chris was delighted. "The security system is still an issue. I'll help you tomorrow."

"No need."

Sienna said, "I've checked out the security room. Patrick's not there, and the people inside are pretty much useless. Once chaos starts, I'll have my chance. Just make sure Finnian doesn't use my mom to threaten me."

Chris nodded. "There are things in Mr. Taylor's room you can use."

This was a pleasant surprise. Sienna smiled. "Got it."

At 6 AM, Russell, who was keeping watch outside, saw a light in one of the manor's rooms flicker three times through his binoculars.

He grinned, muttering, "Nice!" Rubbing his hands together, he pulled out his phone to call Kelvin. "Kelvin, tell Simon that Sienna is ready."

After hanging up, Russell didn't head back to the police station immediately. Instead, he carefully moved to the dog hole Orville had found, taking advantage of the early hour when most people were still asleep.

He was wearing an earpiece connected to Thea. Crouching by the wall, he whispered, "Once a celebrated cop, now a renowned business mogul, and here I am, digging a dog hole in someone else's wall. Thea, don't you think my sacrifice is big enough?"

Thea chuckled. "You can't keep your mouth shut even while working. Just finish the job."

"I'm trying hard, but the tools are crap."

Russell sighed, looking at the small trowel in his hand. "You have no idea how tough this is."

Thea, fed up with his chatter, cut off the connection.

The cold wind brushed Russell's face. He felt sorry for himself for a couple of seconds and then resumed digging.

After Kelvin hung up, he immediately went to find Simon.

Simon and Travis had just finished meeting with Elise and Orville.

Despite several sleepless nights, Travis was in high spirits, visibly excited.

Simon's appearance had completely broken Elise and Orville. Surprisingly, Orville seemed more devastated than Elise.

Upon learning about Simon's situation over the years, Orville had a dramatic meltdown in the holding cell.

Elise, on the other hand, was equally shocked to see Simon but quickly grasped the situation.

She laughed loudly until tears streamed down her face. "So that's how it is, Simon. From the beginning, everyone was part of your plan. We were all your pawns. You played your role perfectly!"

Simon looked at her with somber eyes. "Years ago, I told you not to worry. I'd do my best to save everyone. You didn't believe me."

Elise's expression was complicated—anger, restraint, grievance, and eventually, a hint of relief.

"But why did you save Sienna first?"

Simon replied, "She's the one I wanted to save the most. As for the rest of you, it was convenient. If you wanted to stay in that place, I would let you. It saved me the trouble."

This was an expected answer, but watching the person she envied always being favored, Elise couldn't suppress her inner fury and resentment.

"I'm not convinced!" She hissed. "Simon, why does she get everyone's favor?"

"You're wrong."

Simon spoke slowly. "Sienna endured what you never did. If you must compare, you were mere spectators outside the cage, while she was the main character suffering inside. Did she deserve it? Was she chosen? No. But because she went through it, you were spared that fear and torment."