Chapter 64 Children's Safety
Adrian nodded. He was already planning to do just that.
"We'll mobilize every resource at our disposal. Time is short, and we must act swiftly and without drawing attention."
Eva turned to her father. "Father, Uncle Leonard, reach out to your police contacts. Someone with that much power must leave clues somewhere. I am sure they will have information on the Architect."
Leonard nodded, his face set with determination. "Understood. We'll reach out to our contacts right away."
Richard nodded. "Don't worry, Eva. We'll use our connections to find out whatever we can."
"Daniel, check what the Consortium has been up to recently. Also, Grandma Eleanor, can you quietly ask around if anyone knows anything about the Architect or her group?"
"Adrian, organize everything and keep us informed, especially if you find any new dangers."
"And we are doing all these in seven days?" Daniel asked.
"During these seven days, we will collect all the information and plan how to handle her. We'll begin in seven days. We don't have to finish everything by then," Eva said.
Eleanor studied her for a moment.
"You've changed, little girl," she said. "When Adrian first brought you to meet me, you were fragile and unsure. Now you talk about war and make strategies like a general."
"I've had good teachers," Eva said, glancing at Adrian. "And strong reasons to fight."
"Hmm." Eleanor turned to her grandson. "Adrian? What's your assessment?"
"I agree with Eva. We can't cooperate with this woman. Whatever she's planning is bad for us." Adrian hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
"And we can't run—she's already proven she can track us anywhere." His jaw tightened, the conflict between fear and determination evident in his posture.
"That leaves us only one option: to fight. But I am uncertain about how we can succeed against someone like her."
"We need allies," Daniel said. "People who understand the Consortium from the inside. Someone who has a reason to oppose the Architect."
"Victor Chen," Eva said slowly.
"Chen is compromised. His power is broken."
"That might make him desperate enough to help us." Eva leaned forward. "Think about it. If the Architect has taken over, Chen has lost everything he worked hard for. He must want revenge."
"Or he might sell us out to save himself," Leonard cautioned.
"Maybe. But it's a risk we should think about." Eva looked around the room, her expression resolute.
"To protect what matters most, we need to understand the Consortium—how it works, its weak points, and what it stands for. Only then can we face the forces threatening our family. Solomon Grant might have the knowledge we need to reveal their weaknesses."
Adrian nodded. "I agree with Eva's idea. Grant is a mercenary. He will sell information to whoever offers the most money."
"Then we pay more than anyone else or find something to use against him." Eva's eyes grew cold. "I'm done playing by their rules. If we have to do things their way to protect this family, then that's what we'll do."
"Eva, you have already assigned tasks to everyone. So what will you be doing?"
"I… I'll talk to Victor Chen and Solomon Grant to see what information or help they can offer."
The room fell silent again.
Then Eleanor laughed. The sound was sharp and unexpected.
"I take it back," she said. "You haven't just changed—you've become formidable." She turned to Adrian. "Marry her properly this time. She's worth keeping."
"I already did, Grandmother."
"You did? Why wasn't I informed of it? You brat."
"I'm sorry, Grandma. You know the situation we are in. We couldn't risk you getting hurt by coming to our wedding, so we only invited a few people," Adrian said.
"Fine. Fine. Who cares about that? It's good you married her. Then let's figure out how to win this fight."
Before they could make any plans, there was a more urgent concern: Lily and Ethan, whose laughter and the scattered clatter of toy blocks drifting from the playroom stood in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere elsewhere in the house.
Eva found them in the playroom, happily unaware of the crisis around them. They were building a big castle out of blocks and arguing about the best ways to protect it.
"Mommy!" Lily looked up with a bright smile. "Look at our castle! Ethan says it needs more towers, but I think it needs a moat."
"It needs both," Eva said, settling onto the floor beside them. "Moats keep enemies from getting close. Towers let you see them coming."
"See? I told you." Ethan shot his sister a triumphant look.
"You said towers were more important. Mommy said they're both important. So you are wrong."
Eva watched her children argue over their castle, her hands unconsciously tightening around the edge of her sleeve, the warmth of affection mingling with a persistent tension that knotted in her chest.
How could she protect them from someone like the Architect? This was someone who could get through any defense, control people in secret, and had already shown she would use her children to get what she wanted.
"Mommy?" Lily's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You have your worried face again."
Eva forced a smile. "I was just thinking about how clever you both are. Your castle is really well built."
"Are you worried about the bad people?" Ethan asked quietly.
Eva's smile faltered. "What makes you say that?"
"There are more guards than usual. And you and Adrian keep having meetings and look serious." Ethan's dark eyes watched her closely. "Something's wrong again, isn't it?"
Eva had promised herself she would never lie to her children about important things. But how could she explain the truth to them?
How could she explain that a monster had come into their home and threatened to destroy everything they loved?
"There are some people who want to cause trouble for our family," she said gently. "But you don't need to worry. The grownups are taking care of it. And if you ever feel scared or have questions, you can always come and talk to me. I will always listen and do everything I can to keep you safe."
"But you are worried."
"I'm..." Eva reached out and smoothed Ethan's hair. "It's my job to worry, so you don't have to. That's what moms do."
"And Adrian's job, too?"
"Yes, it's Adrian's job too. And Grandpa's, and Uncle Daniel's, and lots of other people who love you." Eva pulled both children close. "You're surrounded by people who would do anything to keep you safe. I need you to trust that, okay?" She looked at both of them, her gaze gentle.
"But I know that with all of us looking so serious, it can be scary sometimes. If you ever feel upset or worried, or if you have questions, I want you to tell me. It's okay to talk about anything you feel. We're all in this together, and your feelings are important."
Lily nodded right away, happy with the answer. Ethan took a little longer, searching Eva's face for anything she wasn't saying.
"Okay," he said finally. "But if you need help, you'll tell us, right?"