Chapter 213 She Isn't the Number One Person on the Dark Web, Right?
Emily's voice was resolute as she laid out the plan. "To keep things under wraps, we need to either tell Grandpa Huo to steer clear of that spot, maybe say he's feeling under the weather and needs to rest up, or we gotta come up with a reason to clear out all that grass."
Daniel gave a confident nod. "Don't stress about it. I'll get someone on it."
Relieved, Emily reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. "This has two antidote pills. One for you, one for Grandpa. If things go south, take them right away. They'll stabilize you until I can get back with the full antidote."
She handed the box to Daniel, emphasizing its importance. "Only open this if you absolutely have to. It's specially designed to keep the pills effective."
These boxes were rare, and the antidote pills inside were known to lose their potency quickly, making them incredibly precious.
Daniel caught the implication. "Wait, you're coming back? Where are you going?"
Emily sighed, realizing she had to come clean. "I'm sorry. I planned to stick around longer and help out, but something urgent came up, and I need to leave Silverlight City."
She cherished her freedom, and while Daniel never intended to restrict it, her sudden departure left him uneasy. "Is there anything you need from me? You've done so much for me, I'm ready to help you with anything."
His earnest eyes locked onto hers. Emily could see he was willing to do whatever she asked, but she didn't want to drag him into anything dangerous. "No, it's nothing major, just a bit complicated. I feel bad for not seeing things through with you."
"You've already done me a huge favor. I owe you, no matter what. How could I possibly be upset?" Daniel reassured her.
Emily nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. Daniel, still wanting to know more without pushing her, suggested York escort her out, but Emily declined. Her ride was already waiting outside, leaving Daniel with no reason to press the issue.
He watched her leave, only turning away once her car was out of sight. His mind was already racing with plans. "York, I need you to check Emily's flight details. Find out where she's heading and who she's meeting. Keep it low-key."
York noticed the concern on Daniel's face and nodded. "Yes, sir!"
He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should bring up another matter. Daniel noticed and frowned. "What is it?"
"Mr. Smith, you asked me to keep tabs on SQ, the top hacker on the dark web. After being off the grid for a while, she just posted a job for mercenaries yesterday. You might want to see this."
As the founder of the dark web, Daniel had always been intrigued by SQ, a mysterious figure with unmatched skills. His previous attempt to investigate her nearly blew his cover. After that, SQ had gone silent, reappearing only sporadically. Her sudden job posting now had his full attention.
After York left, Daniel headed to his study and logged into the dark web to check SQ's latest post. He read it and shot up from his chair. "It can't be her!"
His eyes widened, but he quickly composed himself. If it was Emily, it all made sense. He had seen her computer skills firsthand. He had definitely underestimated her.
Now wasn't the time for reflection. Emily had said she was going on a trip, but she was actually heading to Zephyria to save someone—a dangerous mission that tore at him.
He immediately called York. "Get in touch with our contacts in Zephyria. See if Emily bought a ticket there. Move fast!"
"Yes, sir!" York, sensing the urgency in Daniel's voice, was equally alarmed. Emily going to Zephyria alone, given the risks, was concerning.
York quickly called the airline to check on Emily's travel plans. Meanwhile, Daniel called Charles. "Get everything ready for a trip to Zephyria. Arrange the fastest private flight. I need to get there now."
Charles was taken aback by Daniel's urgent tone. "What's going on, Daniel? Did something happen with the Zephyria project? This seems a bit extreme."
Only Charles dared to suggest Daniel was panicking, but Daniel was too focused on Zephyria to notice. "Just do it!"
"Alright, alright!" Charles hurriedly complied, nearly bumping into Knox as he rushed out.
Knox frowned. "What's the rush? Watch where you're going."
Charles, aware of the tension between Knox and Daniel, tried to sidestep. "It's nothing. Just need to use the restroom."
Knox, not buying it, pressed on. "Spill it, or you're not leaving."
Charles, unable to lie convincingly, confessed. "I'm handling something for Daniel. I know you two don't get along, but please don't interfere."
Knox snorted but grasped the urgency. He knew Daniel's capabilities and recognized that something significant must be happening. He decided to dig into Charles's activities, discovering the preparations for a trip to Zephyria. Realizing the connection to Emily, he quickly made his own arrangements to go there, hoping to confirm his suspicions and offer help.
Meanwhile, Emily was already on her flight to Zephyria, unreachable by phone. Knox, impatient, arranged for a private flight, determined to get to Zephyria and find Orville as soon as possible.