Chapter 307 No Matter the Cost
When Elizabeth got home from work that evening, Timothy told her about what happened with Alfonso and Mabel.
"I'm not clear on the exact details yet. Alfonso has kept things under wraps, but a couple of days ago, Alfonso's mom was rushed to the emergency room, and the doctor issued a critical condition notice to the family."
Elizabeth frowned. "Are you suggesting Mabel had a conflict with Alfonso's mom? That something happened?"
Timothy nodded slightly. "Maybe. We'll only know what exactly happened when Mabel contacts us."
Though Elizabeth was a bit worried, all she could do was wait for Mabel to reach out.
Elizabeth went to take a shower first.
The company could finally develop according to her plan.
Elizabeth finally had some free time tonight. After her shower, she went to the study to contact Lyle.
Lyle told Elizabeth what he'd found out about Armando.
Armando was a supervisor in the business department at the Potts Group. He and his wife Brynn lived at The Potts Mansion, while his mother Beatrix lived with Mindy.
Elizabeth thought for a moment. "What's his relationship with Brynn like?"
Lyle analyzed, "Ms. Potts is proud and arrogant. When she buys bags or clothes, she always pays for them herself. People in their circle make fun of her to some extent. Her relationship with Armando isn't that solid."
Elizabeth smiled faintly. "Arrange for an ambitious man to seduce Brynn. As for Armando, I'll arrange someone else to handle him."
Lyle nodded. "Got it. I'll arrange it as soon as possible. These days, ambitious men are easy to find."
The two then discussed recent matters at Quin Agency.
Lyle briefly reported on the company's progress and some issues.
Just then, Timothy walked into the study carrying a glass of milk. He placed the glass next to Elizabeth.
"Thank you," Elizabeth said.
Lyle saw Timothy through the video camera and nodded as a greeting.
Timothy put down the milk glass and left the study without interrupting their conversation.
Before they knew it, it was ten o'clock when Lyle and Elizabeth finally ended their conversation.
Elizabeth closed her computer, picked up the empty milk glass, and left the study, heading downstairs.
Timothy was sitting on the sofa, looking at some documents.
Seeing Elizabeth come downstairs, he asked, "Finished talking?"
Elizabeth nodded and sat down next to Timothy. She placed the empty milk glass on the coffee table. "Want to go out together tomorrow?"
Timothy closed his documents. "Sure."
Elizabeth picked up a pillow, hugged it in her arms, and leaned on Timothy's shoulder. "I'm ready to make my move against Armando."
Elizabeth sighed.
Timothy reached out and pulled her into his arms.
He said, "Okay."
This morning, Elizabeth and Timothy changed into simple clothes and went out.
There was a very popular church on Azure Dragon Peak in Border Ridge City, and they decided to go there to pray.
Driving to Azure Dragon Peak, including time stuck in traffic, would take at least over an hour.
Timothy drove himself today.
There was a parking lot at the base of Azure Dragon Peak. They parked the car and got out.
The temperature outside was very high.
It was only morning, but the outdoor temperature was already as high as body temperature.
Elizabeth put on a sun hat, bent down to reach into the car, and grabbed another sun hat for Timothy.
She looked up at the mountain. "I heard that if you walk up the steps one by one, your prayers will be more effective."
Timothy took the sun hat, put it on, and nodded. "Then let's take the stairs."
"Okay." Elizabeth nodded, and the two walked toward the stairs.
They reached the entrance to the stairway, and holding hands, they devoutly began climbing step by step toward the summit.
The stairs of Azure Dragon Peak stretched upward. As they continued climbing, the steps became steeper and steeper.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves onto them. By the time they reached halfway up the mountain, their clothes were soaked with sweat on their backs.
"Azure Dragon Peak Church has a history of three hundred years. There are many miraculous stories about it. Mr. Robinson, have you been here before?"
Elizabeth stopped and looked up at the high stairs ahead. She took out a handkerchief to wipe her sweat.
Timothy opened a bottle of sports drink and handed it to Elizabeth first. "I've never been here."
After they both drank some water and rested briefly, they continued climbing.
They finally reached the summit.
The church's ancient building stood on the mountain, full of hundreds of years of history.
Walking into the church, the sound of chanting filled the air, and ritual offerings were abundant.
Elizabeth and Timothy bowed devoutly before the church. Their only prayer was for Seraphina to be safe and sound.
After they left the church and were driving back to the city halfway down the mountain, Timothy received a call from Joe.
"Boss, our people spotted that man in Pineville."
Timothy immediately gripped the steering wheel tightly, his gaze becoming sharp. "Did they see Seraphina?"
Joe's voice continued from the other end of the phone. "Our people only saw the man go out to eat. They didn't see Ms. Penrose with him."
Timothy first pulled the car over to the side of the road. "First, find out where he's staying and prepare the plane."
After hanging up, Timothy turned to look at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth's eyes were full of hope.
He said softly, "They spotted that man in Pineville, but they didn't see Seraphina."
Elizabeth immediately took out her phone. While sending a message to Robbie to continue watching Maddox and the others, and telling him she wouldn't be at the company for the next few days, she said to Timothy, "I'll go home to pack and head straight to the airport. I really didn't expect that man would go back to Pineville."
Because Timothy was under restrictions, he couldn't leave Border Ridge City. "I'll have Joe go with you to Pineville."
"Okay."
Back home, Elizabeth quickly packed two sets of clothes and took her documents.
For some reason, Timothy felt uneasy. He held her hand. "Elizabeth, remember, no matter what happens, stay calm and keep yourself safe."
Elizabeth nodded. "I know."
Timothy's deep gaze watched Elizabeth get in the car. He looked at Joe, signaling him to take good care of Elizabeth.
Joe nodded and got in the car.
They arrived in Pineville from Border Ridge City around five in the afternoon.
Elizabeth had been on edge the whole way.
After arriving in Pineville, they checked into a local hotel.
Max was already there waiting.
"Ms. Penrose," Max reported, "we've confirmed where that man is staying, but we haven't seen any children around him."
Because they weren't sure if Seraphina was there too, they didn't dare arrest Rolf.
Elizabeth frowned. "Watch him for two more days. If we don't see any sign of Seraphina, grab him."
Max nodded. "We'll continue monitoring his movements and try not to alert him."
After Max left, Joe also left the room.
Elizabeth had been sitting up straight listening to Max's report, but after they left, she bent over.
She supported herself with her elbows on the table, her hands running through her hair.
Elizabeth closed her eyes, feeling waves of helplessness.
Timothy's video call request came through at that moment.
Elizabeth rubbed her face to make herself look energetic, then answered the video call.
Timothy first checked Elizabeth's complexion, then said softly to comfort her, "Elizabeth, we will definitely find our daughter."
Elizabeth's voice had a slight nasal tone as she responded.
Timothy asked Elizabeth to move closer to the camera. "Come closer, a bit closer."
Elizabeth moved her whole face close to the camera, puzzled.
"We must find Seraphina, no matter what it takes."
Timothy's thin lips touched the camera, as if kissing her forehead through the screen.
Elizabeth's eyelashes trembled slightly.