Chapter 220: Homeless Exile

Louis's POV

I said without showing any emotion. "Just ordinary corporate and real estate investments. Nothing as exciting as your adventures, Alan."

Jasmine smoothly redirected the conversation. "Alan, how much do you know about the wildlife around here? I think I saw a fox this morning from our window."

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze under the table, grateful for her quick thinking.

As we made our way back to the hotel that afternoon, Alan fell into step beside me while Jasmine walked slightly ahead, admiring the snow-covered pines.

"What kind of man is your father, Richard? I've heard he's quite the strategist in business circles."

The question seemed innocent, but combined with his earlier probing, my internal alarms were blaring. This was no casual interest.

"He's just a traditional family business leader," I replied, deliberately vague. "How long have you been living here?"

Alan easily pivoted to talking about his years in Switzerland, but my mind was racing. Who was this man really? A competitor gathering intelligence? Or something worse? Every instinct honed from years told me Alan was more than just an overly friendly tour guide.

Later that night, alone in our suite, Jasmine curled against me on the couch as we watched the flames dance in the fireplace.

"When we get back to New York, I really want to start teaching gymnastics," she said.

I ran my fingers through her hair. "You've already talked with Victoria about it, right? I think it's a great idea."

Her eyes lit up with passion. "If things go well, maybe in a year or two, I could open my own training center?"

"I'll support you completely, whatever you need," I promised. "Space, equipment, coaching staff—you just focus on what you love."

"I don't want to rely solely on your money," she hesitated. "I want to build something myself."

I turned to face her, taking her hands in mine. "It's not my money, it's our resources. Your dreams are my dreams now."

She leaned forward and kissed me, and for a moment, I forgot about Alan and his suspicious questions. This—Jasmine in my arms, planning our future—was all that mattered.

On the morning of our tenth day of honeymoon, we ran into Alan again in the hotel lobby. Since we'd made a last-minute decision to head to Finland, this would be our final day in Switzerland.

"Since you're heading out tomorrow, you guys should definitely check out one of the most beautiful spots in the Alps," Alan suggested as we told him about our changed plans, spreading out a map on the table.

"What place?" Jasmine asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Adlerhorst Cliff," Alan explained, his finger tracing a route on the map. "It's a hidden gem most tourists never discover. About a two-hour hike, but the views are unparalleled."

I studied the map with interest while keeping my concerns hidden. "Sounds special. Is the trail dangerous?"

"Completely safe," Alan assured us with a confident smile. "I've taken countless tourists there without incident."

My phone buzzed in my pocket. *Perfect timing.*

"Excuse me, I need to take this," I said, walking a few steps away. Instead of answering a call, I quickly texted the head of hotel security, a former military man I'd connected with on our first day.

*Need someone to shadow our hike today. Keep distance but don't lose sight. Destination: Adlerhorst Cliff.*

The reply came almost immediately: *Confirmed. Two men will follow discreetly.*

I rejoined Jasmine and Alan, forcing a smile. "Sorry about that. Just some business that couldn't wait. Now, tell me more about this cliff view..."

The excitement in Jasmine's eyes made me determined to give her this experience, but my instincts were screaming caution. Whatever Alan's true intentions were, I would be ready.

One hour later, I checked my watch as Jasmine and I waited in the hotel lobby. Everything we needed was packed and ready. My hand unconsciously drifted to the inside pocket of my jacket, feeling the reassuring outline of my gun. My phone was fully charged, tucked securely in my pocket.

Right on cue, Alan walked through the doors, dressed in a thick hiking jacket and carrying a backpack that looked stuffed with equipment. His easy smile matched the friendly demeanor.

He called out with enthusiasm. "Ready for today's adventure?"

Jasmine nodded eagerly. "Absolutely! I can't wait to see this secret viewpoint you mentioned."

I studied him carefully. Nothing seemed out of place, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Alan led us to a four-wheel drive vehicle parked outside. He popped open the trunk, revealing several water bottles, energy bars, and a first aid kit.

"Safety first," he said with a smile. "It's just a simple hike, but you always need to be prepared in the mountains."

I nodded in approval of his professional approach.

"How long is the drive?" I asked, sliding into the passenger seat and making sure Jasmine was comfortable in the back.

"About an hour, then we'll hike for another thirty minutes or so." Alan started the engine. "Trust me, though—it's absolutely worth the journey."

The car climbed steadily along winding mountain roads.

"What's that?" Jasmine pointed toward an unusual rock formation in the distance.

Alan slowed down to give us a better look. "That's a rock formation left by retreating glaciers. Locals call it the 'Dragon's Spine.'"

I watched him in my peripheral vision as he drove. His knuckles seemed to whiten on the steering wheel as we continued farther up the mountain.

I have an uneasy feeling.

The road narrowed as we climbed higher, until Alan finally parked on a small dirt ledge. Beyond that point, there was no road.

"We'll have to walk the rest of the way," he announced, opening his door. "Stay on the path—the ground can be slippery."

While pretending to adjust my backpack, I quickly sent our location to Hans, my security contact. Better safe than sorry.

As we began hiking, Alan took the lead. I made sure Jasmine walked between us, with me bringing up the rear. The hike was more chAlanging than I'd expected.

"Do you hike this trail often?" I asked casually.

Alan didn't turn around. "Occasionally, with special clients. Not everyone gets to appreciate this view, you know. It takes... a discerning eye."

Something in his tone made my suspicions flare. I made sure Jasmine stayed close in front of me, one hand ready to reach for my weapon at any moment.

Finally, we reached what Alan called the viewpoint. I had to admit the view was breathtaking—we stood near the edge of a cliff overlooking a vast Alpine valley. Distant peaks glistened in the sunlight, and lakes in the valley below looked like sapphires embedded in the snow-white landscape.

"My God, this is incredible!" Jasmine gasped, moving toward the cliff's edge. I immediately grabbed her arm.

"Careful, sweetheart," I said firmly, pulling her back to stand at least six feet from the edge.

Alan laughed. "Relax, Louis. It's perfectly safe. I've brought many people here. Would you like me to take a photo of you two as a memento?"

I was about to refuse, but Jasmine looked at me with such expectation that I nodded and handed over my phone.

"Stand closer together, with the lake in the background," Alan directed. We positioned ourselves as he instructed.

After taking several pictures, Alan appeared to be checking their quality, but something in his posture changed.

"Perfect photos," Alan's voice suddenly turned cold. "A perfect final moment to remember."

When he looked up, all friendliness had vanished from his eyes, replaced by a cold hatred. Slowly, he reached inside his jacket and pulled out a gun, the barrel pointing directly at us.