Chapter 418 Vacation

Chapter 418 Vacation

"Alright," Wendy finally relented, her voice tinged with fatigue and a longing she hadn't even realized. "I'll come over this weekend."

"Awesome!" Gilbert's voice immediately lit up with excitement. "I'll send someone to pick you up, VIP service!"

"No need, Gilbert. I'll drive myself. It's easier," Wendy replied softly, preferring to avoid drawing too much attention.

"Okay, I'll send you the details for the ocean-view suite I've reserved for you. Get some rest, Wendy. See you this weekend."

After hanging up, Wendy tossed her phone onto the soft couch.

She leaned back, closed her eyes, and let out a long sigh.

Rocky Island?

Well, at least it would be a temporary escape from Alexander and this suffocating city.

As night fell and the city lights began to twinkle, Wendy returned home. 

The dim light cast a warm glow over the stack of documents and recording equipment on the table.

These were meticulously prepared by her lawyer, containing Beck's statements and related recordings.

The lawyer had sternly informed her that with the current evidence, it would be extremely difficult to send Sophie to prison.

At a crucial moment, if Lydia could be persuaded to testify, then Sophie's crimes might be irrefutably proven.

However, Wendy knew better than anyone that Lydia would never stand by her side.

Meanwhile, in a private club in the city center, the atmosphere in the Elysian Dining private room was somewhat tense.

Alexander and Gilbert sat across from each other, the room's luxurious decor and the soft glow of the crystal chandelier reflecting off the exquisite tea set and dishes on the table.

Francis gently pushed open the door, placing two steaming dishes on the table before quietly retreating.

Gilbert picked up his coffee cup, took a sip, and looked at Alexander with a scrutinizing gaze, breaking the silence first. 

"Mr. Turner, I was quite surprised to receive your invitation. What exactly do you want from me?"

When he saw Alexander's email, he was full of questions.

After all, although they both operated in Aurora City's business circle, their interactions were limited outside of Wendy.

However, the mention of "Sophie" in the email was something he couldn't ignore.

Alexander's expression was steady, his body leaning slightly forward as he spoke seriously. 

"Mr. Harvey, I've outlined my intentions in the email. Given the current complex and changing situation, it is the most rational choice for us to join forces."

Gilbert couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. 

"Alexander, a few years ago, your words might have held some weight. But times have changed. Do you remember the promises you made to me back then? Which one of them have you kept?"

Alexander's eyes darkened instantly, memories flooding back like a tide, touching the pain he didn't want to confront.

His lips trembled slightly as he slowly said, "One can't always be trapped in past memories."

But even he felt that this reason was too weak.

Gilbert, however, was relentless, his tone growing more agitated. 

"Listen to yourself, how self-deceptive that sounds. People shouldn't live in the past, but what about Wendy? She's still trapped in the nightmare's shadow. Do you have the guts to face her? To uncover that bloody scar?"

When a person is hurt, the wound will slowly scab over, seemingly healed.

However, the thicker the scab, the more painful it is to try to peel it off again.

If the scar is left on the skin, over time, one can only cover it with clothing or constantly convince oneself that it's forgotten.

But in reality, the scar remains, never truly disappearing.

"I'm sorry." 

The usually resolute and cold Alexander seemed to have his backbone removed, all his pride and indifference collapsing at this moment.

The scar he had always been afraid to face had long become an unspeakable weakness in his heart, accompanying him through countless sleepless nights.

"Yes, it's all my fault. But before I atone to Wendy, we can first join forces to deal with the Russell Group."

"Cooperate?" Gilbert frowned, quickly recalling the contents of Alexander's email about teaming up to take down the Russell Group.

He couldn't help but feel puzzled and asked, "Why have you suddenly decided to go after the Russell Group?"

A determined look flashed in Alexander's eyes as he took a deep breath and said slowly, "Some things, once they happen, can never be undone. The feud between me and the Russell family is irreconcilable. A series of events made me realize that the Russell Group must fall."

His thoughts drifted to North Ridge Town, that silent land, burying hundreds of innocent lives.

These people were victims of that tragedy, waiting in the darkness for justice to soothe their restless souls.

Gilbert nodded slightly, his expression serious. "I get your determination, but the Russell Group has deep roots in Aurora City. As an old family, their influence is complex and entrenched. Taking them down won't be easy."

In Aurora City's business circle, the Turner Group was often seen as the industry leader, but that was only because the Russell Group had always kept a low profile, not competing for fame and fortune.

In reality, the Russell Group's foundation and strength were formidable.

Gilbert's eyes were sharp as he looked at Alexander and continued, "You say cooperation, but how exactly?"

Alexander narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression serious. "The Russell Group has deep roots, but if our two families join forces, we can certainly compete with them. Sophie is cunning, but the real difficult core of the Russell Group is..."

"Liam." 

They both said the name almost simultaneously, then exchanged a knowing look.

Gilbert continued, "He's a shrewd character. Dealing with him won't be easy. We must be careful and plan meticulously."

Alexander's lips curled into a confident smile. "So, Mr. Harvey, are you willing to cooperate with me?"

Gilbert snorted coldly, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not doing this for you. You know very well who I'm doing this for. Sophie dared to go after Wendy, and from that moment, I swore I wouldn't let her off easily."

Alexander heard this and silently took out a thick leather file from his bag, gently pushing it towards Gilbert. "Here are some materials I've collected about the Russell Group's various issues. Take them back and study them carefully."

Gilbert looked at the file with a hint of surprise and couldn't help but say, "It seems you've prepared quite thoroughly to deal with her."

Alexander slowly stood up, his eyes firm. "Dealing with an opponent like Sophie leaves no room for error. We must be flawless."



The weekend arrived, and Rocky Island's resort hotel was bustling with activity as a new batch of guests checked in.

At that moment, Wendy also arrived.

At the front desk of Rocky Island's resort hotel, Wendy looked at the seven or eight people in line ahead of her, all holding identical coupons.

From their attire and behavior, Wendy guessed it was probably a company team-building event.

These people chattered loudly, their words mixed with crude language, completely unaware of how inappropriate their behavior was.

"This hotel is so fancy! The company really splurged this time, spending money to bring us to such a high-end place. I've never stayed in such a nice hotel in my life!" a woman in flashy clothes exclaimed excitedly.

"Yeah, but don't forget why we're here. Don't start thinking this is a vacation!" another woman with glasses reminded.

"Alright, alright, we know! Who could forget?" a woman with a ponytail responded impatiently.

Wendy picked up on the oddity in their words, feeling that there was something more to these people.

After about ten minutes, the people ahead finally finished checking in.

Wendy then took out her custom member invitation and smoothly completed her check-in, entering her room.

The room was spacious and bright, with a large, soft bed in the center, facing the floor-to-ceiling window that offered a view of the charming beach and vast ocean.

It was noon, and the warm sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on the floor, making the room feel cozy.

Wendy felt an urge to lie on the floor and enjoy the pleasant sunbath.

She glanced out the window and saw the women who had been at the front desk earlier walking on the beach, their feet sinking into the sand.

Despite it being late autumn, Rocky Island's sun was still intense, warming the beach.

Feeling thirsty, Wendy called the front desk.

Soon, the front desk delivered a carefully prepared meal.

For the past two days, Wendy had been distracted.

She trusted the staff she hired for the emotional release room, so she didn't check on it specifically.

But for some reason, she had a strong premonition that something was about to happen.

Wendy usually worked at the hospital and only came to Rocky Island during her breaks. 

She planned to use these two days to experience the resort and see what needed improvement.

However, life seemed to never let people rest easy, with one problem following another.

Sophie was currently overwhelmed with various company affairs. 

And amidst her frustration, her assistant rushed in, anxiously informing her that the long-time wine supplier for the Russell Group had suddenly decided to terminate their partnership, even willing to pay a hefty penalty to avoid any further business dealings with the Russell Group.