Beverley sighed with exasperation in her voice. "Women can be so impulsive." Aurelia gave her a sidelong glance and decided to cut to the chase. "You think I have a thing with Peter?" Beverley jolted, slightly embarrassed that Aurelia had detected her subtle suspicions easily.

Was she that transparent? "No, no, you've got it wrong. I... I never thought that." Aurelia settled into a nearby chair, plucking a daisy and twirling it between her fingers leisurely. "I have always prided myself on my integrity. Why on earth would I entertain a boy toy?" Beverley made a face. "Aurelia, that thought never crossed my mind." "Good." Aurelia smiled faintly.

Beverley stuck out her tongue when Aurelia wasn't looking. Although she wanted to believe her, Beverley couldn't ignore the flirting she witnessed between Aurelia and that bodyguard, nor the love bites that seemed to adorn her neck.

No one would admit scandals like that, especially since they often lead to broken hearts.

Arnold would be devastated if he found out about it. He adored Aurelia more than anyone else in the world.

"Aurelia, Arnold loves you. Please don't let him down." Aurelia let a petal drift away in the breeze. "Why the sudden interest in me?" "Because I want you to be part of the family forever, whether you would marry Arnold or Leopold," Beverley stated earnestly.

Aurelia chuckled. "Alright, I'll try to do that." It was at Warehouse A, Coral Reef Ports, on Friday night.

The dilapidated structure hadn't been in use for ages. Rows of battered containers lay stacked within while the howling sea wind whistled through the cracks, sounding like wailing specters.

A woman in black, holding a baby swaddled in blankets, stepped inside, followed by three burly bodyguards with concealed guns.

They were part of the police special response team.

Darkness engulfed the warehouse interior. A man switched on a flashlight, scanning for potential traps.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the shadows.

A figure cloaked in black, a skull mask obscuring the face, led a woman from behind the containers. It was Shawn's wife, her hands bound, her mouth sealed with tape, and her face confused as if drugged.

"Where's the other one?" the woman in black demanded.

"Just her. One for one," the masked figure replied.

The woman in black snorted. "Do I look like a fool to you? It's both or nothing. Call off the exchange!" As she turned to leave, the baby in her arms began to cry. She quickly comforted the baby with a pacifier, and the baby went back into a deep slumber.

The corner of the masked figure's mouth twitched. "Wait!" He whistled sharply, and another masked figure emerged, pushing Shawn forward.

"Let's make the exchange now." The two parties approached the center of the warehouse slowly. The woman in black handed the child to the masked figure, who verified the baby's identity against a photo. It was indeed the little heir.

The masked figures exchanged a glance and bolted for an open window, clutching the child.

The bodyguards surged forward, joining the woman to free Shawn and his wife. The couple remained silent, their expressions dazed.

Suddenly, smoke grenades flew in through the broken windows, filling the warehouse with choking fog.

"Quick, put on the gas masks!" the woman yelled, anticipating their adversary's fondness for poison. They had cprepared, each carrying a gas mask.

Holding their breath, they swiftly put on the masks, first assisting Shawn and his wife, then securing their own.

"Let's get out of here," the woman commanded through her mask, leading the way into the uncertain night.

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