Jared’s phone rang, and he saw an unfamiliar number. He answered hesitantly, “Hello?”
“Mr. Presgrave, I’m Antoine Wyatt, Jasper’s uncle and superior. There are important matters to discuss. I need your cooperation.” Jared responded cautiously, “Go ahead, Mr. Wyatt. I’m listening.”
“Jasper and your sister have developed feelings for each other, but now he’s been seriously injured on a mission. The extent of his injuries isn’t clear, but I don’t want him to have further contact with your sister.”
Jared felt guilty, knowing Jasper had paid a heavy price this time. He said, “I understand.”
“I hope you also understand my concerns. Jasper’s line of work isn’t suitable for your sister. For their well-being, please tell her that he has sacrificed himself in this mission and ask her to sever her emotional ties with him.”
“This…” Jared hesitated briefly, aware of how significant Jasper was to Willow, perhaps even more than her own life. “Please cooperate. It’s for your sister’s best interests.,” Antoine urged.
Jared’s gaze shifted to his unconscious sister, and he struggled to imagine her reaction upon waking up. He wondered if Willow would faint again after hearing this news. Nonetheless, he couldn’t disregard Antoine’s words. Jared knew that Jasper’s profession wasn’t conducive to starting a family. Even if his sister married him eventually, their life would be fraught with constant fear and danger-not the future he wished for her.
He reasoned that following Antoine’s advice might be the right action. Hence, he needed to sever his sister’s attachment to Jasper, allowing her to meet a remarkable man, rebuild her life, and enjoy stability. “I agree,” he replied. “I’ll do as you suggest.”
“Good. Keep this matter strictly confidential,” Antoine advised.
“I will. You have my word.” After that, Jared couldn’t resist asking, “If Jasper wakes up, could you provide me with an update on his condition? I want to know how he’s doing.”
Antoine responded firmly, “I don’t think that’ll be necessary anymore, Mr. Presgrave. Thank you for your concern. Whether he lives or dies, it’s now in fate’s hands. Let’s assume he’s no longer with us.” With those words, he hung up the phone.
This was Jasper’s worst-performing mission in so many tasks. Antoine knew it was related to Willow because she had disrupted his actions and thoughts, preventing him from successfully completing the mission. From now on, he only needed an operative who could escape
unharmed, not a nephew clouded by emotions. Meanwhile, a military helicopter landed in the hospital’s grassy field. Jasper was wheeled out by a doctor, and two military medics rushed to assist, taking the medicine bottle from the doctor and lifting Jasper into the helicopter.
Sirius observed the helicopter take off before leaving in his car. He needed to wrap up the remaining tasks and rejoin his team. He believed this mission was a success. Also, he expected the Presgrave Family wouldn’t remain passive, and the person responsible for their troubles would meet their end. After returning to the safe house, he organized his belongings and discreetly vanished from Averna.
At the hospital, Jared sat by Willow’s side, deeply worried as he looked at her pale face. He dreaded explaining everything to her because he knew it would cause her immense pain.
Later that evening, he comforted Ellen over the phone outside the ward. She wanted to visit, but he convinced her to stay home and care for their son, advising against a visit for now.
After hanging up, he reentered the ward, noticing Willow starting to stir. He took a seat beside her and softly called, “Willow. Willow?”
Deep within her subconscious, Willow fought to rouse herself. At that moment, Jared’s comforting voice was like a beacon, prompting her to open her eyes..
