Stronger Every Time I Die

Chapter 503 Family Bonds and Hidden Threats

The group turned their attention to Arthur's injuries, peppering him with worried questions. Under their anxious gaze, Arthur couldn't help but feel another wave of guilt. "This is my fault. I put Ashley in danger." Ashley shot him a reproachful look, though she held her tongue out of respect for her parents. But Spencer disagreed. "That's not the way to look at it," he said sternly. "When Ashley decided to get engaged to you, you became partners for life. A married couple shares everything-the joys and the hardships. It's how a relationship grows stronger. Whether times are tough or smooth, you two face them together. That's what marriage is all about." As someone who had been married for decades, Spencer spoke from experience. Nancy nodded in agreement. "As parents, we always worry. But since you're engaged, you should shoulder the burdens of life together." Ashley brightened at her parents words. I'd been afraid that they would disapprove of my choices, but their views were perfectly in line with mine. Of course, Spencer and Nancy's acceptance was based on their trust in Arthur. If they'd doubted his character, they never would have allowed their daughter to take such risks. Every parent had his or her biases-the desire to protect their child. But not all parents, of course. Seeing that both Arthur and Ashley were in good spirits, the group relaxed. Mr. Devon couldn't resist teasing, "I entrusted Ashley to you, Arthur. You'd better bring her back in one piece - she's my star pupil!" His playful remark lightened the mood and drew chuckles from everyone. Meanwhile, in the Mose Forest, unbeknownst to Arthur, another helicopter had entered the forest from a different direction, heading straight for the abandoned cabin. In Evergrand City Hospital, after visiting with Arthur and Ashley, the group dispersed to complete their own tasks. Nancy went to find a kitchen to make chicken soup, while Spencer went to buy supplements and necessities. Arthur's injuries were serious enough to require two more days in the hospital.Mr. Hugo and Mr. Devon, busy with academic duties, returned to the university. Waylen stayed to update Arthur. "We've identified Timothy. He's Dean Baker's brother. He joined our security team a month ago and specifically requested to accompany this trip. That's all we've uncovered so far." Arthur pondered before nodding. "Dig deeper. Find out who he interacted with before he joined us." A month ago, Dean was still alive. That Timothy had infiltrated the team before Dean's death was too convenient to be a coincidence. The world didn't work that way. After a pause, Arthur added, "Also investigate who authorized Timothy's entry. There may be a mole in our team." My security team wasn't elite, but they were thoroughly vetted. Background checks were standard. Yet Timothy's file - now in Arthur's hands - made no mention of Dean. Someone had helped him slip through the cracks. Waylen stiffened. As team leader, the breach was my responsibility. Lowering his head, he replied solemnly, "Understood." I would uncover the truth. Whatever punishment Arthur saw fit, I'd accept-but first I'd root out the traitor. A new visitor, Stanley, arrived in a hurry after hearing of Arthur's injuries. Arthur dismissed Waylen with a wave before turning to Stanley. After Waylen went out, Arthur asked. "Any movement on Finley lately?" Before leaving for the Mose Forest, Arthur had made careful plans. Stanley dutifully reported, "According to your strategy, we played along. The Tremo family suffered heavy losses in the recent bidding. The Cloudia Corporation and the Walker Group secured the project."Arthur listened quietly. The corporate developments were expected - part of my calculations. But Timothy's case inexplicably reminded me of the Solivair. Was there a connection between Timothy's infiltration and Solivair? And if so, why had Timothy been so insistent on joining the trip to the forest? I had gone there to find my grandfather - an ordinary man with no background to speak of. What was Timothy's goal?

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