Chapter 5 I'm Not Going Down Alone

Leland kept his voice low. "We've already set up in Aleginia. When you're ready, you can walk away from the Harris family with no one the wiser."

Caitlin's reply was calm. "I'm not leaving just yet. My necklace is still in Shawn's hands." She paused for a moment. "And more importantly, my mom's keepsakes are with Aydan. I can't just abandon them."

Leland leaned in, phone in hand. "There's something else, Caitlin."

A photo flashed on his screen as he showed her. "A major auction is happening in Aleginia in two days. Take a look at what's up for grabs. One of them belonged to your mother."

Recognition hit Caitlin at once, and her grip tightened on the phone.

That was the Verdant Whisper necklace-the famed last piece from the designer before retirement. One of a kind. No way she could be wrong about that.

Caitlin's gaze turned cold. "Aydan has the nerve to put my mom's necklace up for auction? He's just asking for trouble."

Leland wasted no time. "Just say it, and I'll pay that snake a visit tonight."

She shook her head, regaining her composure. "Not yet. He's hidden those keepsakes for years. If I go after him now, they'll vanish for good. I'll deal with him later. He won't walk away free."

Without another word, she tossed his phone back. "Pull some strings under the Aesculap name. Get me an invitation to the auction."

Leland hesitated. "You know, you haven't used that identity in ages. If you show up now, won't it attract too much attention?"

"Back then, I needed the Aesculap name to search for my mom's treasures. This necklace is worth the risk. I'm not passing it up," Caitlin responded.

He smiled. "Consider it done."

Inside Shawn's room, Maverick handed over a folder. "Here's what I found, Mr. Harris. Emma White graduated from Perennity University in Yussall, finance major. She worked a short stint at White Group as a business manager. Last year, she designed a building that won gold at a national competition. People in the architecture world are buzzing about her work. She spends her free time shopping and hanging out with friends. Family spoils her, so she comes off a little high-maintenance."

Family spoiled her?

Shawn tapped his knee, frowning. To him, that woman hardly seemed like someone who had been pampered all her life.

Images of her eyes kept haunting Shawn's thoughts. They reminded him of the woman from the car that day.

There was something off here. Could this White daughter and the woman from the parking lot be one and the same?

Noticing Shawn's distraction, Maverick asked, "Are you starting to doubt Miss White's background, sir?"

Shawn fixed him with a stare. "Do you think the woman staying in the next room matches the White daughter in your report?"

Maverick let out a small cough, thinking carefully. "Honestly, no."

"Keep a close watch on her," Shawn instructed. "Any updates on the vehicle that took me to the hospital from the parking lot?"

"Stolen tags. They drove into the city center, slipped into a spot the cameras couldn't reach, and disappeared," Maverick reported.

That answer came as no surprise. Shawn simply nodded, already expecting things wouldn't be easy.

"There's another update," Maverick added. "Aydan is selling off his late wife's Verdant Whisper necklace at the auction. Do you want me to put in a bid for it?"

Shawn's knuckles whitened as he tightened his fist. "No, I'll be there myself. If Aesculap is going to show, it'll be at that auction."

"Are you sure?" Maverick hesitated. "That doctor dropped off the map ages ago. Do you really believe she'll make an appearance?"

Shawn's gaze dropped to his own fingers as he replied, voice low, "I've got six months left. If Aesculap doesn't show, the secret's out. I won't be able to hide how sick I am from the Harris family much longer. They're all circling, waiting for a chance to move against me."

Worry flickered across Maverick's face. "Sir, even if Aesculap stays hidden, our medical team can develop the medicine for you within six months. There's still a shot at recovery if we keep at it."

"It doesn't matter much." Shawn's calm expression turned sharp. "If they want me out, they'd better be ready. I'm not going down alone."

"Do exactly as I told you," said Shawn. "I want you to look into that woman from the White family and find out everything you can about her."

"Right away, Mr. Harris." Maverick turned and left.