Chapter 88: Anxiety

Kai had received a message from Adam earlier while he was putting Elara to sleep. Adam had asked if they could meet.

Kai had been reluctant. Mark was visiting, and after an exhausting day at work, the last thing he wanted was to leave the house at this hour. However, when Adam added that it concerned Drake, Kai knew he could not simply wait until tomorrow or discuss something like this over the phone.

So, he was now on his way to the location Adam had given him.

He suspected the matter could involve either Drake’s mother or Drake himself. Perhaps Drake had already awakened. Either possibility demanded his attention. The last thing Kai wanted was for someone to come knocking on his door and disturb the peaceful life he had built with Jean and Elli.

’Though I feel this new reward would surely help.’

At least he could rest a little easier knowing he had something that could help him protect himself if things turned ugly. If his days as a good-for-nothing hunter had taught him anything, it was how to survive when circumstances were at their worst.

Now, however, he had the system, its tools, and enough strength to handle situations far better than he once could.

What truly worried him was his family, who remained inside a relatively secure house. The people he was dealing with, however, had connections and influence. And if the Scarlette family became involved, nothing might stop them from finding their way to Blue Mountain.

[Host, the barrier will prevent both magical and physical attacks for long enough for the host to return to his family.]

The system’s words eased some of the tension in Kai’s chest.

He smiled in relief. The system seemed to understand exactly what he needed whenever a situation became troublesome. Kai could not have been more grateful for that.

Soon, he arrived at the place Adam had chosen.

It was near the library, which had already closed for the night. Even so, people still moved through the surrounding streets since the area was close to the city center.

Kai parked his car along the side of the road and stepped out.

Just as he took out his phone, a message appeared on the screen.

{On your left.}

Kai turned and found Adam raising a hand.

He nodded before walking toward him.

Adam was standing beside a cycle stand that was completely empty. The area was relatively dark, but the surrounding streetlights provided enough illumination for them to see each other clearly.

"Sorry for calling you at this hour. However, the situation required some urgency," Adam said as they shook hands.

Kai nodded. "It’s about me and my family so you don’t need to apologize. In fact, I should be thanking you."

Being called out this late over something concerning his family’s safety was more than reasonable in Kai’s eyes.

"I was summoned by the Vice President this evening," Adam began. "That’s when I learned that his family, or more precisely, Lady Vancroft, has been investigating you. She has already obtained some images of you and, apparently, even managed to find the location of your new residence."

Kai sucked in a quiet breath.

He had not expected them to locate his new residence in only three days.

"I’ve been cautious..." he muttered, though his voice trailed off.

"I know. But there are things we cannot deny or simply run from. Their connections are considerable, and Lady Vancroft’s fixation on whatever she is searching for is undeniable."

Kai fell silent for a moment, crossing his arms over his chest.

This was exactly the sort of situation he had feared.

Adam continued, "I have a way to deal with this. However, it would involve some risk."

Kai hummed thoughtfully. "It wouldn’t hurt to hear it."

"We could approach Sir Vancroft about the matter. You would tell him everything and ask him to persuade his wife to cease her actions."

Kai studied Adam for a moment before asking, "What do you think? How would the man react once he learns that the mother of my child is the same woman who once rejected his family?"

Adam fell silent.

Kai shook his head.

He was not blaming Jean. She had simply chosen the happiness she wanted, and Kai could understand that. But from the Vancroft family’s perspective, the sudden annulment of the marriage must have felt like a profound insult.

Adam fell silent for a moment before asking, "Do you have something in mind? Maybe moving your residence again?"

Even to Adam, the suggestion sounded absurd and impractical. After all, it took just a day for them to discern where Kai was living so shifting again would possibly give them one or maybe two days of assurance.

After that?

But the truth was, at present, neither he nor Kai had the resources or influence necessary to stand against families as powerful as the Vancrofts and Scarlettes.

The silence stretched between them for several moments before Kai finally spoke.

"Tell me something. Those who work for the Association, don’t they get quarters within the building?"

Adam nodded. "Yes, but Hunter Kai, they’d be able to find you there as well. And I have no doubt that there are people within the Association working for both the Vancroft and Scarlette families."

Kai’s expression grew thoughtful.

In fact, living there might be even more dangerous. Anyone with ties to either family would have far easier access to him and his family, and they could make their move at a time Kai least expected.

It would be like Kai was voluntarily placing themselves on a silver platter, then waiting for either family to decide when they wanted to strike.

Kai clicked his tongue and rested his hands on his waist, thinking what he could do...when suddenly.

He felt it.

Jean was anxious. No, he was scared.

"Hunter Kai?" Adam asked as Kai suddenly turned and entered the car.

Without thinking he started the engine and headed straight back to Blue Mountain.

Have they made their move already?