q“It was pretty successful. Otherwise, I wouldn't be talking to you right now.” Francesca chuckled. “Are things well
on your side? I saw the text where you mentioned that things are fine at the orphanage, and Lacy is no longer in
danger, right?”
“Yes,” Layla replied, “I spoke to you the other day, and I told you not to head outside. However, you avoided the
subject and kept asking me about the orphanage, so I sensed that something was amiss. Later, I heard gunshots,
and the call was cut off. I couldn't contact you again, so I knew something bad had happened. I was really anxious
at that time, and I thought of contacting Danrique to save you and getting Mr. Lincoln to contact the police of H
City...”
Layla continued, “However, Mr. Lincoln reminded me that you've always been an intelligent and cautious person.
Thus, you couldn't have been duped by Chrono so easily, unless you were threatened by him. However, he doesn't
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇthave a hold on you apart from the orphanage. You were far away from Chrono, so he couldn't use something else
to manipulate you unless he had planted a bomb inside the orphanage... Therefore, we spent two continuous nights
scouring the orphanage in order to locate the bomb, so that you wouldn't be threatened by Chrono...”
Layla got emotional as she talked about what had occurred on that day. “However, the bomb had been hidden in a
secure location, and we couldn't find it. Mr. Lincoln contacted the police, and they helped us to look for it. After a
while, we managed to find it. I contacted you immediately, but no one answered. Later, a bodyguard from the
Lindberg residence phoned me. I was surprised and also rather emotional. Although your identity is exposed, at
least, the issue is finally settled...”
She paused, then added, “Now, Lacy's no longer in critical condition and will remain in the hospital for observation.
The police are keeping an eye on the orphanage and have increased the number of patrols around the area. We're
very safe, so you don't have to worry about us.”
“Good to know that you're okay.” Francesca frowned. “Chrono's escaped, but he was bitten by Sam, so he can't do
anything drastic for a while. Still, if he survives, I'm afraid he wouldn't let me go. Currently, I'm under the protection
of the Lindberg family. Since he can't get close to me, I fear he might target the orphanage again.”
“We've beefed up our security since this incident,” Layla assured her, “Mr. Lincoln has recruited a few more
bodyguards. They will work two shifts every day and take turns to protect the children. Don't worry.”
“Okay.” Francesca nodded. “Once I've recovered, I'll pay you a visit. If anything happens, you must tell me.”
“Understood,” Layla replied, “Now, I have something to discuss with you.”
“Shoot.”
“Earlier, Mr. Lincoln and I believed that the people of Riz Corporation wouldn't interfere in matters between you and
Chrono. After all, you have Danrique behind your back. However, after this incident, we aren't so sure about that
now.”
She continued, “If he could enter the orphanage undetected and plant a bomb there, he must be a top assassin.
Chrono's accomplice must also be from Riz Corporation. At this point, we don't know if he only has one accomplice
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmor more. Anyhow, the problem is even more complicated than we thought. Mr. Lincoln is also trying to contact
Darcel Nacht, the head of Riz Corporation, to see if he can negotiate with him and ask the organization to stop
meddling in this affair...”
“This is quite tricky,” Francesca said hastily, “The head of Riz Corporation is a domineering fellow and never
interacts with the outside world. Nobody has been able to contact him, either. Even if we do, he's not an easy
person to negotiate with. Hence, I think it's best that Mr. Lincoln doesn't waste his effort on him.”
“We'll just give it a try,” Layla said, “Francesca, it's great news that your surgery is successful. Now, you must focus
on getting a proper recovery. Once you've recovered, nobody can harm you.”
“I know, Ms. Layla...”
“We won't interfere in your marriage to Danrique. We'll always support you, regardless of your decision. Once
you've made a decision, just let us know.”
“Okay. Thank you, Ms. Layla...”