When fate plays its hand

Hank practically jumped forward to mock Theodore. “Are you stupid? At this hour, the staff have all gone home! You think you’ll find anyone?”

Theodore scratched his head, looking a bit conflicted before finally deciding. “Whether or not they’re there, we still have to try! We can’t just stand around doing nothing!” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

With that, he ignored Hank’s reaction and took off running back.

Seeing that Hank was no help, Sebastian and Madison continued forward. But strangely, as they walked straight through Area A, they didn’t come across a single person.

Madison was on the verge of tears. “What do we do? Miranda’s been missing for almost two hours now, and we’re wandering around like headless chickens with no solution in sight!”

Sebastian watched as tears started rolling down her face, one after the other, glistening in the dim light. He had been keeping his composure, but now he was starting to panic too.

“D–Don’t cry! We’re trying to figure something out….

“But have we figured anything out? No! I’m so worried about Miranda. It’s so dark, and the rain’s pouring- what if… what if something bad happened to her?” She sobbed. “Sebastian, you’re so smart, and your family’s so influential… can’t you think of something? Please…

His family? A sudden realization hit Sebastian–how could he have forgotten this?

“Alright.”

Madison looked up in surprise. “What?”

“I said, alright. I’ll call my family for help.”

“Is… is that okay? I just said it without thinking. I didn’t mean to pressure you…..”

After attending Sebastian’s birthday at his family’s estate, Madison realized just how impressive his family was and how modest they remained.

She vividly remembered the massive estate that didn’t even have modern conveniences like smart toilets. Instead, there were standard toilets and, surprisingly, antique toilets too. It was clear that the Landon family led a simple life despite their wealth.

She’d only mentioned his family out of panic as she was afraid for Miranda’s safety.

Sebastian took out his phone, explaining as he dialed, “Actually, it’s good you reminded me, or I wouldn’t have thought to ask my family…

He’d been so used to not relying on family connections that he hadn’t even considered it at a critical

moment!

“It really won’t cause any trouble?”

Sebastian reassured her, “My grandfather always told me. If power can’t serve the people, that’s the real

abuse.“”

The call connected. “August, this is Sebastian. Could you pass the phone to my grandfather?”

Samuel had been on an official trip abroad for two weeks, and given the time difference, it was likely midday there.

“Hello, Sebastian. Is it urgent? Mr. Samuel is resting right now…”

“Yes, it’s urgent.”

August Bennington’s tone immediately sharpened. “Understood. Hold on for a moment.”

“Thank you, August.”

Soon, Samuel’s voice came through. Sebastian quickly explained the situation and asked Samuel if he could help.

Hearing the story, Samuel became serious. A student had gone missing, and neither the supervising

professors nor the botanical garden staff had intervened. Did these people not understand the gravity of the situation?

“Don’t worry. I

I’ll get

get in touch with the garden authorities right away and ensure they take swift action.” “Thank you, Grandpa.”

Sebastian, you did well, In the future, if something like this happens and there’s no one to advocate for you, reach out to our family immediately. This isn’t about pulling strings or owing favors. Remember that nothing is more important than a life,”

“Understood, Grandpa.”

While Sebastian was on the call, Madison wasn’t idle either. Remembering Miranda’s close relationship with Paul, she quickly found Paul’s number and dialed it. However, after two tries, no one answered.