Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Just after 8:30 p.m., Gilbert arrived at Ivy Hollow to meet with Nolan. The moment the car stopped, Nolan approached and got in.

"Mr. Nine," he began as he closed the door, "our team confirmed that Malvina was spotted here last night with Galen." "Any clues on their whereabouts?"

Nolan shook his head. "We've already checked the Johnson Mansion owned by the Clayton family, but Galen wasn't there," he explained, gesturing around them. "Malvina isn't entirely clueless, Mr. Nine. Look at Ivy Hollow-surrounded by hills and mountains. It's the perfect place to hide someone."

Ivy Hollow was indeed a basin encircled by mountains. Gilbert scanned the area, his brow furrowing deeper with concern.

"Our team is searching," Nolan assured him, "but it'll take time."

Gilbert remained silent, his expression stern as he thought deeply. Galen was Malvina's son; she was only trying to prevent a surgery, not harm him. After Sherilyn's dramatic visit, Malvina likely feared exposing Galen's location, hence she wouldn't appear in person. Following Sherilyn had yielded no results. However, Malvina wouldn't abandon her son. Unable to act herself, she would enlist help...

After a moment, Gilbert glanced at Nolan. "Keep an eye on townsfolk connected to the Claytons, like relatives or friends around Malvina's age."

Nolan understood clearly. "Got it, Mr. Nine. I'll arrange it right away." He stepped out of the car.

Gilbert leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. He had only caught an hour or two of sleep since the previous night. His nerves were taut, causing his head to throb with pain. He was exhausted but couldn't relax. Each time he closed his eyes, he saw Sherilyn with tears streaming down her face, and Jenna's innocent, bewildered expression...

Late into the night.

"Mr. Nine." Nolan returned, tapping on the car window. Wrapped in the remains of a storm, he got in. "We've got news! You were right-Malvina paid someone to care for Galen!"

"The person was clever, not daring to go out during the day, only sneaking out at night. Our people followed him!"

"Where are they?" Gilbert's eyes flickered with interest.

"Hard to pinpoint," Nolan admitted. He pulled out his phone and tapped away. "Here's the location sent by our team, Mr. Nine. I've forwarded it to you... Galen's there!" Gilbert checked his phone and said decisively, "Let's move!"

"Mr. Nine, where are we heading?" Nolan asked as Gilbert was already exiting the car.

The rain had stopped outside. Gilbert stepped onto the damp ground, casting a glance at Nolan. "To get Galen."

"Mr. Nine," Nolan tried to persuade him, "there's no need for you to go personally; our team will bring Galen back."

"I can't wait any longer." Gilbert shook his head, the dark circles

under his eyes revealing his exhaustion from two sleepless. nights Rather than waiting, he preferred to retrieve Galen himself.

swnovel

He opened the location on his phone and set off, with his bodyguards following closely.

"Oh, Mr. Nine!" Nolan sighed, resigned, and followed as well.

...

At the hospital, Edgar was startled awake by his phone's ringtone. Waiting for news, he hadn't left and had dozed off on the couch in the living room. Waking, he answered the call.

"Hello? Bro..."

The voice on the other end snapped Edgar to attention. He sat up straight. "Really? Great, got it! Thanks, bro!"

On the other end, Yates responded,

"No need to thank me; I didn't do

much. What's Galen's connection to the Harrisons? They've been

searching the whole city for his nea

since yesterday. I only got the lead from the Harrisons that the kid might be in Ivy Hollow."