Shirley grabbed her phone and headed toward the cabin. Richard was fiddling with a machine when he suddenly saw his precious daughter coming in. He looked up and asked, “Why are you here?”
She handed him the phone with a firm resolve. “Dad, please instruct your men to turn around. I need to go back to Averna.”
Richard looked at the phone she handed him. He didn’t even need to guess to know that his daughter was aware of his communication with Zacharias.
“Don’t be unreasonable.” He took the phone and said, “Go back to your seat.”
“What if I parachute off the plane then?” She looked at her father and only became even more determined. He was immediately startled. So, he quickly grabbed her. “Don’t act rashly at this altitude!”
“Tell me what mission Zacharias is undertaking then. Why did he send me away? Is it perilous?” Shirley sat across from her father. Although she was overwhelmed by anxiety and on the verge of tears, she remained composed on the surface.
Richard looked at his daughter and suddenly felt his heart pang. He sighed wearily as he spoke, “Shirley, of course, I would love nothing more than to allow you to return. However, there’s a chance that Zacharias would get distracted if you’re in Averna.”
She couldn’t help but grip her father’s hand as her eyes turned red-rimmed. “Dad, please. I beg you. Turn the plane around! Send me back there. At least let me know if he’s safe. Please?”
Richard knew the daughter he had raised wasn’t one to get flustered easily. She was usually calm and rational. So, he felt pained to see her in such emotional distress for the first time. In the end, what else could he do but support his daughter in her endeavors? “Nixon, turn the plane around,” Richard called out to the cockpit.
“Understood, Mr. Lloyd.” The plane smoothly switched to another route. There wasn’t even a hint of turbulence.
Richard took out a satellite phone and dialed a number before giving an order on the other end, saying sternly, “Keep an eye on the situation at Easternia. Immediately report to me if any strange activities are happening.”
Shirley sat beside her father. “Dad, do you know who he’s dealing with?”
“A few people who are capable of collectively challenging his position. It’s definitely not something ordinary folks can intervene in. These individuals wield extensive influence and have numerous subordinates. Zacharias sent you away so he could focus on his task without worrying about you.” Richard didn’t bother hiding the truth from her.
He had received a heads-up from Ren about this matter because they had been setting up a trap all this time. They were going to use this opportunity to take down several major players capable of causing massive upheaval in one fell swoop.
Shirley’s heart instantly tightened as her mind started racing. Even though she understood that Zacharias wanted to protect her, all she wanted to do was stay by his side and support him in any way she could. She didn’t want to be apart from him at all.
The plane swiftly flew to the military airport in Averna. Richard had already scheduled for a car in advance. Nonetheless, he arranged for another car to take Angela and Ava home. Meanwhile, he took Shirley and headed straight in a particular direction.
Shirley’s heartstrings were taut throughout the entire journey. She knew the people Zacharias was dealing with at this time were extraordinarily dangerous. Those who could challenge his status were undoubtedly deeply entrenched in this battle.
“Dad, does he stand a chance?” she asked Richard nervously.
“We’re not sure.”
“Can I go to the island?” Shirley begged earnestly. “Dad, please take me to the island!”
“Do you really want to go?” Richard turned to ask. He had trained Shirley himself and had complete confidence in her abilities. Still, he couldn’t bear to see her take such risks.
“Dad, trust me. I can handle it.” Shirley nodded resolutely. She wanted to stand side by side with Zacharias and support him through this battle.
Just then, she was standing by the railing at the dock when she suddenly saw a series of fireworks exploding in the air from the distant island. So, she pointed at it and said urgently, “Dad, something’s happening over there.”
She looked at the explosions and flashes on the island. Those only indicated that the battle had officially begun.
“Dad, let’s go over there! I beg of you,” pleaded Shirley. At this moment, her entire heart flew toward the island.
Suddenly, there was a deafening sound of rotor blades as three military helicopters hovered in the sky. Soon, one of them descended steadily onto the road. Shirley tugged Richard over, exclaiming, “Dad, let’s go! I want to go, too.”
