Emmeline chuckled. âThatâs all I have for a background, and youâve practically figured it all out.â
âSo, I have to say, I respect no one but you!â Adam said. âI also hand it to Abel for being able to snatch such an amazing woman. Itâs like even the heavens favor you!â
âYouâre pretty lucky yourself, Adam,â Abel responded with a smile. âThe hero of Struyria, a name that earns admiration with just a mention!â
âNot only that,â Ysabel chimed in. âAdamâs name hung on the front gate can ward off evil. He can stand. shoulder to shoulder with Ares, the God of War!â â
âExcuse you!â Adam guffawed.
âThings sure are different now,â Adrien grinned. âAdam used to be the one everyone hated. Now, heâs the one everyone respects. How the tables have turned!â
âLetâs not go there again,â said Adam. âIâm reformed now, giving up evil and promoting good, becoming at hero who stands up for justice. Iâm planning to donate ten million to a âHeroic Deeds Fundâ to encourage citizens to help one another!â
âThatâs a great idea!â Abel nodded. âIâll add another ten million to the fund!â
âCount me in!â Adrien said. âEvery little bit helps!â
âWow!â Ysabel clapped her hands. âTo think the three scions of the Ryker family have such high aspirations!â
âOf course!â Adam said with a hint of pride. âOtherwise, how could we have found such amazing wives?â
âIâm counted as one too?â Ysabel blushed. fluttering her eyelashes..
âYou bet. But you have to learn from Emma and Liz,â Adam replied.
âOh my! How wonderful!â Ysabel nearly jumped in excitement. âIâll follow Emma and Lizbethâs example and strive to be like them!â
âThatâs the spirit!â Adam said, pleased. âLetâs raise our glasses to that!â
âBut I have a question for Emma,â Ysabel looked at Emmeline with anticipation. âEmma, may I?â
âGo ahead.â Emmeline nodded. âI donât have any more secrets to hide.â
âYou are from the Adelmar Clan, right? Did Erin know?â
Erin?
Everyone turned grim at the mention of the name.
Erin Anderson was none other than Evelyn Murphy, a woman who had caused a lot of trouble. Who knew how many people she had harmed?! Bringing her up now was just leaving a bad taste in everyoneâs mouths.
âPlease donât get upset, Emma,â Ysabel hurriedly explained. âI just wanted to remind you.
âWhy are you asking about her?â Emmeline frowned. She believed Ysabel had a reason for asking and wouldnât bring it up without cause.
âI remember when Sonia broke her leg and was in the hospital, Erin reached out to her privately,â
Ysabel said. âIf Erin knew your true identity, she probably told Sonia because she wanted to collaborate with her to go after you!â
Emmeline stood up abruptly. âCould it really be Sonia and her mother?â
âI think itâs very possible,â Abel said. âThey had the opportunity to sneak the birthday video flash drive into the gift. Given this, they are prime suspects!â
âThat makes sense to me!â Adam added. âWhen Grandfather called you to the study, Sonia and her mother disappeared for a while. Could they have gone to eavesdrop?â
âThatâs a possibility,â Abel said. âThe security at the Ryker Mansion is extensive. Iâll have Luca investigate.â
âLeave that to me!â Adrien volunteered. âYou and Grandad are still in a sensitive position. Itâll be easier if I go instead.â
âAlright,â Abel agreed. âLetâs leave it to Adrien then.â
âIf it turns out to be Sonia and her mother, leave the rest to me!â Adam said. âAs you all know, I had the most cutting-edge methods of punishment when I was in charge of the Imperial Palace. I guarantee they wonât be found by anyone!â
âI know you also have several underground chambers. Abel said. âMr. Ywain from Sunny Avenue was imprisoned by you for so long, and no one could find him.â
âThatâs settled then,â Adam said. âYou and your family take this chance to travel abroad. Itâs a perfect.
chance for a family vacation!â
âWeâre planning to visit Staniue,â Abel said. âAfter that, weâll head to Osea.
âStaniue?â Adrien asked. âWhatâs there to see?â