The next day, I boarded the flight back to my hometown with Ava. I called Ivanna on the plane to let her know about my trip. I also emphasized the importance of completing the tasks I had assigned her.

Every step of my plan had to be executed flawlessly. I told Ivanna that I had tracked Matthew's whereabouts and asked her to keep an eye on him.

After ending the call, I held my phone tightly, battling the urge to make another call. Ultimately, I took a deep breath and turned off my phone.

I couldn't get too close to that man.

Ava was excited the entire trip, but I reviewed my plan meticulously.

Atlas had told me to stay alert and that he would help me. Could this be his way of helping me? I didn't want to ask him.

The early autumn in my hometown was chilly. I had not told my mother when I left so she would not be worried.

After landing, I took a taxi to the hospital, and my parents were overjoyed to see us. My father's condition was good, but he had some facial paralysis, which