Chapter 477 The Trap Is Set
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White hadn’t always been in the spotlight. It wasn’t until about ten years ago that his family suddenly began to value him.
That timing was just a little too convenient.
Coincidentally–or perhaps not–that was also around the time Johnathan’s own research had been stolen. He couldn’t help but connect the dots.
The man who’d died in the last incident had finally been identified. No notable background. Which only convinced Johnathan further, he hadn’t been the mastermind.
A conspiracy of this scale couldn’t be run by someone without deep roots.
And for an organization to have operated this long in complete secrecy, its backers had to be beyond powerful.
Johnathan had once suspected White. He’d put those suspicions aside for various reasons–but now, they resurfaced, stronger than ever.
Through weeks of observation, Johnathan had come to a conclusion. White was not only a master manipulator, but also arrogant–too arrogant to accept failure.
Someone like that wouldn’t back down.
This time, Johnathan was ready. He was going to bait him into a trap.
He didn’t keep these thoughts from Sierra. She knew the plan and was already helping him set the stage.
So, Sierra gradually began drawing White into their inner circle. When spring arrived, she and Johnathan hosted another mountain gathering–like the one before–but this time, she invited her mentor, fellow researchers, and of course, White.
“Are you sure it’s safe?” Sierra asked, hesitant. “What if he tampers with the security system?”
The mountain estate had top–tier defenses. Everyone who entered went through strict screening.
“Don’t worry. He won’t,” Johnathan said confidently. “White’s not that stupid.”
On the weekend, their group arrived at the mountain.
Sierra didn’t tell Autumn and the others that the whole mountain belonged to Johnathan. She simply said it was a friend’s house, and that the back mountain was usually empty–perfect for spring hikes and wild. vegetable foraging.
The researchers, used to being cooped up in labs and offices, were thrilled.
After a quick security check at the base of the mountain, Sierra led them to a villa at the foot of the
This house was typically used to host visiting guests. Sierra had asked the butler to do some light redecorating, and now it looked like a modest vacation home. Autumn and the others didn’t suspect a thing.
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Chapter 477 The Trap Is Set
“Let’s go!” Sierra called cheerfully, motioning for them to head up the mountain.
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She noticed White glancing repeatedly toward the main house halfway up the slope–but she pretended-
not to see it.
Johnathan noticed too. He walked straight up to White.
“Want to go have a look?” he asked bluntly.
White gave him a sidelong glance and chuckled. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I was just admiring how well- kept your family home is. It’s impressive.”
Since he wasn’t hiding it, Johnathan replied evenly, “It’s the result of generations of care. The environment here is excellent.”
White took a deep breath. “It’s rare to find a place this untouched anymore.”
“If you like it, feel free to visit anytime,” Johnathan said coolly.
White raised an eyebrow. “Now that’s a surprise coming from you.”
Johnathan gave a short snort. “Sierra said you’re her friend. I hope you’re worthy of that title.”
With that, he walked off toward Mateo and the others.
It was just the right amount of engagement–not too much, not too little. Any more, and it might have tipped White off.
As expected, White didn’t grow suspicious.
Johnathan hadn’t told Mateo anything, just in case. When Mateo saw White, he immediately scowled. He’d already decided that if White said even one annoying thing, he’d roast him on the spot.
But strangely, White had toned it down.
Maybe his time in the country had finally taught him the art of subtlety–whatever the reason, he didn’t say anything outrageous. The group managed to get along fairly well.
Spring in the mountains was a completely different experience from winter. Gone was the snow- everything was green and teeming with life. Wild herbs and greens were everywhere.
Everyone was in a great mood.
For once, they were outside, enjoying nature instead of being buried in lab work.
“This is amazing,” Autumn said, stretching her arms and taking a deep breath of the crisp air.
Even a short break like this could do wonders.
Draven stood nearby, watching her.
They used to get along fine until a recent collaboration went south. Now, Autumn wanted nothing to do with him.
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Ironically, Draven had grown to admire her through that same experience.
Sometimes, he tried messaging her–but she almost never replied.
Today, with everyone together, he wanted to use the opportunity to reconnect.
Trying to break the ice, he asked about her current research project–its direction, its progress.
Autumn brushed him off with a few clipped answers, then walked away to pick wild herbs.
Unfazed, Draven quietly followed her with his eyes.
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