Chapter 531: Linden Woodwind
Tina stepped out of the cabin, the guests had already left the ship, and she was greeted by the quiet sea breeze. Soon, a helicopter hovered overhead. Jared leaned out, extended his hand, and smiled, “Tina, let’s go home.”
Shortly after a few of them returned to the villa, Nathan and Paula White also came back from outside. Hayden stared at Nathan, “I told you to call the police, why did you come back with her?” Nathan casually twisted open a bottle of drink, “I picked her up on the way, what’s the problem?” Hayden, showing his teeth in frustration, insisted, “What way did you take? Don’t think you know the roads better just because you arrived in Clearwater a few days before me. I lived in Clearwater as a kid, even stayed with the White family, you’re definitely not on the way!”
Hayden glared at Nathan, determined to get an answer about why he came back with Paula White. Nathan felt like punching him. Why are people in love so annoying? Courtney commented, “He’s not even in a relationship yet.” Nathan replied, “If he’s this annoying now, imagine how much worse it’d be if he was?”
Meanwhile, Paula White had no time to bother with this, once she switched into work mode, a dozen Haydens around her wouldn’t make a difference. “Serena, I found it. These are from the latest batch of ‘Morning Glory’ I released. Only I have the authority over ‘Morning Glory’ now, and all the bombs from my hands are numbered. This one is from the latest batch.”
After secretly disembarking with the disassembled ‘Morning Glory’, Paula went straight to the White family’s weapons research institute in Clearwater. After testing and matching the numbers, it was confirmed that this was indeed the bomb ‘Morning Glory’ recently signed over to the X Bureau headquarters. Tina had expected this, but was shocked that an internal traitor would dare to take such a risk, not fearing being exposed. Or was it that the monopolization of Ashbury X Bureau headquarters by Captain Kampwerth and Jared had finally crossed his line?
“Whom did you authorize to distribute these bombs?” Jared asked. Paula pursed her lips, “The second in command at Clearwater X Bureau, Linden Woodwind.” Tina and Jared were familiar with the name.
Linden, the deputy head of Clearwater X Bureau, had been transferred from Ashbury to Clearwater eight years ago but had never appeared publicly, always out on missions. He had secretly returned to Clearwater earlier this year. The operation in the western district was directed by Linden as the overall commander of Clearwater. Interestingly, he was also Arthur Woodwind and Audrey’s father, Esther’s husband who was often abroad on business.
Tina hadn’t expected Linden to be part of X Bureau. Clearly, Jared hadn’t either. Linden was several ranks above Christopher, a senior leader whom Jared had no clearance to check on. “What’s Linden’s code name in X Bureau?” Tina asked. Paula shook her head, “I don’t know; I wouldn’t have known the name Linden if it hadn’t been for requiring a direct superior’s signature. But Serena, I’ve heard some rumors about Linden, that he and Captain Parr were always competing for a chance to enter headquarters. Ultimately, with his family’s support, Linden succeeded first, especially after Captain Parr’s mission failure, so he remained absorbed in Ashbury.”
Jared was familiar with the rumor. “The boss indeed wanted to get into headquarters, but at that time, we didn’t know who our competitor was.” The mission had failed, Natalie had disappeared, and for Christopher to clear the truth, he needed a promotion and entry into headquarters was the most effective way. Otherwise, he would remain constrained within Ashbury. Unfortunately, Christopher didn’t succeed.
As for Linden, who had been out on missions after entering the headquarters, he reappeared much later, already in a high position, reflecting his notable achievements over the years. Tina issued the Shadow Lotus Seal, gathering all possible data on Linden’s life trajectories over the years, down to his waking times.
Linden had once supplied Paula White with so much “Morning Glory” that it was unclear how much was still missing. If they didn’t investigate promptly, it could be dangerous. There was also the new type of bomb on the ship today. Tina had set up her team around the cruise ship early in the morning, yet someone had managed to get the “Morning Glory” and the new bomb on board. This showed just how cautious the other party was.
“This is the new type of bomb recovered at the scene; you can study it yourself,” Tina handed the seized bomb to Paula White. Paula could hardly wait. The issue with the new bomb was a constant sore spot for her; her own hard work had been stolen, and now she had to spend effort studying it, which was frustrating. Now that she finally had the item in her hands, she could add her own new ideas to it. With this thought, Paula happily walked away with the bomb.
Hayden had intended to follow her, but before he could speak, Jared stopped him. “Any issues with the dock cargo before it arrived?” Jared asked. Hayden watched Paula drive away, then slumped down on the sofa, “No, the goods arrived on time, and the ship’s number matched the records, which the dock workers confirmed.”
“So, the goods were swapped during loading,” Tina concluded, lying on Jared’s legs and casually opening a bag of chips. “It seems Max has been abandoned.” Jared took a chip from Tina’s hand with his mouth, “Not necessarily, it might just be a delaying tactic.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“Any news from Eagle Flies?” Tina asked, looking at Jared and eating the half-eaten chip he had left. Jared tightened his grip on Tina’s waist, “Not yet, we need to wait.”
“Then let’s go to sleep, I’m so tired.” Tina rested her chin on Jared’s chest, her eyes already heavy with sleep. Without another word, Jared carried Tina back to the bedroom.
In the living room, three people were baffled. Hayden scratched his head, “Aren’t we supposed to have a meeting?” Nathan was also speechless; he always said that people in love were really annoying. Of course, he only dared say this to himself. Courtney stood up, grabbing her backpack, “I’m going to sleep too, I have a mission tomorrow.” Nathan followed her, but Hayden stopped him, “Wait, which way are you going today?” It was a very quiet night in the villa, except for Nathan, who was not so quiet.
In the Lyon family, Connor had just woken up. “Damn Jared, I have to kill him for daring to kick me! And that little bitch Grace, still scheming against me, the bitch!”
“You had it coming, who told you to not keep it in your pants?” Stephanie, beaten black and blue, also lost her temper and vented her anger on Connor. Megan naturally defended her son, “I haven’t even said anything, and you’re already losing your temper. Why didn’t I kill you today?”
“Try hitting me again!” Leah also cursed.
Grandma Lyon, now paralyzed and wheelchair-bound, was furious, and the constant bickering of her daughters-in-law was driving her to the brink. “I told you to find Spectre, what have you done? A bunch of useless people,” Grandma Lyon scolded them one by one. Having calmed down a bit, Grandma Lyon then asked, “How is the preparation for the eight hundred billion going?” The previously quarreling daughters-in-law were now united in their response, “Mom, it’s not just eight hundred dollars, it’s not so easy to prepare.”
“Exactly, Oliver is still busy outside, don’t worry, we’re all preparing.” Knowing their excuses, Grandma Lyon didn’t ask any further. Having lived so long, she naturally had her own ways.