"Nelly paused for a moment, slightly surprised by Tony's response. Without turning to look at him, she calmly asked, "Isn't Thalia your friend?"
"So you're doing all of this because of us, Nelly?" Tony countered with another question. "That's not the only reason," Nelly replied.
"Then what else is it for?"
"She saved me in the past as well," Nelly stated.
"Are you talking about when you were in the hospital?" Tony pressed. Nelly nodded in response. "You could say that."
Blinking at her, Tony commented, "You really repay every kind deed that's done for you, Nelly." Nelly remained silent.
At that moment, new activity appeared on the computer screen. Several video clips popped up.
"Is it ready?" Nelly asked.
Everyone's attention shifted to the computer screen. Tony clicked on the videos and watched them carefully.
"It's Thalia," Tony announced. "She's still wearing the same clothes she had on when she left."
Upon hearing that, Nelly immediately followed up with a question. "Can you find out where she is now?"
"Let me try searching for the time of her last sighting."
Tony pulled up the videos one by one until only one was left in the center of the screen. The video was the most recent one. Although the person had changed their outfit, it was clear from their gait and posture that it was Thalia.
"Found it!" Tony suddenly exclaimed. "Here."
Nelly leaned closer to the screen. When she confirmed the familiar silhouette of Thalia in the video, she furrowed her brows. "Where is this place?"
The three children became intrigued. They crowded around the screen, and Ben squinted. "This place looks somewhat familiar..."
"I think so too. It does look familiar," Tony affirmed. Nelly looked at them curiously.
Ben quickly took out his phone and began scrolling through it. After a brief search, he showed the others the screen. "Look at this."
Ben had brought up a photo from his gallery. The background of the photo matched the location where Thalia was seen in the video.
Tony looked at his brother. "Where is this?"
"It's the hotel we stayed at when we first arrived," Ben answered. Realization dawned on Tony. "No wonder it looks so familiar." "So, has Thalia gone back to the hotel to stay?" Ben asked.
"I believe so. I remember when we first arrived, Thalia mentioned she always stays at that hotel when she comes here."
Ben nodded. "That rings a bell, for sure."
Meanwhile, Alpha Kilian had been listening to their conversation. When he heard the conclusion the boys came to, he pulled out his phone. "I'll call Spencer right away."
"Daddy, wait," Tony called out, stopping him. Alpha Kilian looked down at his son, puzzled.
Looking up at him, Tony explained, "Thalia probably left because she had a disagreement with Spencer. I know her. If she's decided to leave, it means she doesn't want to see him again. If Spencer shows up at her location, she'll hide somewhere else, making her impossible to find!"
A crease formed between Alpha Kilian's brows as he listened to Tony's analysis. Nelly nodded. "Tony's right."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Alpha Kilian asked.
"Maybe I can go meet Thalia in person and talk to her first," Tony suggested.
"Thalia cut off contact with us by turning off her phone. Will meeting her in person really make a difference?" Ben questioned.
"It's worth a try. If it doesn't work, we can come up with another plan," Tony shrugged nonchalantly.
"I'll go with you," Nelly offered.
Tony turned to her and nodded. "What about Spencer?"
"We'll go to Thalia first. Alpha Kilian, you can inform Spencer, but make sure he doesn't make things worse with impulsive actions," Nelly instructed.
With a quick nod, Alpha Kilian left to make the phone call.
"Let's go." Nelly stood up and looked at Tony and Alpha Kilian. Her determined tone left no room for hesitation.
"Nelly, let us come along," Donna suddenly spoke up. "We'll just sit in the car and not disturb you."
Nelly looked at Donna and Ben. Donna's request reminded her that she hadn't taken them out since they arrived. She had neglected them while dealing with other things. Her gaze softened. "Come on. Let's go."
With that, the four of them headed outside.
Meanwhile, Alpha Kilian had just finished speaking with Spencer on the phone. As he made his way downstairs, he suddenly remembered something and hurried to the garage.
However, when he arrived, Nelly and the others were already waiting for him inside the car.
Guilt flickered in Alpha Kilian's heart as he saw the car parked at the side. He quickly walked over and got into the car.
Nelly and the three children were already seated in the car.
With a hired driver at the wheel and extra space in the roomy car, Alpha Kilian settled into the backseat as well.
Once he was in the car, Alpha Kilian immediately focused his gaze on Nelly. She had her head down, scrolling through her phone. He couldn't decipher her thoughts and emotions.
Turning his gaze to Tony, Alpha Kilian silently communicated with him.
Frowning slightly, Alpha Kilian spoke up. "I called Spencer. He'll be heading there too, but he'll wait for us downstairs."
"Okay," Nelly responded with a nod.
Alpha Kilian still couldn't decipher Nelly's feelings. He was unsure if she was angry. As he moved closer, Tony immediately shifted to the seats at the back, making room for Alpha Kilian next to Nelly.
Alpha Kilian sat down beside Nelly and looked at her. "Nelly—"
"I'm going to take a quick nap," Nelly interrupted. "Wake me up when we arrive."
With just one sentence, Nelly managed to silence all the words Alpha Kilian wanted to say.
Having nothing else to add, Alpha Kilian simply nodded. "You can rest your head on my shoulder."
"No need. Dave's car has a sleep function." As she spoke, Nelly pressed a button, causing her seat to incline backward. She then closed her eyes to sleep.
Alpha Kilian turned his head to the three children sitting behind them. They stared back at him with similar expressions.
Alpha Kilian furrowed his brows.
Wanting to ask them a question, Alpha Kilian opened his mouth but then closed it. It wasn't a question meant for Nelly to hear, and he couldn't be sure if she had actually fallen asleep.
Alpha Kilian took out his phone and created a group chat with just the four of them. He asked: What's going on?
All three of the kids' phones buzzed simultaneously.
Alpha Kilian instinctively glanced at Nelly, concerned that she might notice something was off.
With a hint of panic on their faces, the children quickly silenced the notifications before continuing their conversation in the chat.
Tony was the first to respond: It's hard to explain. Ben added: Yeah, it's difficult to put into words.
Donna chimed in: I have no idea what's happening, just so you know. Alpha Kilian was at a loss for words.
It was evident that they were pretending to be clueless. Alpha Kilian asked: Cut it out. What's really going on?
Tony replied: Daddy, you betrayed us this morning, and now you want information from us? That's not a friendly way to ask for help.
Alpha Kilian retorted: Didn't you all betray me as well? Ben interjected: But you started it, Daddy! Tony agreed: Exactly!
Once again, Alpha Kilian found himself speechless.
He had no argument to counter theirs.
After a momentary pause, Alpha Kilian changed his tone. He asked: Alright. What do you want? Tony responded first: We have two conditions.
Alpha Kilian bargained: You can have one each, at most. Ben happily accepted: Deal!
Tony agreed: Fine. I accept. Alpha Kilian inquired: So, what are your requests?
Donna interrupted: Hold on. Do I get to make a request too?