Chapter 1049

Chapter 1049

“Yes.” Sheldon gave a curt nod. “I’m here to discuss the details of the project.”

Acting as if her tense conversation with the President had never occurred, Melissa smoothed her expression. “Understood. Shall we head into your office, then?”

“Sure.”

As Sheldon turned to follow her, he caught sight of a figure scurrying out of the laboratory. The man had a black cap pulled low over his face and moved with a secretive, frantic energy, clearly trying to evade notice. Sheldon frowned; there was something hauntingly familiar about the man’s build. He craned his neck for a better look, but the stranger had already vanished into the shadows at the end of the hallway.

Meanwhile, following the President’s narrow escape, Janet was officially discharged from the hospital.

With Mason facing a mountain of work at the Lowry Family Conglomerate and Janet needing to catch up on her missed studies, the two had no choice but to return to Sandfort City. They weren't alone, however; Henry, Lee, Lara, and the rest of the inner circle joined them on the private flight.

Lara leaned forward in her seat, her expression serious. “Janet, have you managed to pinpoint where Corey has gone into hiding?”

“Ah,” Janet responded with a nonchalant shrug. “He’s in Yobril.”

Given his status, the President’s movements were kept under heavy wraps; even in a digital age, he left almost no trail. Even for world-class hackers like Janet and Mason, the only way to find his exact coordinate was to set foot in Yobril themselves.

“Perhaps Desire and I could take a team over there and start the hunt,” Lara suggested.

Janet considered it, a slow arch of her brow showing her approval. “That’s a good idea. I have a few loose ends to tie up here, but once I’m done, I’ll join you. We’ll ambush him on his own turf.”

“Understood,” Lara and Desire replied in unison.

Henry, meanwhile, was busy dwelling on the details of the President’s escape. The image of the man slipping past airport security in women's clothing was almost too much to handle. Apparently, the 'great' leader was willing to do anything to survive.

Henry pinched the bridge of his nose, and as a sudden thought struck him, he turned toward Mason. “By the way, Young Master Lowry, do you remember that fleet of helicopters used for your search and rescue mission? I paid for that out of my own pocket. Seeing as you’re alive and well, don’t you think it’s time for a reimbursement?”

Mason lifted his gaze, assessing Henry with an expressionless, unreadable stare that made the air in the cabin turn cold.

Janet, however, simply crossed her legs and let out a light laugh. “Just hand the invoice to Lara. It’s not like money is an issue for us.”

Henry grinned, though he looked a bit sheepish. “I appreciate that, Janet. But since you offered, I’m willing to let the debt slide under one condition.”

“Oh? That’s surprisingly generous of you,” she noted, her voice tinged with suspicion.

He rubbed his hands together, a devious chuckle escaping him. “I was thinking... you could sing for me in lieu of the payment.”

The cabin fell into a deafening silence.

Mason’s posture stiffened instantly, a dangerous light flickering in his eyes as he sat beside Janet. He turned his head slowly, his voice like ice. “Henry, say that again.”

Lee, sensing the imminent explosion, quietly unbuckled his seatbelt and retreated toward the back of the plane. Lara and Desire exchanged a nervous glance and followed suit, wanting no part of the impending crossfire.

Henry, however, was so entranced by the idea of hearing the legendary 'Sweet Tune' perform live that he completely ignored Mason’s murderous aura. It wasn't like he was asking for her hand in marriage; it was just a song. He looked up boldly. “She has a world-class voice. I’ll wipe the entire debt if she just performs one track for me.”

Janet looked amused. “Those helicopters must have cost you a fortune.”

Henry nodded earnestly. “About thirty million.”

“Thirty million,” Janet repeated, a playful smile tugging at her pink lips. “Thirty million for a single song. I’d say that’s a bargain.”

Mason loosened his tie, his jaw set in a grim line.

“Exactly!” Henry exclaimed, oblivious to the danger. “A-list stars get that for an entire movie, but for you, it’s just a few minutes of singing. It’s a steal.”

Janet hummed in thought. “Fine. Once we land, we’ll head to your studio and make a recording.”

Just then, the flight attendant pushed the refreshment trolley down the aisle. Mason reached out and grabbed a drink, downing it in one aggressive gulp without even checking what it was.

Janet glanced up at the attendant. “Just water for me, please. Thank you.” She twisted the cap and took a sip.

As the attendant moved on, Janet turned to speak to Mason, only to find a small smudge of white milk foam lingering at the corner of his lips.