Chapter 420: Waterfall?

The time was different in every part of the world.

In some countries, people were waking up to the news. In others, they had stayed awake through the night, following every development since Adrian Moretti’s unexpected appearance.

But one thing was certain.

The emergency virtual conference had concluded.

And the United Nations Security Council had released a series of statements that would change the future of one of the world’s largest corporations.

Television networks interrupted their regular programming as the official documents were made public.

"Following the emergency session attended by world leaders, the United Nations Security Council has announced a series of unprecedented measures against Horizon Biotech and the mercenary organization known as WEB."

The news anchor paused as the first document appeared on the screen.

"According to the joint statement signed by the participating world leaders, Horizon Biotech will be permanently prohibited from operating in every country, including Norway, where the company originally began."

Footage of Horizon Biotech facilities appeared.

Buildings surrounded by police.

Employees leaving corporate offices.

Authorities securing laboratories and administrative centers.

"In a separate announcement, the leadership of WEB has been placed on international most-wanted lists. Law enforcement agencies around the world, alongside Interpol, will now cooperate to locate and apprehend the organization’s senior members."

The screen changed again.

This time, photographs of government officials appeared beside reports of arrests and ongoing investigations.

"Thousands of individuals named in the evidence released by Secretary General Adrian Moretti are now under investigation. Several officials are expected to face espionage charges, while others may be prosecuted for corruption, conspiracy, and offenses against national security."

The revelations had already sparked protests.

In several capitals, crowds gathered outside government buildings, demanding the removal of officials suspected of working for WEB.

Some carried photographs of politicians whose names had appeared in the released documents.

Others demanded answers about how such an extensive network had operated undetected for so long.

The anchor continued.

"World leaders have issued a joint assurance to their citizens that every individual involved will be investigated and that those found responsible will face prosecution."

Another document appeared.

"The statement also expresses gratitude to President Maxwell of the Republic of Haven for his government’s role in exposing the network and rescuing the UN Secretary General."

For Horizon Biotech, there was no longer anywhere to retreat.

Its facilities were being seized or closed, its executives were under investigation, and its international operations had effectively ceased.

But the people who had controlled WEB were another matter entirely.

They had disappeared.

...

Somewhere in the mountains of China.

A black car followed a winding road through a beautiful green valley.

Terraced fields stretched across the slopes. Small houses appeared occasionally between the trees, their rooftops barely visible from the road.

Inside the car, Miles held his phone to his ear.

"So they’ve gone underground?"

General Wilfred’s voice came through.

"Yes. We haven’t detected any movement since the announcement. Looks like they won’t be coming out for some time."

Miles looked through the window.

"I heard something similar."

Wilfred paused.

"Do you have anyone inside?"

"Not at the moment."

Miles glanced toward Chloe, who was busy photographing the scenery outside.

"If I hear anything useful, I’ll update you."

"I understand."

There was a brief silence.

Then Wilfred spoke again.

"One more thing."

Miles raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"The President wants to give you a medal."

Miles blinked.

"A medal?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

Wilfred sighed.

"Miles."

"I’m listening."

"Your uniform will be waiting at home when you return from your trip. The official invitation will be delivered along with it."

Miles leaned back.

Wilfred continued, "Bring your family. I’m sure they’ll be proud."

"Hey, wait. Is that really necessary?"

"I know you don’t like being acknowledged for your work."

"Then why are we discussing this?"

Wilfred chuckled.

"If you ask me, you scare him."

Miles laughed.

"Really? Is that it?"

"Just come."

Wilfred’s voice became more relaxed.

"There won’t be any cameras. Only a few senior officials and your family. Besides, you’re not the first person to receive the title of Honorary General and receiving a medal. Past presidents have made similar appointments. You could call it a tradition."

Miles sighed.

"Alright, alright."

"Good. I’ll see you there."

The call ended.

Miles lowered his phone.

Chloe immediately turned toward him.

"What was that about?"

"Me."

She raised an eyebrow.

Miles smiled.

"The President wants to give me a medal."

Chloe’s expression brightened.

"A medal? Like a civilian award?"

"Not exactly. A military decoration."

He gestured toward his chest.

"One that goes on the uniform."

Chloe looked impressed.

"Oh."

Then she suddenly remembered something.

"Do you get the privileges of an actual general too?"

Miles nodded.

"Most of them."

"Really?"

"Yes. And as my wife, you’re entitled to certain privileges too. You can have a general-level security detail if necessary."

Chloe laughed.

"Another security team?"

Miles smiled.

"Why not?"

"Because we already have enough people following us."

Miles slowly turned toward her.

"You noticed?"

Chloe gave him a look.

"Miles."

"What?"

"I’ve been seeing the same faces everywhere."

She started counting on her fingers.

"The airport. The hotel. The shopping mall. Even near the restaurant that day."

Miles rubbed his forehead.

Chloe continued, "Some of them are very good at pretending they don’t know us. Others aren’t."

Miles sighed.

"I can’t help it."

"Of course you can’t."

"It’s Monica and Charles. They’re always like that."

Chloe smiled.

"I figured."

Miles looked toward the road.

"You know, Monica has probably scolded me more than anyone else."

Chloe immediately looked interested.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"What does she scold you about?"

"Everything."

Chloe laughed.

Miles continued, "Not sleeping enough. Skipping meals. Taking unnecessary risks. Not answering calls."

"Sounds reasonable."

Miles stared at her.

"You’re supposed to be on my side."

"I am. That’s why I agree with her."

Miles shook his head.

Chloe smiled and leaned against his shoulder.

Miles looked down at her.

"She’s been working with me for years. She practically runs Reaper Group on her own."

Chloe nodded.

"She’s very hardworking."

"Without her, Reaper Group wouldn’t have grown nearly as much as it has."

Miles smiled faintly.

"Back then, I didn’t even realize how much responsibility I was putting on her."

Chloe looked up.

"At least she has more time for herself now."

"Hopefully."

"And her younger brother is a good student too."

Miles nodded.

"He is."

Chloe smiled.

"They’re both doing well."

Miles looked toward the distant mountains.

"Yes."

The car continued climbing through the valley.

For a while, neither spoke.

Chloe was enjoying the scenery too much to notice when the driver slowed down.

Then the car pulled over beside a quiet stretch of road.

Miles looked up.

"What’s wrong?"

The driver turned slightly.

"Sir, there’s a beautiful waterfall nearby. It’s quite a popular attraction."

Chloe immediately sat upright.

"A waterfall?"

"Yes, ma’am."

She looked toward Miles.

"Let’s go!"

Miles smiled.

Chloe continued, "We can take some pictures. And maybe get something to eat. I’m getting hungry again."

The driver nodded.

"There are a few small stalls nearby."

"Perfect."

Miles opened the door.

"Thanks."

He stepped out first and offered Chloe his hand.

She accepted it happily.

The evening air was noticeably colder than it had been in the city.

Chloe adjusted her dress and looked toward the trees.

The driver watched the couple walk away.

Then he smiled to himself.

"She’s too innocent."

He shook his head.

"Good luck, Boss."

...

The narrow path disappeared between tall trees.

Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting long shadows across the ground. Somewhere in the distance, water rushed over rocks.

Chloe held Miles’ hand as they walked.

"Waterfall?"

Miles looked toward her.

"Hmm?"

"Where is it?"

He smiled but didn’t answer.

Chloe looked around.

The trees were growing denser, and the sound of traffic had completely disappeared behind them.

After walking a little farther, she stopped.

"Miles."

He turned.

"What?"

"It’s almost sunset."

"Yes."

"How far is this waterfall?"

Miles said nothing.

Chloe narrowed her eyes.

"Why aren’t you answering?"

She rubbed her arms.

"And it’s getting cold."

Miles smiled.

"Look a little to your left."

Chloe immediately turned.

There, beside the path, stood a small wooden stall.

Warm light spilled from its windows.

A simple board hung above the counter, with two words written clearly in English.

HOT COCOA

Chloe stared.

Then she turned toward Miles.

Her lips slowly curved into a smile.

"This isn’t a coincidence, is it?"

Miles looked completely innocent.

"Hun?"

Chloe crossed her arms.

"You think I believe you just happened to find a hot cocoa stall in the middle of a forest?"

Miles looked toward the stall.

"It appears to be selling hot cocoa."

"Mr. Sterling."

"Yes, Mrs. Sterling?"

Chloe shook her head.

"Fine. Keep your secrets."

Then she grabbed his hand.

"Come on. It’s cold."

She practically dragged him toward the counter.

Miles laughed.

"Slow down."

Chloe ignored him.

"Two cups, please!"

The man behind the counter smiled.

"Coming right up."

He began preparing their drinks while Chloe looked around.

The stall was small and charming, with a wooden counter, a few stools and warm lights hanging beneath its roof.

There were no other customers.

Chloe looked toward Miles again.

He was casually examining the menu.

Too casually.

She decided not to question him yet.

A few minutes later, the shopkeeper placed two cups of hot cocoa on the counter.

Chloe immediately wrapped both hands around hers.

"Oh, this is perfect."

She took a careful sip.

The warmth spread through her fingers.

Miles noticed her shoulders were still slightly hunched against the cold.

Without saying anything, he removed his jacket and draped it over her.

Chloe looked up.

"Won’t you get cold?"

"I’m fine."

He gently adjusted the jacket around her shoulders.

Chloe smiled.

"It’s warm."

Miles picked up his cup.

She added softly, "Like you."

He looked at her.

Then smiled and took a sip.

Chloe moved closer, enjoying the warmth of both the jacket and her drink.

For a few minutes, they stood together beside the stall, watching the last sunlight disappear behind the mountains.

Eventually, Chloe looked toward the trees.

"So..."

Miles raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"What’s the plan?"

He smiled.

Chloe continued, "It’s getting dark. We’re drinking hot cocoa at a random stall near a forest."

She looked around dramatically.

"Don’t tell me you plan to spend the night out here."

Miles took another sip.

"Finish your drink first."

Chloe stared.

"Then?"

"Then I’ll tell you."

Her eyes immediately brightened.

"Oh?"

Miles smiled.

"Suspense."

Chloe laughed.

"So there is something!"

Miles said nothing.

She immediately lifted her cup and began drinking faster.

"Careful."

Miles gently lowered her hand.

"It’s hot. Take small sips."

Chloe sighed.

"Okay, okay."

Miles chuckled.

...

By the time they finished their drinks, the sky had turned a deep shade of blue.

The temperature had dropped further.

Chloe placed her empty cup on the counter and turned toward Miles.

"Done."

Miles nodded.

"Good."

She extended both hands dramatically.

"Now tell me."

"Tell you what?"

Chloe stared.

"Miles!"

He laughed.

Then looked toward the shopkeeper.

The man reached beneath the counter and handed him a small pouch.

Chloe’s expression immediately changed.

"What?"

She looked between them.

"What is that?"

Miles opened the pouch.

Chloe moved closer.

"Wait, wait. I’m getting excited."

Miles smiled.

"Turn around."

Chloe blinked.

"Why?"

"Trust me."

She smiled immediately.

"Okay."

She turned around.

A moment later, Miles removed a soft blindfold from the pouch.

Chloe felt his hands move gently around her head.

Then the cloth covered her eyes.

"Oh!"

She laughed.

"A blindfold?"

Miles tied it carefully, making sure it wasn’t too tight.

"Comfortable?"

Chloe nodded.

"Yes."

She reached forward blindly.

"Miles?"

He immediately took her hand.

"I’m here."

Chloe smiled.

"Where are we going?"

"You’ll see."

"I literally can’t."

Miles laughed.

"That’s the point."

He gently guided her away from the stall.

"Just hold my hand."

Chloe tightened her fingers around his.

"Okay."

"Don’t worry. I’ve got you."

They started walking.

...

The path was quiet.

Chloe could hear gravel beneath their shoes and the occasional rustling of leaves.

Every now and then, Miles warned her about a small step or an uneven patch of ground.

She followed his voice without hesitation.

"Careful. There’s a step."

"Okay."

"Another one."

"Miles."

"Hmm?"

"Are you taking me up another mountain?"

He laughed.

"No."

"Good. My legs have already experienced enough mountains this week."

Miles smiled and continued guiding her.

After a while, the sound of running water grew louder.

Chloe lifted her head slightly.

"Is that the waterfall?"

Miles didn’t answer.

She laughed.

"Fine. Don’t tell me."

A gentle breeze passed between the trees.

Then Miles finally stopped.

Chloe immediately became excited.

"Are we there yet?"

"Yes."

"Can I take it off?"

"One second."

Miles moved behind her.

He carefully loosened the blindfold.

"Ready?"

Chloe nodded.

"Very."

He removed it.

Chloe slowly opened her eyes.

And stopped.

A campfire burned a short distance in front of her.

Its flames moved gently in the evening breeze, sending tiny sparks upward into the darkening sky.

Beyond it, the forest was quiet.

For a moment, Chloe didn’t understand.

"A campfire?"

Miles smiled.

Then he clapped his hands.

One after another...

Warm lights came on.

A string of tiny golden bulbs illuminated the path beside them.

Then another lit up between the trees.

And another.

Chloe turned her head.

The entire clearing slowly came to life.

Strings of warm lights stretched between the branches, creating a soft canopy of gold above a beautifully arranged outdoor sitting area.

There were comfortable chairs near the fire, covered with thick cushions and folded blankets.

A small wooden table stood between them, decorated with fresh flowers and two lanterns.

Nearby, a hammock hung between two trees, positioned where it offered a beautiful view of the surrounding valley.

Gentle piano music began playing.

Chloe slowly looked ahead.

And there...

Nestled among the trees...

Stood a small cottage.

Its walls were built from natural stone and timber. A sloping roof extended over a wooden porch, where more warm lights hung along the railing.

Large windows glowed from within.

Through the glass, Chloe could see a beautifully furnished living room, a fireplace and soft curtains moving gently beside an open window.

Flowerpots lined the porch steps.

A narrow wooden walkway led toward the cottage, illuminated by small lanterns on either side.

But what caught her attention most was the view.

Beyond the cottage, partially visible between the trees, was the waterfall.

Water cascaded down a rocky cliff into a clear pool below, where the last traces of evening light reflected from the surface.

The sound of rushing water blended with the gentle music.

There were no crowds.

No passing vehicles.

No bright city lights.

Just the forest, the waterfall and a little cottage that looked as though it belonged in a fairy tale.

Chloe took two steps forward.

Then stopped again.

"This is..."

She slowly turned around, trying to take everything in.

"...so pretty."

Miles watched her reaction with a quiet smile.

Chloe walked closer to the outdoor sitting area.

She touched one of the folded blankets, then looked toward the illuminated cottage.

"Miles..."

He approached her.

"Do you like it?"

Chloe turned toward him.

Her eyes were shining.

He smiled.

"We’re staying here tonight."

She stared at him.

"Here?"

Miles nodded.

"Just the two of us."

Chloe looked toward the cottage again.

For a moment, she seemed unable to decide what to admire first.

She had spent the entire trip taking photographs of places she wanted to remember.

But for once, she hadn’t even thought about taking out her phone.

Instead, she turned back toward Miles and wrapped her arms around him.

"I love it."

Miles smiled and gently held her.

And beneath the warm lights, with the sound of the waterfall drifting through the trees, Chloe stayed in his arms a little longer.