Beyond the Divorce

The police also reported on the inspection of nearby surveillance. Despite being a small town, it wasn't quite dead at night. The hotel my dad stayed at was the newest star-rated establishment, with cars coming and going.

After a thorough investigation, they finally identified a black Audi parked in front of the hotel during that time frame. However, it was parked at such a tricky angle that one couldn't see the person coming out the door. That car's license plate belonged to our small town, but

upon further investigation, it turned out to be a fake.

It seemed like this was a well-planned and premeditated incident. We were anxiously awaiting the latest clues from the investigating officers.

Just at that moment, my phone rang again.

I quickly said to everyone, "It's that unknown number."

Atlas reached over and took my phone, then turned on the speaker.

The next second, the modulated voice echoed again. "Ms. Chloe, it seems you don't care about your father's safety, collaborating with the police as soon as you arrive. Aren't you afraid I'll be unfriendly to him?"

I instantly felt myself tense up and nervously looked at Atlas.

Atlas's handsome face remained expressionless.

"It's good that you know. How dare you harm my family? You should be careful. If anything happens to my father-in-law, I'll make sure you regret it."

Upon hearing Atlas's voice, the other party turned sinister, "I just want that notebook! Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless! Don't forget, the eight hours I mentioned is almost up!"

After saying that, the call was disconnected, followed by a dial tone.

Everyone exchanged silent glances.

Atlas said, "Get ready. The next time they call, try to trace their location."

The executive who received us immediately arranged for the police's computer experts to prepare.

"It seems they are tracking our movements. How did they know we were with the police as soon as we arrived?" I looked at Atlas and said.

Atlas didn't respond. He glanced at Cane, and Cane immediately turned and left.

Just then, a police officer hurried in and reported to the executive, "We checked the vehicles in the hotel parking lot during that time and

found two dash cams that reconet

the car that took Mr. George away. It was a tall man. It was too far to see his appearance clearly, but the time was 11:23 pm."

"Let Mr. Atlas take a look," the executive ordered.

"Okay."

The police officer quickly played the surveillance video on a computer, and the time and situation matched the report from the police.

However, on the screen, it was evident that my dad seemed to know the person. His demeanor wasn't one of fear or coercion. It appeared as if he willingly got into the car with him.

I glanced at Atlas, and our eyes met.

The officer informed us that they were tracking the car. Atlas nodded and thanked him.

There was less than two hours left. I felt a bit anxious.

Just then, Atlas's phone rang. He answered promptly.

"Hmm! Send it over!" I heard Atlas speak decisively. Then he hung up.

Shortly after, his phone pinged. Atlas looked at the pictures and a short video that came with it.

I noticed that it was Arnold who sent him the text.

When I saw the pictures he sent, I got excited. It was an image of a notebook. "Is that the notebook?"

Atlas nodded. "I had Arnold stay at home, found a way to get your mom away, and then carefully investigated. It seems your dad did bring this notebook back." He went through all the pictures, seemingly unsurprised.

I saw in the images a very worn-out notebook. The brown leather corners had turned white, and the edges of the paper inside were slightly yellowed.

Some casually recorded formulas© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

and data were revealed. I recognized

the notes. Indeed, they were from

my dad, but they seemed to be

mostly chemical formulas.

I looked at Atlas with a puzzled expression. These things were not understandable to anyone.