Chapter 5

• Alyssa returns home, distraught.
• She turned on her computer and searched for "Custer Group."
• The information that popped up on the page was pitiful, with little of value to be found beyond a few official press releases.
• Alyssa frowned, which wasn't normal. For such a large group, there is so little information on the Internet?
• She tried searching for "Lane" again, and the results were even worse, lacking even a basic profile beyond a few grainy photos.
• Alyssa took a deep breath and dialed Anna.
• "Anna, check someone for me."
• "Who?" "Anna's voice came down the line with a hint of languor.
• "President of the Castor Group, Ryan."
• "Custer Corporation?" Anna's voice rose an octave in an instant. "You got in trouble with them?"
• "Cut the crap and help me look it up." "Alyssa urged.
• "All right, all right," Anna mutters. "I'll try, but don't get your hopes up. It's a mysterious cartel."
• After hanging up, Alissa leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.
• Last night's dark figure, the punctured tire, Ryan's warning...
• All this, like a huge net, enveloped her tightly.
• She had to find out who Ryan really was.
• A few hours later, Anna's phone calls come through.
• "Alyssa, I've got something, but... Strange." Anna's voice was hesitant.
• "Say it."
• "The Castor Group has a very complex, multi-faceted background, and... A lot of the information is classified." Anna paused. "As for Ryan, all I can find out is that he suddenly took over the Castor Group a few years ago, with no previous experience."
• "Is that all?" "Alyssa was disappointed.
• "I asked my hacker friend to look it up, but he only got this surface information." Anna's voice was resented. "He said the core information of the Castor Group was protected by encryption and he couldn't break through."
• "Encrypted protection?" "Alyssa's heart sank.
• "Yes, he said, with this level of encryption, it's usually only government agencies or... For some special organization."
• Alyssa was silent.
• Special groups?
• Is Ryan...
• "Alyssa, are you all right? Anna's voice is full of worry.
• "I'm fine." "Thank you, Anna." Alyssa forced her unease.
• 'Don't mention it.' 'Anna said.' Be careful yourself, Custer Corporation... Not to be messed with. '
• After hanging up, Alyssa turned on her computer again and searched for information about the Castor Group.
• She flipped through the pages, hoping to find some clues.
• Suddenly, an unremarkable headline caught her attention.
• "Castor Group buys European Castle".
• Alyssa clicked on the news, which showed a photo of the castle.
• It was a little blurry, but Alyssa recognized it at a glance.
• The building style of the castle was very similar to the scene in her dream!
• Elisa's heart beat faster, and she had a premonition that this castle must be hiding some secret.
• The next day, Alyssa came to work.
• She walked into Ryan's office and found him standing at a window, gazing into the distance.
• "Ryan." "Alyssa began.
• Lane turns and looks at her.
• "What's up?
• Alyssa walked up to him and asked straight to the point, "Who the hell are you?"
• Ryan raised his eyebrows and didn't seem surprised.
• "Why do you ask?
• "I checked your profile and it's a blank." Alyssa stared into his eyes. "That's not normal."
• "So?" "Ryan shot back.
• "What are you hiding?
• "I'm not obliged to explain myself to you." Lane's voice was cold.
• "The dark figure last night, did you send it?" Alyssa pressed closer.
• Lane's eyes flicker, but calm is quickly restored.
• "I don't know what you're talking about."
• "What a coincidence that you just happened to show up when my tire was punctured." Alyssa sneered, "And you gave me an amulet to protect me. What are you hiding from me, Ryan?"
• Ryan was silent for a moment, then said, "Alissa, there are some things you'd better not know."
• "I need to know." Alyssa's voice was firm. "This is about my safety."
• "Your safety?" Lane looked at her. "You think, knowing the truth, you'll be safe?"
• "At least, I can be guarded."
• "Defensive?" Ryan laughed. "What do you think you can guard against?"
• "Ryan!" Alyssa raised her voice. "You tell me the truth!"
• "The truth? Lane's eyes grow deep, "The truth is often scarier than the lies."
• "I'm not afraid." Alyssa doesn't flinch.
• "Did you? Lane walked up to her and looked down at her, "Are you sure, you can handle the weight of the truth?"
• Alyssa looked at him without saying a word.
• Lane suddenly reached out and gently stroked her cheek.
• "Alyssa, trust me, I will protect you."
• Alyssa's heart missed a beat.
• She looked into Lane's eyes, deep eyes that seemed to hold endless secrets.
• "You..." Alyssa was about to start, when Lane abruptly cut her off.
• "Don't ask." 'Ryan said.' For now, you just have to trust me. '
• Alyssa looked at him, conflicted.
• She wondered whether she should believe him or not.
• Ryan turned, walked to her desk and picked up a photo.
• "This is..." Alyssa looked at the photo and froze.
• In the picture, it was an old castle.
• The castle, just like the scene in her dream.
• "It's an old castle that the Castor Group bought in Europe." "Lane said.
• "You... You've been there?" "Alyssa asked.
• "A few times." Lane's eyes drift, "There... Something special."
• Alissa looked at the old castle in the picture and felt a strong sense of unease.
• Lane's secret, she realized, might be far greater than she had ever imagined.
• Ryan put the picture down and looked at Alyssa.
• "Alyssa, there are things I can't tell you right now."
• "Why?"
• "The time has not come." 'When the time is right, I'll tell you everything.'
• 'The time?' Alissa frowned. "What time?"
• Lane doesn't answer, just looks at her.
• "Alyssa, trust me."
• Alyssa looked at him and was silent.
• She wondered whether she should believe him or not.
• "Get back to work." "Lane said.
• Alyssa nodded, turned and left the office.
• She stood in the hallway, looking out the window.
• The sun was shining brightly, but in her heart, there was a haze.