Chapter 359
The general public remained blissfully unaware of the biological attack. Sometimes, burying the truth was necessary to prevent mass hysteria. The authorities were conducting a ruthless, classified investigation behind closed doors, purging security vulnerabilities without inciting panic that could decimate the airline industry.
In reality, Owen had done all the heavy lifting, and Mira had just tagged along for the ride. But the National Medal of Honor came with massive perks—a monthly government stipend and extreme VIP privileges, including a substantial bonus applied to Mira’s upcoming college entrance exams.
Mira didn’t care about the prestige, but the medals gave Solflare Entertainment unshakeable credibility. As for the six hundred thousand dollars in reward money, neither of them needed it, so they agreed to pivot the funds into charity.
If Lawrence had caused this nightmare to destroy them, they would use the fallout to help others. They decided to establish the Solflare Hope Foundation. Moving forward, a percentage of Solflare’s monthly revenue would be funneled into the foundation to provide full scholarships for underprivileged students.
It was the perfect way to give back while simultaneously skyrocketing the company’s public image. They would manage the foundation internally, ensuring every single dollar bypassed corrupt charities and went directly to those in need.
For the rest of the afternoon, the trio brainstormed how to leverage Master Ellis’s underground intelligence network to investigate the poisoning.
“If you had a bad feeling, why did you get on the plane?” Master Ellis asked Owen.
“I didn’t know how they were going to strike. With modern airport security, tampering with a commercial jet is nearly impossible. I figured if they were psychotic enough to use explosives, we were better off in the air than in an ambush on the highway. I never imagined they’d bypass security by weaponizing the pilots. They were perfectly fine with murdering hundreds of innocent people just to get to us,” Owen said, his voice laced with cold fury.
“Lawrence has to go,” Master Ellis stated flatly.
“He’s surrounded by elite security, and my grandfather covers his tracks. I’ve tried to take him out before and failed. Honestly, his mother is the real mastermind. Most of his sick strategies come from her. None of them can be left breathing p>
“Would you actually eliminate your own father p>
Owen’s jaw clenched. “If I get the shot? I’ll burn the whole house down p>
Hearing the absolute vitriol in his voice, Mira placed a hand on his arm. “Killing him is too easy. It’s better to systematically destroy everything he values and let him live with the consequences. Death is a retease. Total ruin is a punishment p>
“She’s right, Master Ellis agreed. “Don’t let blinding hatred make you sloppy We’ll bide our time. But if we can definitively the this hijacking back to Lawrence, il cripple him p>
They finalized their plans by three in the afternoon. Realizing they hadn’t eaten lunch, they stayed to share a hearty homemade stew before heading home.
When they walked through the door, Rachel immediately rushed out of the kitchen, carrying bowls of steaming chicken soup, grilled paninis, and a platter of fresh fruit.
“Rachel, I already ate. I texted you,” Mira groaned.
“You can eat a little more! You’ve lost weight on this trip, you need to bulk up. School is starting soon, you have your martial arts training, and you’re running a whole corporation! You can’t do that on an empty stomach p>
“Okay, okay, you win,” Mira laughed, retreating to her room to shower and change before Rachel could start lecturing her again.
Her bed had already been made, the sheets smelling of fresh laundry and sunshine.