Chapter 10: Rising Currents

Time passed swiftly, and over a month had gone by.

Ray Quinn's daily life gradually returned to a calm routine, with his studio design projects getting completed one after another. Life seemed to be back on track. However, the sudden police inquiry from a while back occasionally resurfaced in his mind, stirring an underlying sense of unease. He didn't understand the significance of the "Stellar Foundation," but something told him this organization was closely linked to the case, leaving a shadow that lingered.

Alina Smith, meanwhile, had quietly adapted to her new life in the bookstore, and her interactions with Ethan Hess were becoming more natural. Her assistance brought a new energy to the shop and added a touch of warmth to the place. For the past month, she seemed to be merely focused on her work, but deep down, she was gathering every clue she could about the Stellar Foundation. She knew that the foundation's real purpose extended far beyond charity, and she needed to tread carefully to avoid alerting Alex Lin to her true intentions.

As for Jason Smith, he hadn't relaxed his investigation either. Though progress was slow, he was steadily gathering more confidential information related to the Stellar Foundation and had noticed Alex Lin's increasingly frequent outings, even expanding to unfamiliar locations. With each passing day, Jason was increasingly convinced that the Stellar Foundation wasn't as simple as it appeared.

Ray was currently teasing Nina Eichner, saying, "Are you planning to stay here for good? It's already been a month." During this time, Ray and Nina's relationship had developed quickly, and she had naturally taken up residence in his house.

Nina pretended to glare at Ray and, in a mock righteous tone, said, "What? Are you tired of me already?"

Ray shrugged, smirking mischievously. "Not at all. But won't your fans wonder what you're doing in Sunnydale for so long?"

She scoffed confidently, "I'm officially on vacation. Besides, I have my livestreams every day."

Ray shook his head, apparently at a loss for words. "But you have fans around here too. Who's to say they won't track you down?"

"Don't worry," she said lightly, a sly smile tugging at her lips. She leaned closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and whispering, "Or maybe I should tell them I'm here to see my 'mystery boyfriend.' Think they'd believe it?"

Ray was caught off guard, but he leaned in and gave her a light kiss. "Not afraid I'll get hunted down by your big brothers?"

Nina chuckled and looked up at him with a playful glint in her eyes. "I'll protect you."

Ray laughed, pulling her into his arms and whispered, "Then I'm one lucky guy to have you looking out for me."

She raised her eyebrows and playfully pinched his cheeks. "Exactly, so be good and don't stir up trouble, or I might not be able to save you."

Ray laughed more brightly, gently kissing her forehead. "Alright, I'll listen to you. I'll hide behind you and watch you protect me."

They smiled at each other, with Ray's eyes filled with warmth as he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. "No matter the storms ahead, I'll be right here."

Nina leaned against him, a satisfied smile on her face, as she hugged him tighter. "Remember that. No backing out now."

Ray leaned close and murmured, "Don't worry. When I say something, I mean it."

Nina's face reddened slightly, her heart pounding. She gently pushed him back a little and quickly changed the topic. "Weren't you going to take me somewhere tomorrow?"

Ray saw through her attempt to change the subject but played along. "Tomorrow, I'm taking you somewhere tourists wouldn't find. You'll love it."

With feigned disinterest, she said, "Oh? A secret spot? Don't tell me it's some hidden base of yours?"

Ray put on a serious face, nodding. "Yes, something like that. Just don't be too shocked."

Nina rolled her eyes, challenging him playfully. "I'm really going to see what kind of surprises you've got in store. Don't think you can get away with some random tourist spot."

Ray laughed, rubbing her hair gently. "Don't worry. With your high standards, I wouldn't dare let you down."

She batted his hand away, pleased. "Then it's a deal. Tomorrow, I expect a real surprise."

Meanwhile, Alina Smith and Alex Lin had begun preparing for a large charity event taking place in a remote village. The Stellar Foundation was sending many senior members and supplies for this initiative. Alex, full of enthusiasm, packed his backpack while explaining to Alina, "We're going to a mountain village that's been struggling without resources for a long time. Not only are we delivering essentials, but they're also organizing a medical team and educational support."

Alina nodded, placing the foundation's event booklet into her bag and checking her supplies carefully. "They must be sending a lot of people. I assume local staff will be coordinating with us?"

Alex nodded excitedly. "Yes, it's a major project for the foundation. We'll have a briefing before we set off to go over everything. It's a great chance to learn more about the organization."

Alina smiled, concealing her suspicions. "Perfect, learning more will help in the long run." She hadn't shared her true intentions with Alex, but she planned to take this opportunity to investigate the Stellar Foundation from within.

Before leaving, each volunteer received a uniform backpack filled with food, medical supplies, and simple tools. Alina carefully examined the contents to ensure she had everything she needed. She and Alex joined the other volunteers, who discussed the event's purpose and the needs of the community, creating an atmosphere of excitement.

She quietly observed the senior members, noting those engaged in hushed, intense conversations with serious expressions. She took mental notes, planning to closely watch the foundation's activities during the trip.

Alex, too, listened closely, whispering to Alina, "This event is huge. I heard the supplies are sponsored by several major companies, and the senior members are all long-time foundation members."

She nodded calmly, her tone casual. "The Stellar Foundation certainly impresses with such large-scale events. But I wonder about the local conditions and whether these supplies will reach those who need them most."

Alex smiled confidently, brushing off her concern. "The foundation's been doing this for years; they know what they're doing. All we need to do is follow instructions."

Alina smiled faintly, saying nothing more. Her guard was up, and she noticed some subtle, unusual actions among the senior members, leading her to believe that the foundation's activities weren't purely charitable.

As they traveled further, the city scenery turned into winding mountain roads. Alina's mind grew calm, watching the distant mountains and forests as she considered the possibilities ahead.

Alex patted her shoulder and smiled. "Relax, Alina. This event is going to be meaningful. We're here to help people."

She refocused and offered him a reassuring smile. "I know, these events are meaningful." Yet her gaze hinted at a guarded determination; no matter how serene things seemed, she would watch for any signs of the foundation's true intentions.

That night, Ethan Hess was about to close up the bookstore when he sensed an unusual breeze from the shadows. He turned, and a dark figure appeared in the doorway, as though they had been waiting in the shadows.

"Ethan Hess," a low, raspy voice spoke, heavy with threat. The figure stepped closer, revealing a face obscured by a hood. Cold eyes glinted from the shadows as they spoke. "Don't think you can avoid your past. Someone wants to see you."

Ethan narrowed his eyes, his voice cold as he replied, "I'm not interested, nor do I need any guidance."

The figure chuckled, their voice dripping with menace. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice." They tossed a slip of paper at Ethan's feet, their tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Tomorrow night, midnight, at this address. Don't make me come back a second time."

Ethan looked down at the paper, his fingers tightening as he maintained his composed exterior. Taking a steadying breath, he suppressed the unease rising within, his gaze fixed coldly on the now-vanished figure. The lingering chill in the air made him suspect that this "invitation" was anything but simple.

He bent down, picked up the note, and carefully closed the door behind him. Glancing at the slip of paper in his hand, he read the address: Everstar Town. The familiar handwriting bore a faint trace of ominous familiarity.

As he locked up the bookstore, Ethan paused, taking in the quiet night around him. Everstar Town was an abandoned village surrounded by eerie legends. Few dared visit, and no one knew what it had become. But what truly puzzled him was how he was still entangled with people who would summon him in such a way.

Walking home, Ethan sank deep into thought. He had withdrawn from his past dealings long ago, severing ties with dark transactions. Yet this note felt like fate reaching out, rekindling memories he had buried.

In the empty, moonlit streets, he paused at his door, taking a deep breath and steadying his mind.

"Tomorrow night… Everstar Town…" he murmured, his eyes reflecting both trepidation and resolve.