Chapter 1282: Chapter 1282

Chapter 1282:

Rhys gazed tenderly at Harlee’s tear-stained eyes, furrowing his brow.

“Why did you cry?”

He drew her close, tenderly brushing the tears from her cheeks.

“It’s nothing,” Harlee said with a smile. “I just learned some things about Tonya. And I miss her.”

At this, all doubts in Rhys’ mind vanished instantly. Harlee’s emotional moments like this had become common in the last two years.

“Is that woman connected to Tonya?” Rhys inquired gently.

“Yes. She is Tania. Her name reminds me of Tonya.” Harlee smiled, though it was tinged with bitterness. “Rhys, I’d like her to stay close to me.” Rhys enveloped Harlee in his arms. Her bitter smile drew the same inner turmoil inside him as her tear-stained eyes. While he felt compassion for her, there wasn’t much he could do for her. The lingering impact of Tonya’s demise was a wound he knew he couldn’t mend.

Rhys caressed her head soothingly and murmured, “I’ll carry you down. Rest a bit when we get there, and I’ll take care of everything.”

Harlee nodded in agreement. “Okay. But there are some things I need to ask her.”

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“Let’s go down the mountain first. We can talk after the check-up.” Protectively holding Harlee, Rhys quickly surveyed the area and then carefully carried her down the mountain.

After receiving orders, members of the Shadow Moon Society and Rhys’ underground network divided tasks—some headed back to the cruise ship for supplies while others cleared the land at the mountain’s base. By the time Harlee was brought down, the area at the mountain’s base was already dotted with tents.

Harlee had intended to rally everyone and lead those aggrieved in seeking vengeance, but given the severity of their injuries, Goodwin’s medical team recommended against any exhausting activity. Consequently, the plan was temporarily postponed. In the harsh conditions they faced, many had clung to life through sheer willpower, and simply making it through was a testament to their resilience.

Patrick had organized a set of makeshift shower stalls, managing the queue efficiently and hands-on to ensure everyone could clean up. He didn’t forget to set aside a private one for Harlee and Rhys.

Meanwhile, Robbie and Noel were tasked with distributing fresh clothes and meals, ensuring everyone was fed and dressed warmly.

The workload increased as more survivors arrived, requiring Patrick and his team to act as barbers to help everyone look neat.

Finding all the individuals Dario had described proved to be a difficult task. Even as time stretched into the evening, not everyone had been found—some were too cautious to come forward, others chose to remain as informants to avoid imposing on the group, and a few required extensive persuasion to join. The task was much more challenging than Harlee had initially expected.

Tania, arranged as the first in the queue for a shower, sat wrapped in a blanket in a rocking chair outside her tent, observing the bustling activity and the transformed islanders.

Tania was deep in thought. In less than two hours since descending the mountain, she had grasped the latest situation. She was particularly shocked to learn that Dario was a child Tonya and Harlee had once rescued—a detail that had been ominously absent from her memories.

Luckily, Harlee’s evident longing for Tonya ensured Tania hadn’t yet roused Harlee’s suspicion. Otherwise, Tania might have been dealt with before leaving the island.

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