Chapter 177: Exchange

Upstairs, the moment Samuel Ford left, Jean Vance sent Felix Ford a message.

Felix Ford was still lying in bed, about to watch TV, when he received the message. His phone buzzed, and he picked it up. Seeing the text from Jean, his brow furrowed, and he immediately called him.

"Hello." Jean answered instantly.

Felix Ford’s brow was knitted in a tight frown. He cut straight to the chase. "What did you mean when you said we have to switch back?"

Jean Vance explained the situation to him.

"So, you’re saying it was Victor Ford who took me away from Mom? He was the one who took her Jade Pendant? And he deliberately put that pendant in the auction?" With each question, Felix Ford’s brow furrowed deeper, until it was bunched into a tight knot.

"Yeah, that’s everything I’ve found out so far. Miss Lynch was in that room earlier, so he must be the one she’s working for. There’s no doubt about it. We need to switch back now. I have to warn Mom to be careful of him. You don’t know all the details, so I have to be the one to explain it."

Jean had been the one investigating this all along. He could just show Felix the data he had on hand. After all, their mother already knew he was a hacker, so it wouldn’t be surprising that he’d uncovered this information.

But now that their mother knew Felix wasn’t Jean, it would be far too strange if Felix were the one to present this information.

Felix Ford understood this as well. He hesitated for three seconds, then nodded decisively.

He swallowed his reluctance. "Then you have to promise me you’ll protect Mom. Don’t let her get hurt, not even a little. And one more thing—this is the most important." His tone grew serious. "You two can’t abandon me and leave. Mom already promised she wouldn’t abandon me. She made that promise to *me*. Do you get what I’m saying?"

There was a two-second silence from the other end of the line before Jean replied, "Yeah, I get it."

Though still reluctant, Felix Ford relaxed slightly at the thought of Amanda Vance’s promise. Then another problem occurred to him. "You already snuck out once. Mr. Rocco definitely won’t trust you again. How are you going to get out?"

"I’m trying to figure that out myself. I’ll let you know when I have a plan."

"I have an idea." Felix explained his plan. After a moment’s thought, Jean agreed.

"Okay, we’ll do it your way."

Once the plan was settled, they both grabbed their key cards and left their rooms.

Things were easier for Felix Ford. No one was watching him, so he had no trouble at all.

When Jean Vance opened his door, he saw Rocco tense up, just as he’d expected. Keeping his expression neutral, Jean said, "It’s too stuffy in my room. I’m going for a walk in the garden downstairs."

"Alright, I’ll go with you, Young Master." Rocco didn’t try to stop him. If he did, given the young master’s temper, he would just raise hell. It was fine as long as Rocco didn’t let him out of his sight.

"Mhm." Jean didn’t say anything more.

He walked ahead with Rocco in tow. The boy seemed obedient, but Rocco didn’t dare relax in the slightest. He hadn’t forgotten how the young master had been just as docile in the restaurant, even offering to bring back food for his father. In the end, it had all been a lie.

’The father and son were still like oil and water.’

Ignoring Rocco’s watchful gaze, Jean strolled into the garden. The hotel’s landscaping was quite nice, with a rockery and a fountain. Jean ran over to look at them for a moment before turning to leave.

After a few steps, he suddenly clutched his stomach and said, "My stomach hurts."

Rocco grew alarmed. "What’s wrong? Why does your stomach hurt?"

"I don’t know! I have to go to the bathroom! I can’t hold it, hurry up and take me!" As he spoke, he lowered his head, held his breath, and strained until his face flushed red.

Rocco didn’t suspect a thing and quickly led him to the nearest restroom. It had a window, but there were security bars on the outside, making it impossible to jump out. After quickly surveying the layout, Rocco breathed a sigh of relief. Even if the young master wanted to escape, there was no way.

Rocco had intended to wait inside, but the place reeked of an unbelievable stench. The smell was so overwhelming he couldn’t stand it. Pinching his nose, he said, "I’ll be waiting outside, Young Master."

"Okay."

After he left, the restroom was quiet for a moment. After a little while, a stall door creaked open, and Jean Vance walked out. He lightly knocked on the door of the next stall, and it immediately opened.

He stepped inside, saw the bowl of luosifen in the corner, and it all made sense.

’No wonder.’

Felix Ford leaned in and whispered in his ear, "I had the waiter add extra sour bamboo shoots."

’So that’s why.’

Jean glanced at it again, suddenly feeling like he’d never be able to look at this dish the same way again.

’It was delicious, sure, but he never thought Felix Ford would bring it into a bathroom.’

’Gross...’

There was no time to feel disgusted. He urged, "Quick, change clothes."

"Mhm."

That was the plan. Felix had come here in advance and was just waiting for Jean to arrive. Since they were identical, Rocco wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

The two of them quickly swapped clothes, not forgetting to switch their shoes as well.

Before they parted, Jean grabbed Felix’s wrist and warned him seriously, "Even though your dad destroyed the security footage, I ran into Shirley Vance on my way here. She could very well tell him I was here, which means Victor Ford might get suspicious. When you get to the Ford Family’s house, you have to be extremely careful. Don’t try to ditch Rocco anymore. Having him around can actually protect you. And whatever you do, don’t go out alone. Got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Felix mumbled. ’Why is he such a nag?’

"You have to take my words seriously." Seeing Felix’s dismissive attitude, Jean tightened his grip. "Victor Ford isn’t as simple as you think. He likely holds a grudge against Mom. Since he was the one who took you, he must know I exist, and he might even recognize you. You have to be on your guard."

’If Victor Ford decided to silence them, he would surely come after me,’ Jean thought. ’Switching back now is putting Felix in danger. I hate this, but for Mom’s sake, it’s the only option.’

"Whatever you do, don’t run off on your own. Remember?"

Seeing how serious his expression was, Felix paused for a second. Then, his eyes twinkled mischievously as he said with a grin, "Jean, Mom told me you’re always thinking about me, too. I didn’t believe her before, but I do now. You really do care about me, huh?"

Jean’s hand loosened in an instant. "I’m being serious. Are you even listening?"

Felix beamed, nodding his head. "I heard you, I heard you! Don’t worry, I won’t run off."

’Worried or not, this was how it had to be.’

Hearing footsteps approaching outside, Felix gave Jean a meaningful look and stepped out of the stall first.

Rocco was just walking back in. Still pinching his nose, he didn’t notice which stall Felix had come out of. "All done?" he asked.

"Mhm."

The two of them walked out. Rocco sniffed the air, then looked at him, puzzled. "Hey, Young Master, why do you stink so much? You smell like..."

Before he could finish, Felix sniffed his own clothes and instantly understood. He felt a little smug. ’See how clever I am?’

In the restroom stall, Jean looked down at the bowl of luosifen, covered his nose, and tossed it into the trash.

After fanning away some of the smell clinging to his clothes, he finally headed upstairs.