Chapter 691

Natalie Castillo grabbed Evelyn Ross's arm.

"What's Plan B? Haven't we already failed?"

Evelyn gently removed her hand, her expression calm.

"What exactly did we do?"

Natalie froze.

She thought back carefully.

All they had done was rush to the border and watch Professor Nathaniel Wright be escorted back.

Suddenly, she understood.

Her pupils contracted sharply.

"We were the decoy? The real rescue operation started long ago?"

Alexander Vance glanced at his wristwatch, his voice steady.

"Everyone knows the shortest route from Aldoria back home is this river. So, they were all guarding it here."

He paused, a slight curve at the corner of his lips.

"But Professor Wright took a different route."

Natalie quickly visualized the map in her mind.

Her face changed.

"The other route requires a full day's detour by sea, passing through the North Pass Strait... That's far too dangerous. No one would choose that path!"

She stared at Alexander, gritting her teeth.

"Alexander Vance, you really are cunning!"

Alexander ignored her sarcasm.

He looked tenderly at Evelyn and explained softly.

"Professor Wright has already boarded the ship and just left Aldorian waters. He's expected to set foot on home soil around this time tomorrow."

Evelyn nodded.

Natalie, however, let out a cold laugh.

"I don't think he'll make it back at all!"

Evelyn looked up.

"Why?"

Natalie quickly pulled out her phone, opened a digital map, zoomed in on a specific area, and shoved it in front of Evelyn.

"Do you understand the importance of maritime shipping? The people in Aldoria aren't fools. They would have considered Professor Wright might try to escape via another route. So why didn't they set up defenses there?"

Her finger jabbed heavily at the map.

"Because the other route must pass through here—the North Pass Strait!"

Evelyn looked at the map, her brow furrowing slightly.

"What's the problem with this strait?"

Her knowledge of maritime shipping was limited.

Natalie glared at her in frustration.

"How can you not know this? Seventy percent of global trade relies on maritime shipping! Shipping is the lifeblood of the economy!"

Evelyn nodded.

"I understand that."

Transportation determined the economy, and ships offered the lowest cost for moving goods.

Natalie continued.

"Then do you know there are still pirates on the seas today?"

Evelyn was taken aback.

"Pirates?"

Natalie pointed to a small island on the map.

"Here. A group of pirates is based here, calling themselves the 'North Pass Pirates.' They survive by robbing passing ships and control this strait."

Her tone grew heavier.

"It's because of these pirates that this sea route has remained impassable. All ships would rather take a much longer detour than risk passing through here. Professor Wright choosing this route is like walking straight into a trap!"

Evelyn's heart tightened.

She looked at Alexander.

"There are still pirates now?"

Alexander gave a light laugh, somewhat amused by Evelyn's rare look of confusion.

He patiently explained.

"Yes, there are. The struggle for control of sea routes has always been ongoing behind the scenes. It's normal for the general public to be unaware. These pirates control key straits, essentially holding the throat of maritime shipping."

His voice lowered.

"If a direct route could be opened, the time and fuel costs saved could reduce cargo prices by thirty percent. That's why nations are vying for control of these straits."

Evelyn suddenly understood, as if a new world had opened up to her.

She knew transportation was important, but she hadn't realized that in the 21st century, maritime shipping could still be held hostage by pirates.

Natalie snorted coldly.

"You only mention that. Why don't you talk about how brutal the North Pass Pirates are? Every ship that passes must pay an exorbitant toll. The fee is so high ship owners would rather detour than use this route. Professor Wright passing through there will definitely be detained!"

Evelyn looked at Alexander.

"Did you make arrangements with the pirates?"

If the pirates took money to let ships pass, then buying their way through should be possible.

Before Alexander could answer, Natalie scoffed.

"Making arrangements is useless! No amount of money will work! We all know Professor Wright's value. The pirates know it even better! They're involved in weapons research themselves. What they lack is a scientist like Professor Wright!"

She stared sharply at Alexander.

"Don't underestimate pirates. If they were truly weak, the surrounding nations would have wiped them out long ago. They have no match on the seas. They know every stretch of water. They are an extremely tough nut to crack."