They were strolling outside now. Earlier that morning, Isabel had slipped away from the group and returned quickly to the hut, determined not to be deceived again today.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated. The sound made her stiffen—she hated being caught off guard. Irritation flared as she checked the caller ID.
Why now? Does my brother need something? she wondered.
"Just a moment, I'll take this call," Isabel said with a polite smile.
"Go on, we'll wait," Ericka replied warmly.
Isabel glanced at Tricia, giving her a subtle signal. Her companion instantly understood.
"Let's leave her be—she might be a while," Tricia suggested casually.
Isabel nodded in agreement. Her phone vibrated again; she couldn't ignore it this time.
"Alright, we'll go ahead," Thalia said in farewell.
Once they were far enough away, Isabel finally answered. "Hello, brother." Her voice was calm but edged with impatience. "What do you need? You know I'm with Thalia right now."
"You've already won over three of them, haven't you?" came Alexander's voice, sharp and direct.
"Yes… but I haven't fully won Thalia over yet," Isabel admitted, glancing toward the others as they chatted in the distance.
"Even without her, finish your mission," he ordered.
The blunt command made her pause. "Brother, give me a chance—"
"No time. Giovane needs them caught," Alexander cut in, his tone authoritative.
Isabel sighed in resignation. "Fine. I'll find a way."
"Good. Let me know when you act so I can send backup."
"Yes. Bye." She ended the call quickly, slipping the phone back into her pocket before rejoining the others as if nothing had happened.
I'll let Tricia handle the details. We also need to know what show she's watching, Isabel thought.
"Sorry it took so long," she apologized when she caught up.
"Take your time, Isa," Chesca said kindly.
Don't call me by that nickname—we're not that close, Isabel thought but kept her smile in place.
"Shall we go?" Tricia asked.
The three ahead nodded and continued chatting while Isabel and Tricia followed behind, close to Thalia.
Tricia studied the group, then suggested, "Let's head back to the hut to rest."
The three exchanged looks. "Fine, if you say so," Ericka agreed.
"We walked a lot today," she added.
Then Ericka brightened. "Actually, I know a shortcut to the hut."
A shortcut? Isabel raised a brow.
"My childhood friend showed it to me. We used to hang out here when we were kids," Ericka explained with a laugh.
Isabel and Tricia exchanged a quick glance. That's worth remembering.
Sure enough, the path was quicker, and they reached the hut easily.
"You saved us time," Chesca said.
"Good thing I remembered it," Ericka replied.
"Do you know that shortcut too, Thalia?" Isabel asked.
Thalia shook her head, but Ericka answered for her. "No, it's her first visit here."
"Is this about earlier when I didn't say goodbye?" Thalia asked directly.
"No, I'm not upset—just worried," Isabel replied smoothly.
"Well, at least now we can use Ericka's shortcut," Thalia said innocently.
"Yeah, that's great," Isabel answered with a polite smile. Her brother would be glad to know this location.
"We're going to our room to change," Isabel told them, with Tricia following. Once inside, she locked the door.
"Upset? I'm furious!" she hissed.
"Cheer up! We know a shortcut now—we can use it against them," Tricia said with a grin.
Isabel shook her head.
"So, what did your brother say?" Tricia pressed.
"In short, we have to capture the three. Soon," Isabel said.
"No wonder you were restless earlier," Tricia remarked, settling beside her.
"So… what's the plan?" she asked, ready to hear it.