How the Ice King Became my Doting Billionaire Husband

In the jungle, scenes like this were quite ordinary. However, Jack suddenly came to a serious stop. Fletcher, who was following behind, asked, "What's wrong? Did the GPS signal something?" Jack shook his head. "No, it's not the GPS. Besides the usual signs of animal fights, there are traces of human activity. Look at that tree over there; it has cut marks, and so do these animal bones. The wounds from animal attacks are different from those made by sharp blades."

Jack was an exceptional scout, able to uncover the truth from the subtlest details. The remains seemed to be from a boar, devoured by predators, yet Jack noticed something unusual. Fletcher's heart leapt with hope. "It must be Stuart; he was here." But as he surveyed the bloodstained ground, his elation gave way to a somber expression.

Jack, wearing gloves, examined the area, then stood up. "Let's move. Stuart went in that direction. He killed this boar first, and then it was eaten by other animals." "I wonder how Stuart is doing?" Fletcher mused. "He's injured, but not seriously, at least not here. Those footprints over there are steady, not the erratic steps of someone fleeing in panic."

Fletcher nodded, feeling a bit relieved. The pair continued, one familiar with the wilderness and the other with Stuart, both convinced they were on the right path. Yet, their anxiety grew with each step. The wilderness posed immense danger; despite meticulous preparation and teamwork, they had faced numerous perils, both sustaining injuries.

They didn't doubt Stuart's survival instincts, but he had left in such haste that he was not fully prepared. After trekking a while longer, Jack halted again. "Why have we stopped? Did you find something else?" Fletcher questioned. "No, it's getting dark. Traveling through the wilderness at night is too risky. This place has good terrain; we should camp here tonight."

"It's not completely dark yet. We could go a bit further," Fletcher suggested, his concern for Stuart, Morwenna, and Norbert evident. Jack sternly replied, "Fletcher, we're here to find someone, not to risk our lives. You can offer ideas,

once

We're in the wilderness,"

you must

follow my lead."

Fletcher calmed down and apologized, "Sorry, I understand." Now was not the time for impulsive decisions, Jack set up the tent while Fletcher scattered some insect repellent around the campsite. They agreed to take turns resting: One would sleep the first half of the night, the other the second.

Given their physical conditions, Fletcher took the first watch while Jack managed the more challenging second half. Jack lay down without a sleeping bag, fearing he might not react quickly enough if danger arose. He wore his down jacket beneath his cold-weather gear and drifted off.

Fletcher, also bundled in his down jacket and outer gear, chose to sit outside the tent. He didn't stay outside to endure the cold, but because inside the tent, he couldn't keep watch. Without lighting a fire Jack had warned it might attract predators-Fletcher sat in the darkness, thoughts of Stuart's disappearance and Morwenna's indifference weighing on him.

The night stretched on endlessly. They awaited dawn.