Arabella trusted him completely and without reason. If he said it would be found, it would be. Frederick was omnipotent.

After their intimate moment, Frederick coordinated an outfit for her outing—a hunting set that was exceptionally warm yet light and soft.

It was crafted from the finest Italian baby cashmere, dyed a stunning shade of plum—vibrant but not garish. The weave created a high-end plaid texture, meticulously interwoven with 24k gold thread that shimmered under any light. This fabric was rare; it was said that only fifteen meters had ever been produced. Frederick had picked it out the moment he saw it in the swatch book and had this hunting suit custom-made for Arabella. Because she was sensitive to the cold, he also thoughtfully had a small cloak lined with Peruvian alpaca wool made for her.

The tailored fit was far superior to ready-to-wear; the lines were sharp, and the waistline was perfectly defined. Arabella didn't forget to pin the precious antique amethyst brooch she had received yesterday onto her collar. The two similar colors complemented each other perfectly, looking both vintage and magnificent.

"It looks so good!" Arabella showed off her brooch to Frederick with delight.

Frederick, drawing on his knowledge, complimented her by calling her the "Zixia Fairy" from Journey to the West. However, Arabella had forgotten that story, forcing Frederick, a German, to laboriously explain the classic tale. The conversation drifted far afield.

"Let's not get sidetracked, sweetheart. I'll have the teacher read it with you next time. Go eat. We leave for the hunting grounds in an hour and a half."

"Will everyone be there? Daniel and Sophia, and Benjamin!" Arabella had played a few rounds of poker with them yesterday and still felt the lingering excitement. Remembering someone else, she pouted. "Will Daisy be there too?"

"Everyone is going. But as for Daisy, I don't know."

"Then I want to wear makeup." She wanted to look beautiful in front of everyone so that Daisy wouldn't dare call her a hick again.

Frederick saw through her little competitive streak. "You are the most beautiful lady today even without makeup. Eat your breakfast first; I'll send for a makeup artist."

While Arabella ate breakfast, Frederick went outside to light a cigarette.

The weather was cold, and the west wind was biting. He wore a pair of black sheepskin gloves that encased his long, large hands. The slender gold cigarette was stark between his fingers, exuding a mysterious, sultry aura.

Arabella glanced over at him several times. Those hands... yesterday they had been moving so gently on her... Arabella chewed her steak and swallowed.

Harold stood beside Frederick. They were talking, but Arabella couldn't hear them through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Are you saying... we stop looking?" Harold's expression was grave. He vaguely understood something but didn't dare think too deeply on it.

Frederick sensed something and turned his head to lock eyes with the girl inside. He smiled, a plume of grey smoke drifting from his fingertips.

"It's a temporary pause, Harold. I will help her find her family, of course—that isn't difficult. But for now, I don't want there to be even a one-in-ten-thousand chance of her leaving me."

"Hide her information for the time being. Have everyone keep their mouths shut."

Frederick would not allow anyone to disturb them at this time. He also would not allow his little bird to have anyone dearer to her heart, even if it were her own parents. The moment Arabella had deliriously cried out, "I don't want you," Frederick had realized that she would leave one day. He was only her temporary choice.

He would wait until she belonged to him completely, until he was her only choice. Only then would he open the cage and let her fly.

"Sir, you are truly wicked," Harold said bluntly.

This was a malicious possession.

Frederick smiled. "I know. Let God punish me then."

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House Herheid, as a long-standing European landowning dynasty, possessed an incredibly vast amount of land. Beyond prime commercial real estate in various Western European countries, they controlled numerous high-quality plantations, forests, mines, and harbors. In Germany alone, they owned five private hunting grounds of over a hundred hectares each, including one surrounding the town of Appen on the outskirts of Hamburg—a paradise where animals roamed freely.

Every November, the red deer, roe deer, and hares here would multiply to the point of infestation, relentlessly devouring the forest. To maintain the ecological balance, management would open the grounds for hunting during a limited window. Hunters could only attend by invitation from the club, rather than entering as they pleased.

Hunting was a vital part of ecological conservation, but for the social elite, it was also a way to flaunt their status. From their lifestyle and hunting gear to the ownership of the land itself, every aspect served to showcase a family's strength. It ranked as one of the top three most popular sports among European "Old Money".

In addition to members of House Herheid, this hunting trip included Daniel's friends and several local wealthy businessmen—all of whom were guests invited to the following day's gala.

Makeup had caused a fifteen-minute delay, by the time Arabella and Frederick reached the camp, seven or eight massive, high-performance SUVs and four German pickups were already lined up outside. Everyone was busy unloading equipment, moving supplies, and leading hunting dogs.

Accompanying them were chefs and servants who had brought an abundance of fresh food, spices, and alcohol. A forest party would be held here tonight.

Arabella gazed excitedly at the bustling scene. "Can I help with anything?".

Frederick handed her the leashes, assigning her a task. "Keep an eye on Black and Peach. Do not let them leave your sight".

The two dogs had arrived that morning via private jet. With over a dozen hunting hounds present and the potential dangers of the deep forest, Frederick was concerned he might not be able to watch over Arabella constantly, so he tasked Black and Peach with her protection.

These two silly dogs sat perfectly upright, looking imploringly at Arabella. A couple of barks signaled they hadn't eaten yet since their early morning arrival.

"No problem! I'll take them to eat first!".

Whether it was for her or the dogs, feeding time was the highest priority.

Amused, Frederick waved over bodyguards to follow her while he joined the group moving supplies. Arabella fetched a large slab of beef for her canine companions and grabbed a chocolate cone for herself. Since Frederick wouldn't let her help, she sat obediently inside a tent erected outside the camp, eating while watching the handsome men.

There were many handsome men today. Daniel's friends were all young men at least 1.85 meters tall, looking quite hot. The wealthy businessmen, though in their forties, were all men who maintained strict fitness regimes; they looked lean and fit in their sharp hunting suits—mature, charming uncles.

Among the crowd of handsome men, Frederick was still the most striking. He wore a dark grey hunting suit and tall black cowhide boots, his tall physique outlined in a very sexy manner. His ash-gold hair glinted with a cold, metallic light in the sun. Arabella found herself swooning as she watched him. To be honest, in terms of features alone, Benjamin is more exquisite, but Frederick is taller, sturdier, and smells better. Arabella still felt Frederick was superior.