Chapter 53: Escape from Her Five–Finger Mountain 

Ben, slightly awestruck by Lily’s detective skills, didn’t argue, waiting for her to continue. Instead, she peeled a banana and offered it to him. 

Ben had always considered bananas bland, but this one exuded an intoxicating sweetness, making his mouth water. Punished with two days of meager meals for fighting–only porridge in the mornings he took the banana and took a large bite. 

Delicious! 

John cleared his throat pointedly. Lily, understanding, peeled another banana. Seeing her father and brother eating, Amy felt compelled to join in. Lily offered her a banana. 

John/Amy/Ben: Today’s bananas are exceptionally sweet! 

Lily smiled, watching her three “monkeys.” They were troublesome, but none of them would 

escape her grasp. 

Ben, finishing his banana, tossed the peel into the trash can with a basketball–like shot, wiping his mouth.“What did you mean before?” 

“Did your classmates and friends know about the marathon?” 

“Yes.” He’d boasted about completing it and getting a good time. 

“Did the person who introduced you to this camp approach you first?” 

Ben recalled the man approaching him mid–run, initiating the conversation. Lily was increasingly 

certain. 

This training camp is a scam, but the facility is legitimate. Do you think those ‘blind spots‘ were actually blind spots?” Lily recalled the notice board at the gate; it clearly stated complete surveillance coverage, even the back woods were clearly visible, let alone the easily accessible back wall. 

“Maybe our escape was too easy…” Ben reflected. 

“A legitimate training camp’s main goal is to make money. If the advertisement doesn’t match reality, they’d typically just expel disruptive students. They wouldn’t tolerate repeated troublemaking.” 

Amy suddenly understood. “I get it! They had no reason to target Ben. Someone must have ordered them to do it!” 

Lily gave her daughter an approving look. Her children were quite intelligent! Amy beamed. A simple approving glance felt better than endless flattery. 

“They were clearly prepared. Your actions will either harm you or trigger their next scheme.” Lily made it clear that her son was likely to suffer the consequences. 

Ben was stunned. He’d only seen the surface; things were far more complex! 

“So, this was a conspiracy from the start of the marathon?!” Even he understood now. “Need help?” Lily held up a finger. “Just promise me one simple favor.” Ben knew that he wouldn’t stand a chance alone if they were prepared. He wanted things to be simple, but he wasn’t stupid. 

My dad will help me.” He wouldn’t agree to a stranger’s terms, even after getting a banana. 

Chapter 53 Escape from Her Five Fi 

“I’ll help you, but you have to promise me one thing,” John said. Ben knew it was the same thing Eily would ask! He looked at his sister, expecting her to intercede, only to find her gazing at Lily with admiration. 

Amy was impressed; Lily had analyzed the situation perfectly, pinpointing the core issue with just a few observations and questions. If only she could do that; she wouldn’t be so easily fooled! 

“One minute left. We’re leaving,” John urged, 

Ben felt aggrieved.“You’re just leaving me to die?” His father had promised to help! Amy tsked; her brother was so naive. 

“Ben, they won’t kill you; they’ll just humiliate you, cause some minor injuries. But we’re giving you a choice. Refuse, and you’ll suffer the consequences yourself!” The Hanson incident had taught her about their current methods – or rather, Lily’s methods; her father followed her lead. Tantrums and complaints were useless. It was better to accept her reasoning, or else… Amy recalled caring for Mia in the hospital and living with the Brown family. Reality was a harsh teacher. 

Ben knew his sister was self–centered, unconcerned about others‘ feelings. Things only worked if she was happy. His sister was acting like a loyal underling to this woman! He was her own brother! 

Seeing his father nod in agreement, Ben’s indignant expression froze. Even his own son didn’t matter… He glared at Lily, sighing.“Fine. I agree!” Deal with the external threat first; he’d deal 

who out would find He would with 

issues later. the internal 

A knock came at the door. The young 

coach entered. 

was 

behind this! 

“It’s been almost half an hour. Have you decided?” He was far more relaxed, having spoken to the organizer. 

“We’re not leaving.” 

The coach beamed.“I’m glad you made the right choice. Children need to leave the nest, to grow, beyond their parents‘ wings…” 

“We’re calling the police.” 

The inspirational speech ended abruptly. The coach’s eyes widened, thinking he’d misheard Lily smiled, her amicable demeanor making the coach sweat. 

“There must be a misunderstanding. You should talk to our director first,” the coach pleaded. Parents usually argued, then complained; calling the police was the last resort! Why wasn’t this parent playing by the rules? 

He didn’t know the real surprise was yet to come. 

Half an hour later, the coach called the organizer. Seeing Coach Kaire’s number, he guessed the parents were difficult. He answered, “Give the phone to the parents.” 

“No, Director Moore, it’s serious! Come quickly!” This was beyond a phone call; even a personal visit might not work!