Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

Chapter 1686: Is Jonathan really that stupid?

"Ugh... this is not how I imagined myself to die," Dean grumbled, bumping the back of his head against the wall while slumped on the floor. His arms rested over his bent knees, his hair slightly disheveled from trying and failing.

He and Atlas had done their best in breaking the wall. They specifically focused on where they heard the hollow knock, thinking it was the weak spot. But nothing. Even that was all futile.

"And definitely..." Dean slid his eyes to where Atlas was, huffing. "...I never not even in my wildest imagination—would I have expected that I'd die with you."

Just like Dean, Atlas was a little haggard. Even with enough daily exercise and a proper diet, breaking a wall with just stools was tiring. Atlas also sat on the floor, his back against the laboratory counter, facing the wall where Dean was leaning.

"The feeling is mutual," he said, eyeing the wall.

Atlas closed his eyes and stabilized his breathing, trying to calm himself down enough to think of a way out. Meanwhile, Dean just glared at the man. It wasn't like he had given up completely, but he knew there was no way for them to get out.

Even if they tried to force their way out, it was impossible.

"Damn that Jonathan!" Dean hissed, dragging a hand along his face. "Fuck him!" His frustration continued to rise with every passing breath.

"Of all the places he could... why a freaking underground!?" he grumbled. "And a vault that he couldn't get out of if he was locked in?! Is he stupid or what?"

Atlas glanced at Dean, trying not to get affected by the latter's growing frustration. It was a good thing he had learned not to be affected by the world's mockery and nonsense, so it was easy for him not to think about Dean for now.

'With no reception here, it's impossible to contact anyone,' he thought, only to catch Dean pulling out his phone. "What are you doing?"

Dean glared at him. "Isn't it obvious? Trying to find a spot with reception. I can't just sit around here and die with you."

With that, Dean walked around with his hand up, staring at the signal icon. Even if it was just one bar, that was enough to call for help.

on..." he muttered, wincing as he bumped

kicking the counter, which rattled behind Atlas for a

like a snail, phone up, eyes fixed on the screen. Atlas shook his head, knowing what Dean was doing was futile. But then again, he couldn't blame Dean for trying. After all, Atlas didn't want to die here

die, he wanted it to be alone. He didn't want

let out a shallow breath, still

vault that is only accessed from the outside...' he

Atlas had already checked the door earlier, but they were certain there wasn't any secret lever or button on it. Also, they might not

Jonathan really that stupid?' he wondered. 'Although I know he is,

scheming

showed the level of cunning Jonathan carried. Not just that, but also

accessed from the outside and not have any other entrance,' he thought to

underground vault were high. Even if Jonathan was

at the keycard

had a few

in was locked from the outside. Then, after the stairs, there was a space where the table and chairs were placed, while

other words, this keycard could be

else inside the vault. Perhaps, a drawer or a secret compartment that held more information— information Jonathan would want to keep

heavy sigh escaped Atlas as he shook

we're truly stuck here," he muttered to himself. "I could only hope that

and glanced at him. "A

track your loved ones or family. We're

testing," Atlas explained, keeping it short and

I'm certain it'll

she always

when she wants to ambush me and