Half an hour ago, he received a cooperation invitation.


    Aware that Lucinda was kidnapped, the individual sought to extort Nathan for a hefty sum.


    The individual waited for two days before deciding to reach out.


    Everett, well-prepared, waited at the vi gate.


    About an hourter, a few figures emerged from the darkness, wielding shlights.


    As they approached the vi’s gate, Everett saw them clearly.


    Three tall, robust men in ck suits and sunsses stood before him.


    Everett frowned, voicing his discontent.


    “Mr.


    Murray invited me to cooperate, yet he’s a no-show.


    Sending three bodyguards to negotiate with me seems rather perfunctory, doesn’t it?”


    The lead bodyguard from the opposing side replied, “Mr.


    Murray’s absence isn’t intentional.


    He’s handling urgent personal matters.


    Once we confirm the hostage’s presence, I’ll initiate a video call with him.


    You can speak to him then.


    ”


    Everett sneered.


    The mysterious Mr.


    Murray didn’t dare to show up, opting to broach the topic of cooperation in the video, revealing his timidity.


    Everett, despite his dissatisfaction, chose to maintain silence to establish initial trust with the other party.


    “I’ve locked Lucinda in the basement.


    However, Mr.


    Murray’s sudden invitation tonight necessitates caution.


    ess to the basement is restricted, and proximity to Lucinda is prohibited.


    I’ll open the door slightly for inspection purposes only.


    ”


    The bodyguard nodded respectfully.


    “Understood.


    ”


    “What’s your name then?” Everett asked.


    “Keh Murray.


    ”


    Everett gestured for the three bodyguards to enter the vi, shifting his stance slightly.


    Strolling through the garden, he furrowed his brow as he observed the sunsses donned by the trio.


    “It’ste and dark already.


    Are you certain you can see with those sunsses?”


    “Don’t worry, Mr.


    Gomez.


    I’m ustomed to it.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    My vision remains clear,” reassured Keh, the leading bodyguard.


    Everett grimaced, remarking, “Navigating the te path in the garden proves challenging.


    Take care not to stumble, and then inform your boss that the injury was inflicted by me.


    ”


    “surely you jest, Mr.


    Gomez.


    ”


    No longer desiring conversation with the bodyguards, Everett strode ahead, instructing the National Security Bureau officers, who were disguised as vi bodyguards, to guide Mr.


    Murray’s bodyguards and follow him.


    In the basement, Everett cautiously nudged the hefty red wooden door a fraction open.


    The basement’s illumination flickered to life, casting a dim yellow glow.


    Within this subdued light, the room appeared dimly lit.


    At the basement’s core stood a solitary chair.


    Lucinda was bound to it, her hands and feet secured, her mouth gagged, and her head hung low, evoking the semnce of unconsciousness.


    Keh, the leading bodyguard, inspected Lucinda’s condition with care.


    Concealed beneath his sunsses, his eyes veiled any discernible expression.


    “Not a hair out of ce, attire impable, and no signs of injury.


    Mr.


    Gomez, is this your standard treatment for abducted captives?”


    As he spoke, Keh advanced, aiming for proximity to the basement.


    However, his progress was halted by a National Security Bureau officer disguised as a vi bodyguard.