Despite his calm tone, Nathan’s presencepelled Larry toply without further objection.


    Lonnie interjected, “Mr.


    Payne, their motives are suspect.


    The way Everett just interacted with them, they must be plotting.


    I have a strong feeling this involves your wife.


    What if Everett—”


    His voice trailed off, filled with apprehension.


    Nathan’s expression darkened as he spoke softly.


    “Let’s wait for Fletcher’s update.


    ”


    With a slight, cold grin, he added, “Even if Everett harbors such intentions, hecks the capability.


    Besides, I trust Lucinda’s ability to defend herself.


    ”


    In the forest’s silence, the chill of the damp air hung heavily.


    Several off-road vehicles stood in an open clearing, surrounded by bodyguards in ck suits, waiting in quiet anticipation.


    As a figure approached, they bowed collectively, addressing him reverently.


    “Mr.


    Murray.


    ”


    The leader, removing his sunsses, revealed piercing eyes and a distinctly handsome, angr face.


    Deep within the vi’s basement, the atmosphere was damp and cold.


    Following Keh’s departure, Fletcher returned to the basement.


    Upon seeing Lucinda, his tension eased.


    He hurried to her side and loosened the ropes binding her, asking with evident concern, “Are you okay?”


    The ropes were meticulously tied in a stylemonly used by gangs, aplex technique for most but mere child’s y for the skilled Fletcher Lucinda had been bound ufortably for a long time, leaving a faint red mark on her delicate skin.


    She winced softly.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Taking a deep breath, Lucinda braced herself as Fletcher carefully loosened the knots.


    Everett arrived at that moment.


    He rushed to her side, at a loss for words, sweat beading on his forehead.


    “Well, Mrs.


    Payne…”


    Nathan had explicitly instructed him not to harm Lucinda, yet his men had disregarded this, tying her too tightly.


    Everett feared Nathan’s reaction if he discovered this.


    Anxiously, hemanded his team to fetch the first-aid kit, determined to treat even the smallest injury.


    Fletcher shot Everett a piercing look, his expression stern.


    “Mr.


    Gomez,” Fletcher began, “our leader’s wife sacrificed her safety by staying here as decoy.


    Yet, in the dead of night, you disrupt her rest for needless confirmations.


    ”


    Flustered by Fletcher’s rebuke, Everett’s face fell, and he scrambled for an exnation.


    “Fletcher,” Lucinda interjected firmly, “the mark is trivial and will fade by morning.


    I directed the guards to bind me this way to avoid drawing suspicion from Mr.


    Murray’s men.


    Let’s not worry Nathan with this.


    ”