Her directive was clear and non-negotiable.


    Despite his reservations, Fletcher remained silent, respecting her wishes.


    Everett seized the moment to tter Lucinda, eximing, “Mrs.


    Payne, you’re truly a heroine.


    If you were a man in your next life, you would certainly stand equal to us!”


    He punctuated his praise with a thumbs up.


    Lucinda, dismissing the ttery with a cool demeanor, instructed, “While we are in a reactive position, they initiated this by choosing to engage with us.


    We cannot simply wait passively or be dictated by them.


    Remember to assert our strengths when negotiating on our turf.


    ”


    Everett, a bit uneasy, nodded repeatedly in agreement.


    “Mrs.


    Payne, perhaps you should rest upstairs.


    I’ll have a doctor tend to your wrist and check for other injuries.


    Given your delicate condition, exining any mishaps to your husband would be challenging,” he suggested worriedly.


    It was well-known that Nathan was fiercely protective of Lucinda.


    The sight of any injury might lead him to drastic actions against Everett’s estate.


    To everyone’s surprise, Lucinda stood up, gathered some mud debris from the corner, and began smearing it over her arms and legs.


    Everett watched in astonishment.


    Fletcher, equally shocked, eximed, “Mrs.


    Payne?”


    With a calm and collected expression, Lucinda exined, “As Keh mentioned, I was tied up here, yet remained unscathed.


    He might ept that you didn’t dare to harm me, but his boss might think otherwise.


    He’ll inspect again soon, and it would seem suspicious if I appearedpletely unharmed.


    ”N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Lucinda continued, “Since this is a ruse, we need to enhance its credibility.


    I should stay here a few more days to solidify the illusion of my kidnapping, ensuring no one detects any discrepancies.


    ”


    Everett responded anxiously, “But how can you consider staying? This basement is both damp and stale.


    If Mr.


    Payne finds out, I’ll be in deep trouble!”


    Lucinda frowned at hisint, finding him slightly bothersome.


    As Everett was about to excuse himself to message Nathan, Lucinda stopped him firmly.


    “Even if Nathan were here, he would respect my decision.


    It’s inappropriate for you to challenge my judgment or notify him.


    ”


    With a sly grin, Lucinda spoke in a negotiating tone while firmly grasping his shoulder, causing Everett to wince in difort.


    Her grip was as formidable as his wife’s, underscoring her resolve.


    “Very well, Mrs.


    Payne.


    It’s your call,” Everett said helplessly.


    Lucinda’s response was a nod, her face adorned with an unmistakable grin.


    “Mr.


    Gomez, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” sheplimented.


    Everett shrugged, departing with a bitter expression clouding his features.


    Dealing with both Lucinda and Nathan proved to be a challenge.


    The prospect of coborating with Nathan from the National Security Bureau seemed fraught with risk.


    Yet, no risk, no gain.