Gathering his resolve, Everett exited the basement.


    Fletcher wore a furrowed brow, poised to interject.


    However, Lucinda’s dissatisfied gaze halted his intentions mid-sentence.


    Recognizing defeat, he relented.


    Casting a final nce at the dusty, dimly-lit basement, he sighed deeply before making his exit.


    Outside the vi, nestled beneath the sheltering canopy of trees, several sleek ck cars awaited.


    Fletcher dialed Nathan’s number.


    “Mr.


    Payne, the visitor here is Keh Murray.


    The mysterious Mr.


    Murray’s security detail came to ascertain Mrs.


    Payne’s presence.


    And there’s one more thing.


    ”


    Pausing briefly, he continued, “To convince the other party, Everett staged Mrs.


    Payne’s confinement in the basement.


    ”


    As a member of the National Security Bureau, Fletcher’s years of training had instilled an unwavering loyalty to his superior,pelling him to disclose the unvarnished truth to Nathan.


    The news sent a ripple of unease through everyone.


    Hearts skipped beats in anticipation of whaty ahead.


    Nathan’s demeanor darkened visibly.


    Veins protruded from his clenched fists, and his eyes were aze with restrained fury.


    For what felt like an eternity, Nathan remained silent, his seething rage palpable even through the phone line.


    Hastily, Fletcher offered an exnation.


    “Mr.


    Payne, it was Mrs.


    Payne herself who insisted on authenticity.


    She even volunteered to reside in the basement to ay Mr.


    Murray’s suspicions.


    ”


    Nathan’s anger surged further.


    His mind was consumed by the image of Lucinda confined in that squalid basement, her wrists marked by restraints.


    The urge to kill Everett rose within him.


    The car fell into a heavy silence, the tension thick enough to suffocate.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Gazing fixedly at the vi in the distance, Nathan’s gaze was as piercing as a hawk’s.


    Gradually, he regted his breathing, a veneer ofposure settling over him.


    He was well aware of Lucinda’s tenacity.


    Though reluctantly entangled in this precarious scheme, she remained resolute.


    He feared for her safety yet found himself bound by circumstance toply.


    “Mr.


    Payne?” Fletcher’s voice quivered, each breath measured.


    After a prolonged pause, Nathan exhaled softly, his sigh barely audible.


    “Ensure her safety.


    Keep me informed of any developments.


    ”


    “Understood, Mr.


    Payne.


    ”


    With that, Nathan terminated the call, his gaze sharpening in the dim light.


    “Deploy three teams to survey the vicinity,” he ordered decisively, his resolve unyielding.