“Everett’s team is conducting thorough searches on everyone outside.


    The scene with Caspian’s body was gruesome…”


    She grimaced, the memory nearly making her gag.


    Nathan had swiftly concealed the note upon hearing her approach.


    He rose and walked over to her, caressing her face softly before taking her hand and leading her out of the cabin.


    He inhaled deeply and then asked a nearby officer, “Where are Larry and Lonnie? Haven’t they returned yet? Tell them I need to see them immediately.


    ”


    The area outside was chaotic, with unconscious and injured individuals scattered about, and those requiring immediate attention had already been searched by Everett’s team.


    Spotting Nathan, Everett approached with a grave expression, eager to demonstrate his diligence.


    “Mr.


    Payne, my team and I have done everything we can.


    Caspian’s men were very shrewd; we found nothing of substance on them.


    I doubt we’ll uncover more even if we raid their hideout.


    Once Caspian was dead, his followers scattered.


    ”


    Lonnie then approached with his report.


    “Mr.


    Payne, we’ve ounted for all the ambushers in the mountains—130 in total.


    They’ve been detained and taken to the Bureau.


    Additionally, we captured five elite assassins; they were seriously wounded while trying to flee but are stable now.


    What are our next steps?”


    Nathan nodded in approval.


    “Well done.


    Keep up the efforts.


    Continue the investigation and focus on tracking down the fugitives on our list.


    Where’s Larry?”


    “Larry led his men to clear mines in the mountains, but curiously, they found no mines at all.


    Instead, they unearthed some ancient, worthless bombs,” Lonnie said.


    Lucinda felt a wave of relief.


    “It seems they were bluffing.


    When I first heard about the mines, I truly feared they wanted all of us to die…”


    As she talked, tears welled up in her eyes.


    The memory of the event still filled her with dread.


    Nathan empathized with her concern for the safety of himself and his team.


    He gently patted the back of her hand and reassured her, “It’s okay.


    I trust my men’s skills.


    For us, that situation was manageable.


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    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Suddenly, they heard footsteps.


    Looking up together, they saw Fletcher approaching.


    “Mr.


    Payne, the vehicles are ready.


    When would you like to leave?”


    Lucinda was eager to return as soon as possible.


    She had been away for several days, and Colby had been in the hospital.


    Although she knew Kyson was with Colby, she couldn’t shake off her unease without seeing Colby herself.


    Throughout her stay in the basement of the vi, she found sce in the thoughts of Colby, Destinee, and Nathan.


    She was certain that Colby and Destinee were missing her deeply as well.


    Catching a glimpse of her expression, Nathan immediately realized she was longing for the children.


    He decisively said, “Let’s count everyone up, and we’ll leave immediately.


    ”


    Then he exited the area with his arm around Lucinda’s shoulders.


    Four identical cars surrounded theirs, moving cautiously along the mountain road as they drove from the forested outskirts to the city center.


    The journey from the suburban forest to the urban area was rough and lengthy.


    Gazing out at the unchangingndscape of terraced fields, Lucinda felt drowsiness creeping over her and yawned involuntarily.