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    "What?"Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Helen was obviously surprised and murmured, "But there must be a mistake. Huub Droitner seemed so polite and agreeable, which was why I was fine with him asking to see you."


    "Can''t judge a book by its cover."


    Frank chuckled. "You''d better watch out. I can see that he bears ill will."


    "We''re just business partners, and I was thinking about using his family''s government connections. Since they mean to do harm, I''ll just have to call it off."


    Helen was determined, too-if Frank sensed an issue, she would not waste her breath.


    However, after hanging up and Frank dismissed it as a brief interlude, the Southstream Lanes found themselves in trouble a few dayster.


    Gavin Lane, Helen''s uncle, was supposed to return after a couple of days from a business trip, but it had been a week since he wasst seen.


    His family could not reach him and there was no sign of him in Zamri, and there was nothing suspicious about the people whom he met for business talks either.


    They all testified that Gavin had left after their meeting-as to where, they had no idea.


    Another couple of days had passed when the Lanes received a short and simple text from Gavin''s number:


    [Tell Frank Lawrence: It''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom or the hostage.]


    "What''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"


    Roth Lane, who hade to Zamri looking for his father, was staring at Frank in confusion.


    Frank scowled in turn.


    Only Kornac''s Keep, as well as the participants of their trial the other day, would have known about the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom. On top of that, none of them could have known that Yosil Darman had given Frank the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom, as it was something they had agreed to in private.


    And in Frank''s mind, only one person was so obsessed and aware of its whereabouts-Horey Lindt of Cloudnine Sect.


    And finding out how far she would take her obsession, Frank regretted sparing her that day.


    Helen asked anxiously, "Frank, what''s the Bloodcrane Spiritbloom?"


    While Gavin was only her uncle,


    l


    Gavin had also shown her unreserved support, be it in rmending her as the head of the family or helping her with Lanecorp.


    That was why Helen wanted to save Gavin at all costs.


    Frank frowned and exined, "It''s... an herb."


    "An herb?"


    Both Helen and Roth breathed a sigh of relief right then.


    And here they were wondering what the ransom was, but it was just an herb.


    Moreover, Winter Lawrence was the current head of Zamri Hospital, a major medical facility-it just made this all the more easier!


    Nheless, Frank continued, "You


    misunderstand. The Bloodcrane Spiritbloom is an extremely rare. herb. Forget Zamri Hospital-you won''t find another in Draconia."


    Both Helena and Roth froze. "You mean..."


    "Yeah."


    Frank nodded. "Right now, I have the only one, and Gavin Lane''s kidnapper wants it."


    ?


    Seeing the look on his face, Helen said tentatively, "Frank, it''s rare... but it''s just an herb. My uncle is in danger right now, so if we drag our


    feet..."  ave


    "That''s right, Mr. Lawrence."


    Roth agreed anxiously. "I may be out of line, but I would like you to help save my father. I''ll pay you however much you want!"