Cassius realized they were in serious trouble. Perhaps they could still find a way to break free from his grip if it had only been Eric. However, the Combat Department's involvement made escape seemingly impossible.In a desperate attempt to defend themselves, Cassius spoke up. "Sir, we adhere to the law and haven't committed any crimes. I believe you have no jurisdiction over us."Miller remained silent, signaling his team to bring in the individuals they had apprehended while trying to abduct Sylvia.Seeing those people, Cassius was shocked. He finally understood why he couldn't reach them by phone—the Combat Department's intervention had thwarted their plans.Miller asked, "Mr. Rockwood, do you recognize these individuals?"Cassius harrumphed coldly. "I don't know what you're talking about. Do you have any evidence to prove they're my men?"He hoped he could avoid further complications by denying any connection to these individuals. In reality, Cassius didn't recognize the peo
The Combat Department required a meticulous interrogation to unveil the mastermind behind the Rockwoods. Given that their reinforcements originated from King City, the Combat Department speculated that the mastermind might have connections to a prominent family, specifically the Feynmans.However, the Combat Department was committed to avoiding baseless accusations without substantial evidence. Preserving the integrity of the process depended entirely on conducting a meticulous investigation and giving careful consideration to every detail.-"It's finally over!"Upon returning to the hotel, Sylvia embraced Eric tightly. Despite Eric's strength, Sylvia worried about him on every mission.Sylvia's work in Westlake had concluded. Although the Rockwoods had not significantly hindered the Innova Group's progress, Sylvia and Eric would have returned to Salt City much earlier without their interference.The Rockwoods' downfall substantially impacted Westlake, but it did not affect the
In the early morning, the couple headed to the hospital for an examination.Initially, Eric resisted the check-up, but Sylvia's persistence won him over.The examination lasted until noon, and the results wouldn't be available for a few more days. Despite this uncertainty, Eric and Sylvia remained positive.After having lunch at the Innova Group, they began their work.Around 3:00 p.m., Andy entered Eric's office."Eric, it seems like there's an issue in Sunridge."Sunridge, one of the three major data center construction sites, was in the final stages of building the main structure. Just half a month ago, the Innova Group's technical team had conducted on-site inspections.Eric frowned. "What could go wrong there?" The construction of the data center's main building was handled by a third-party construction company, with minimal involvement from the Innova Group. They could only provide suggestions to the third-party construction company based on their own plans to facilitate
They learned about Sunridge in the noon news, and now people from Sunridge were at the company in the afternoon?Sylvia, Eric, and Andy descended the stairs.At the entrance, security guards blocked two disheveled beggars. Despite their condition, the guards treated them with surprising kindness, offering each a bottle of mineral water.Seeing Sylvia and the others approaching, a security guard stepped forward."Ms. Williams, they claim to be from Sunridge and were employed by Whitlocks Construction a year ago," the security guard explained. "They say they walked here from Sunridge!"The group was stunned. Sunridge was over 1,000 kilometers away from Salt City. It was hard to believe that these people had walked such a distance.When Eric looked at them, he noticed their torn clothes, weathered faces, and, most tragically, the completely worn-out soles of their shoes. The shoe fabric had fused with the flesh on the soles of their feet. Though obscured by dirt, the sight was too h
Eric and Sylvia decided to head to Sunridge the following day.Jake and Ethan stayed at the hospital, where they had access to meals, beverages, medical care, and the chance to recuperate.The next morning, accompanied by Matthew, they flew to Sunridge.Before boarding the plane, Eric requested the Combat Department to check the information about Whitlocks Construction. This time, he didn't plan to intervene in the name of the Innova Group.-After several hours of flight, they arrived in Sunridge.The Innova Group had already established an office there, and a car was parked in advance at the airport parking lot.Getting into the car, they decided to visit Jake's house first. They were unsure of the situation in Sunridge and couldn't take immediate action.Jake and his family lived in an affordable old house on the outskirts.When Jake moved to Sunridge, he brought his wife and daughter with him, expecting a better life. Unfortunately, they didn't anticipate the current situa
In theory, the Combat Department would not get involved in this matter, but it seemed unavoidable given the number of people implicated.After ending the call, Jake's wife, Nora Povitch, and daughter, Fiona Mason, returned home, looking weary. Nora carried a large bag filled with bottles, cans, newspapers, and cardboard she had collected. The little girl held a plastic bag, her once tender hands now dirty with noticeable cracks.Sylvia felt sorry for them. She approached Fiona and said, "Come, I'll give you candy.""Thank you, Miss," the little girl sweetly replied.Sylvia smiled, took out a piece of candy from her pocket, unwrapped it, and handed it to Fiona. Perhaps it had been a long time since Fiona had enjoyed such candy, so she immediately cheered and rejoiced."Fiona!" Jake approached and said, "Get off Ms. Williams. You've gotten her clothes dirty!"Sylvia smiled and replied, "It's okay."She genuinely liked children and felt her heart break seeing them suffer.At tha
It became evident that a group led by Whitlocks Construction was actively searching for Jake and Ethan. Although Ethan's family was not in Sunridge, he felt guilty for not sending money home for a long time.Meanwhile, Jake found himself entangled in a more intricate predicament. While his parents resided in the countryside and managed to get by on a piece of land, his wife and child were experiencing difficulties alongside him. Adding to Jake's worries, people were watching downstairs every day, possibly lying in wait for his return.Eric gained more insights after listening to Jake's account. Around 200 workers wanted to leave, but Whitlocks Construction coerced them into submission. Eric couldn't believe that such dark practices still existed in today's society."We can't do anything," Jake said helplessly. "We were arrested for trying to get our money back. To make matters worse, they colluded with the authorities, treating us like mere laborers, almost like slaves!"Eric nodde
Ethan snorted and remarked, "No need to fear them. We've got over 100 people on the construction site, all doing hard labor. I'm confident we're stronger than them. We'll give them a run for their money if they want a fight. Our lives are tough enough. It doesn't seem like things could get any worse. No reason to be scared!"Matthew chuckled at this and assured, "Don't worry. If it comes to a fight, I'll handle them all myself. I've been Mr. Johnson's bodyguard and practiced martial arts for over two decades!"Jake and Ethan felt somewhat relieved. Though unafraid of a fight, they lacked a leader to rally them. With someone taking charge, they would have retaliated long ago.After gathering information, Eric and Sylvia found themselves with nothing to do, so they took Fiona to kindergarten.Even though it had been over a month since kindergarten started, it wasn't too late for Fiona to join.Sylvia paid the childcare fees and living expenses for the entire semester.They all had