Chapter 261Meanwhile, they got home around 10 pm that night. The gate was locked, so Alisha honked several times, but there was no answer.Richard noticed her frustration and said, "Don't worry, honey, I've got this."He tried getting out of the car, but Alisha stopped him. "Dad, I'll handle it," she said.But Richard insisted, "No, I'll do it."He finally got out of the car and proceeded to go open the gate for her.At that moment, Kate was already coming out of the house, muttering, "I'm coming, I'm coming." She scolded, "Whoever is blowing that horn, take it easy! Alisha, is that you? Where are you coming from this late?"As she opened the gate, she was shocked to see her husband, Richard, standing there. "Richard!" she exclaimed, "You're back and on your feet!"She tried to hug him, but Richard pushed her away. "Get out of my way," he barked. "I'll slap you if you don't disappear from my sight."Kate was shocked and embarrassed, remaining silent as Richard opened the gate fully f
Chapter 262It was almost 5pm.Meanwhile, Eric Wood sat in his office, the dim lighting reflecting his somber mood as he stared at the phone on his desk. The thought of visiting Liam Carter in the hospital sent chills down his bones.Liam has been effectively blackmailing him into a business partnership, and it weighed heavily on his mind because Liam might accuse him of being responsible for current state. He ran a hand through his hair, debating whether it was worth the trouble. Despite the coercion, Liam was going to be a significant business partner, and maintaining a good relationship seemed crucial. But the idea of bowing to Liam’s demands left a bitter taste in his mouth.Finally, he sighed and picked up the phone, dialing James’ number.James was at his desk, organizing documents when his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Eric. "Eric," he answered, his voice steady. "What’s up?""James," Eric began, his tone hesitant. "I’ve been thinking... should I go se
Chapter 263Eric Wood stepped out of the car, his driver quickly moving to open the door for him. He nodded in acknowledgment, adjusting his suit jacket as he stepped onto the pavement.The familiar sight of the hospital loomed before him, a place he had visited countless times with his daughter, Claire, for her checkups. It felt different today, though. This visit wasn’t for Claire—it was business, and it was personal.As he walked toward the entrance, a few hospital workers milling about recognized him. Their faces lit up with recognition as they approached him.“Mr. Wood, good afternoon!” one of the nurses greeted him with a warm smile. “It’s been a while since we last saw you.”“Good afternoon, Mr. Wood,” another worker chimed in, extending a hand. “How have you been?”Eric smiled politely, shaking hands with them. “Good afternoon,” he replied, his tone friendly but professional. “It’s good to see all of you. How’s everyone doing?”“We’re doing well, sir,” the first nurse responde
Chapter 264As they approached Liam’s room, Eric’s thoughts shifted to the task at hand—one that could shape the future of EMC and his own personal fate.“We are here, Sir.” The nurse said, interrupting Eric's thoughts.“Oh! Thank you,” Eric replied and smiled at her.He readied himself before entering.As Eric stepped into Liam's room, he noticed the subtle tension in the air. Liam was seated upright in his hospital bed, a book resting on his lap. He looked up as Eric entered, his expression neutral but with a hint of curiosity.His lips curled into a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Eric,” he said smoothly, closing the book and placing it on the table beside him. “What a pleasant surprise.”Eric forced a smile, trying to hide his nerves. "Liam, it's good to see you. I wanted to check in and see how you're doing after... everything that happened."Liam’s smile widened, a predatory glint in his eyes, as he cracked his knuckles. “That’s very considerate of you. I’m recove
Chapter 265Eric Wood’s thoughts were swirling as he walked out of the hospital. His encounter with Liam Carter left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in his chest.He was so lost in his own mind that he didn’t even notice when his driver opened the car door for him.“Sir,” Jackson called respectfully, his voice cutting through Eric’s reverie.Eric blinked, coming back to reality. “Oh, sorry, Jackson,” he murmured as he slid into the backseat of the sleek black sedan. Jackson, without needing any instructions, started the engine and pulled out of the hospital parking lot, heading towards Diamond Ville, the upscale neighborhood where Eric’s family resided.As they drove, the streets were alive with the evening’s activities. Vendors packed up their stalls, couples strolled along the sidewalks, and children played with the last remnants of daylight. But the sights and sounds of the bustling city barely registered with Eric.His mind wa
Chapter 266Eric stepped into the house, feeling the comforting warmth of home surrounding him. He closed the door behind him and called out, “Honey, I’m home!”Almost instantly, he heard the rapid patter of small footsteps on the wooden stairs. “Daddy!” Claire’s excited voice echoed through the hallway as she dashed down the stairs, her little legs moving as fast as they could.Eric’s face lit up with a smile as he saw his daughter, her curls bouncing with each step. She practically launched herself at him, and he caught her in a warm embrace, lifting her off the ground.“There’s my little princess!” Eric said, laughing as he spun her around. Claire giggled uncontrollably, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.“I missed you, Daddy!” Claire exclaimed, her voice muffled slightly as she buried her face in his shoulder.“I missed you too, sweetheart,” Eric replied, holding her close. He could feel the stress of the day melting away, replaced by the pure joy of being with his daughter.
Chapter 267Eric took a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the bedroom as he freshened up, splashing cool water on his face and changing into a more comfortable outfit.The mirror reflected his tired eyes, but there was a lightness in them now that hadn’t been there earlier. He could hear the clinking of dishes and the soft hum of conversation coming from the dining room below, and it filled him with a deep sense of peace.After a final glance in the mirror, Eric made his way downstairs, where the scent of Mary’s cooking wafted through the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. As he entered the dining room, he saw Mary placing the last dish on the table while Claire bounced in her seat, her feet barely touching the floor.“There he is!” Mary announced with a smile as Eric walked in, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.“Daddy, come sit next to me!” Claire called out, waving him over enthusiastically.Eric chuckled, his heart swelling at the sight of his daughter’s excitemen
Chapter 268Eric and Mary found themselves sitting quietly on the couch in their cozy living room. The evening had settled into a peaceful lull, with the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light over the room. Claire had already been tucked into bed, leaving the couple to enjoy a rare moment of quiet together.Mary, feeling the weight of the silence, took a bite of the dessert she had brought out—a slice of her homemade pie—before finally breaking the quiet. “So, how was your day?” she asked gently, her eyes searching Eric’s face for any sign of how he was feeling.Eric smiled at her, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It was...eventful,” he began, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “Work was the usual hustle, but I also went to visit Liam Carter at the hospital.”Mary’s brow furrowed slightly with concern. “Liam Carter?” she repeated, setting her plate aside. “How is he doing? And how did the visit go?”Eric leaned back against the couch, his expression thoughtful. “He’s
Chapter 397Morning broke with a dull glow, illuminating the quiet safe house nestled deep in the woods. Inside, tension hung thick in the air. Williams was standing near the window with a phone pressed to his ear, speaking in a calm but calculated tone.“We’ve got your son, Charles,” he said, his voice steady. “But we haven’t located Jaxon.”On the other end of the line, Mr. Sterling’s voice cracked with emotion. “Charles? Is he safe? Are you sure?” Relief flooded his tone, but it was quickly shadowed by anxiety. “What about Jaxon? Did you find him? Is there anything—anything—leading up to him?”Williams let out a quiet sigh, one that sounded more like practiced patience than genuine concern. “That’s all we could manage,” he replied. “The men who took Jaxon still have him, and from what we’ve gathered, they plan to kill him if there’s any interference.”Mr. Sterling was silent for a beat, processing the grim news. Then, his voice rose, tinged with panic. “What do I do now? How do I
Chapter 396James and Gregor stepped out of their concealed position in the underbrush as the taillights of the SUV disappeared into the darkness. The cool night air was eerily silent now, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves and the muffled sounds of wildlife in the distance. The ground beneath their boots crunched softly as they moved toward the aftermath of the chaos they had just witnessed.Gregor’s eyes scanned the scene, his face expressionless as he took in the lifeless bodies sprawled across the area. Three of them, including Ben they once held, lay motionless, their weapons discarded and their blood staining the dirt beneath them.Gregor crouched beside one of the bodies, briefly checking for a pulse, though he already knew there was none. Standing, he shook his head and muttered, “Well, that’s the life they’ve chosen for themselves.”James, standing a few steps behind him, remained silent for a moment, his sharp eyes darting around the scene. The faint glow of the moo
Chapter 395The shadows of the dilapidated bunker stretched long under the moonlight as Williams and his team lay in wait. They had taken up position hours earlier, tucked inside Jaxon’s sleek sports car, the dark, polished metal blending seamlessly into the night. The air inside the vehicle was stifling, thick with tension and the faint metallic tang of gun oil. Every man was armed and ready, their nerves wound tight, waiting for the right moment to strike. Williams sat in the driver’s seat, his hands resting casually on the steering wheel, though his eyes never left the rearview mirror. Beside him, Kane sat rigid, one hand gripping Jaxon’s arm firmly while the other rested on the stock of a shotgun lying across his lap. In the cramped sports car, Tom and Dorian crouched uncomfortably in the trunk, their weapons at the ready, waiting for Williams’ signal.The silence inside the car was shattered when headlights cut through the darkness. A single car approached, its rumbling engine e
Chapter 394The dense canopy of the forest loomed overhead, casting long shadows over the makeshift campsite where James and Gregor had been holed up for days. The air was damp, thick with the earthy scent of moss and pine, and the distant call of nocturnal creatures echoed through the stillness.Gregor sat cross-legged on the damp ground, his eyes glued to the small tablet in his lap. A blinking red dot pulsed steadily on the screen—the nano tracker they’d planted on Ben’s phone.For three grueling days, they’d followed that dot from one hideout to another, staying just far enough away not to be detected. They’d spent their nights in the car or in the bush, catching only brief moments of sleep between shifts of surveillance.Tonight was no different, and Gregor’s tired eyes burned as he watched the screen, hoping for any sign of movement.James lay stretched out on the ground beside him, his jacket pulled over his face to block out the faint moonlight filtering through the trees. Hi
Chapter 393Jack paced back and forth in the dimly lit room, his gun laid out on the table as he meticulously assembled and armored it. Each metallic click echoed in the stale air, punctuating the tense atmosphere.They had to switch hideouts when Ben rejoined them, in case he was being tailed. Jack carefully considered the situation and concluded that bringing him back into the operation as an additional resource would be a wise decision, just in case they encountered any unexpected challenges but he made sure they switch hideout from time to time. But their main exchange point was still the old bunker because it has a lot of escape routes and underground tunnels.Ken was nearby, double-checking their supply of ammunition, while Denver and Ben lounged on an old, battered couch, their excitement barely contained.“Finally, we’re getting out of this shithole with a bundle of millions,” Denver said to Ben, leaning back with a smug grin. He flicked a discarded cigarette butt into the cor
Chapter 392The evening sky was a dusky orange, streaked with long trails of purple as the sun dipped below the horizon. Williams parked the sleek, black car that Mr. Sterling had secured for him—a high-profile Lamborghini that was both remarkable and practical for what was about to go down.The tinted windows gleamed faintly in the fading light as he stepped out, dressed in a dark hoodie and jeans. He adjusted the baseball cap on his head and pulled it lower to obscure his face further.Kane was already waiting near the edge of the gravel lot, leaning casually against a rusted lamp post that barely flickered to life. His stance was relaxed, but his eyes darted around, sharp and alert. A few paces away, Tom and Dorian lingered by the entrance to the abandoned warehouse, their conversation low but punctuated with short laughs.Williams approached Kane with purposeful strides. Without a word, he gestured for Kane to follow him a short distance away from the others.“They ready?” William
Chapter 391Andrew’s pen hovered over the page. “Eric Wood? The CEO of EMC?”“Yes,” Sterling said, his voice steady now, laced with conviction. “He’s had a vendetta against my family for months. He’s jealous of our success, our influence. And now, with everything happening at EMC, I wouldn’t put it past him to stoop this low. My two sons were kidnapped in a sparse of a few weeks. Is it not strange?”Andrew tilted his head, his expression skeptical. “That’s a serious accusation, Mr. Sterling. Do you have any evidence to support this?”Mr. Sterling sighed heavily, as though burdened by the weight of his own claim. “Not concrete evidence, no. But think about it. He has the resources, the motive. And I heard through some… private channels that he’s been meeting with unsavory characters lately. People who could easily pull off something like this.”Andrew jotted a few notes, his pen moving quickly. “I see. I’ll look into it. But you understand we can’t act on hearsay alone.”“Of course, of
Chapter 390As soon as Mr. Sterling ended the call with Williams, he hurried to his closet, throwing on a sleek navy suit and matching tie. His hands trembled slightly as he adjusted the knot, but he steeled himself, taking a deep breath.This wasn’t just a favor for Williams; it was a calculated move to get his two sons back. Grabbing his keys, he rushed out of his mansion, the elevator ride to the ground floor feeling agonizingly slow.When he finally stepped outside, the cool morning air bit at his face, but he paid it no mind. His black sedan waited at the curb, and he climbed in, starting the engine with a growl. As he sped toward Sky Suite, he rehearsed the lies he might need to tell to retrieve Jaxon’s car.The towering Sky Suite hotel loomed ahead, its modern glass facade gleaming brightly under the early morning sun. As Mr. Sterling approached the entrance, his stomach tightened. The sight of two patrol cars parked near the lobby entrance made his pulse quicken. Uniformed off
Chapter 389As soon as Kane received the message from Tom that Jaxon had finally broken under the pressure and confessed, he immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Williams. His tone was sharp, clipped, and direct as he relayed the crucial information.“He finally talked,” Kane said without any preamble. “He’s given up Jack’s location—some bunker near the old docks.”Williams, on the other end of the line, didn’t respond right away. The faint sound of tapping, likely his pen against his desk, filled the silence. “Good,” Williams finally said, his voice steady but tinged with calculation. “Did he say anything about how many men Jack has with him?”“Yeah,” Kane replied. “Three, including Jack himself. He said one of them ran away. It’s a small crew.”Williams let out a low hum of approval. “That’s manageable. We’ve got the numbers, four to three. Here’s the plan,” he said, leaning forward in his chair. “You’re going to prep Jaxon to lead you straight to the bunker. He’s our key. Ma