Chapter 1866: Chapter 2080

Pausing in his tracks, Kern turned back and replied casually, “I had just found out.

As I entered, I overheard some officers discussing how you and Mr.

Payne were dining together in the canteen, so I assumed you were around.

”

“Oh?” Lucinda feigned surprise, then probed further, “But how did you know I hadn’t left the premises?”

Meanwhile, hidden away within the small office bathroom, Nathan’s expression darkened.

He sent a long message to Lonnie on his phone.

“Review the surveillance footage.

Quietly examine all the corridor footage from after Kern’s arrival at the National Security Bureau.

Check if there’s any mention of me and Lucinda.

Also, closely check all the officers present in the canteen when Lucinda and I dined there.

Focus on those connected to my grandfather’s former department and compile a list for me.

”

Shortly after, he got a response from Lonnie.

Nathan had silenced his phone beforehand, ensuring no one outside could hear it.

In the office, Kern did not respond directly to Lucinda’s question but changed the conversation smoothly.

“Madam, I am here tonight on Mr.

Norton Payne’s orders.

He had something urgent that required me to inform Mr.

Nathan Payne immediately.

If Mr.

Nathan Payne is in the detention area, I’ll find him.

I’ll leave you be for now.

”

“It appears that not just anyone can get in the detention area.

Only the staff of the National Security Bureau have access.

How do you plan to get inside?”

Kern flashed a smile.

“Since Mr.

Nathan Payne is in charge, there shouldn’t be any issue if I’m going to see him.

”

“That’s not possible.

There are strict rules here.

Even Nathan must follow them.

”

As Lucinda spoke, she stood up and approached Kern, placed her hand on his shoulder, and guided him to a small sofa nearby.

“I’m sure Nathan will sort this out shortly.

Please, take a seat, Kern.

If this concerns the Payne family, you can discuss it with me.

”

Kern’s expression turned rigid, and he remained silent.

Feigning disappointment, Lucinda dropped her gaze and said softly, “It seems you don’t see me as part of the Payne family, hence your reluctance to share anything with me.

”

Kern gave a wry smile.

“Madam, you’re overthinking it.

Why would I not see you as part of the Payne family? This issue is different.

Mr Norton Payne has instructed me to speak to Mr.

Nathan Payne in private.

”

Lucinda cut in, “Kern, you head back first.

Nathan’s up to his ears in work.

I doubt he’ll have a spare moment.

He’s chained to his desk until the wee hours tonight.

Once he’s off the clock, I’ll nudge him to hightail it back to the Paynes’ house pronto and visit Grandpa.

”

Kern found himself in a bind.

But he wasn’t about to go back without finishing the job Norton had tasked him with.

“Madam, I am here for the sake of Mr.

Ronan Payne and Mr.

Mylo Payne.

Mr.

Norton Payne is aware that Mr.

Nathan Payne threw Mr.

Ronan Payne to the hooligans, Landing him in hot water.

Mr.

Ronan Payne’s been catching hell, no doubt about it.

And Mr.

Norton Payne…”

The more Lucinda listened, the deeper her frown was etched.

She cut him off with a displeased tone, “Kern, Nathan imparted a tough Lesson to Ronan for his actions that hurt both Grandpa and me.

Ronan got a taste of his own medicine, and Grandpa could not bear to see that?”

Kern awkwardly flashed a smile.

“I didn’t mean it that way, ma’am.

You got the wrong end of the stick.

Mr.

Norton Payne raised them with an iron fist.

Mr.

Ronan Payne stepped out of line this time.

If Mr.

Nathan Payne wanted to teach him a lesson, Mr.

Norton Payne wouldn’t have intervened.

He just figured family matters should stay in-house, rather than involving the National Security Bureau.

”

Lucinda lounged on the sofa, her expression turning graver by the minute.

Norton did not want the National Security Bureau involved in his family affairs.