Nathan examined her anxiously.
âIâm okay.
Mr.
Gomez wanted to collaborate with the military to uncover who was behind the milk powder incident, but his methods were too drastic,â explained Lucinda.
Nathan didnât respond.
He seemed displeased with her actions.
Everett interjected, âMr.
Payne, you arrived quickly.
I planned to explain everything to Mrs.
Payne and then inform you about the kidnapping.
Perhaps we can discuss this over some coffee inside?â
Nathan remained silent, his gaze deepening.
He gripped his wifeâs hand firmly.
It seemed that Nathan only felt secure when he could see and touch Lucinda.
He took her hand and accepted Everettâs invitation to enter the villa.
Everett quickly followed them inside.
Once Nathan arrived, he consciously chose a side sofa, leaving the main seat for Nathan and Lucinda.
A bodyguard served two cups of coffee and then exited the living room with the others, leaving only Nathan, Lucinda, and Everett in the room.
Once they were alone, Nathan picked up a coffee cup from the table, took a sip, and tasted the distinct flavor of Everettâs coffee beans.
Everett smiled, âThe coffee beans are fresh from this yearâs batch.
I didnât bring any servants; the bodyguard made it, so the coffee might not be perfect.
Please bear with it.
â
Nathan remained silent, his expression serious.
Everett couldnât decipher his thoughts-whether he was angry or dissatisfied.
Finding no other option, Everett took a box of cigars from his coat pocket, offered it with both hands and asked tentatively, âWould you like one, Mr.
Payne?â
Nathan immediately shook his head decisively.
âMy wife is very strict about such things; she doesnât allow me to touch them.
â
Glancing at Lucinda, Everett quickly caught on and gave a knowing smile.
âIt seems the rumors are true then-that you adore your wife above all else.
â
Nathan frowned, his expression stern.
Everett responded with a smile, âDonât misunderstand me, Mr.
Payne.
â
He patted his chest gently and said in a kind tone, âActually, I am quite submissive to my wife as well.
â
After listening for a bit, Nathan realized that Everett wasnât just flattering him and that his sincerity was evident.
Everett seemed quite approachable.
It was unusual for someone from the underworld to be so open.
Nathanâs expression softened.
He got straight to the point.
âLucinda mentioned you wanted to collaborate with us.
What kind of partnership are you proposing?â
Everett repeated what he had told Lucinda, and then remarked, âThe mastermind is likely a gang leader.
You might have your suspicions too.
Iâm more familiar with the underworld than you are.
I can use my illegal contacts to engage your suspects and collaborate with you when needed.
â
Nathan remained silent, and Lucinda pondered the proposal.