To maintain the facade, it was imperative that the mysterious Mr.
Murray be made aware of Nathanâs knowledge about Lucindaâs purported abduction and his deep concern.
For three consecutive days, the villa remained untouched, ensconced within Nathanâs tightening perimeter like a spider ensnaring its prey.
As dawn broke, casting its soft glow upon the foliage, Everett reclined in a chair within the villaâs modest confines.
A curl of smoke twirled lazily from his cigar as he savored a moment of tranquility.
His partnership with Nathan offered a sense of security, yet Lucindaâs insistence on residing in the basement perturbed him greatly.
âMr.
Gomez!â
The sudden interruption jolted him from his reverie, causing him to startle and inadvertently scatter ash from his cigar.
Turning, he fixed his subordinate with a steely glare.
âCanât you see Iâm resting?â
The man lowered his gaze.
âMr.
Gomez, three representatives sent by Mr.
Murray are here.
â
Everettâs initial impulse to rise faltered, replaced by a furrowed brow.
âWhy doesnât he deign to appear in person?â
âStill the same people as the last time.
Unlikely, heâll present himself.
â
Everett sneered.
He muttered to himself, âMr.
Murray revels in his enigmatic air.
Still reluctant to show his face? Is it because heâs too unattractive?â
Within the villaâs living room stood three men, clad in somber suits, their countenances inscrutable.
âMr.
Gomez, my boss has dispatched us for negotiations,â Kenneth said.
Seating himself on the sofa, Everett sneered.
âIs such a_ rendezvous necessary? He demanded proof of her captivity and received it.
Yet he remains elusive.
It seems heâs not invested in our collaboration.
â
Pouring water languidly, Everettâs discontent simmered beneath the surface.
âLet it be known, the woman in question is none other than Nathanâs wife!â
Kenneth, the lead envoy, settled across from him, his demeanor composed.
âThere is no need for grievances, Mr.
Gomez.
Mr.
Murrayâs gesture is one of goodwill.
â
Leaning forward, Kennethâs tone dripped with insinuation.
âYour villa has been under the vigilant watch of the National Security Bureau for three days now.
Quite the inconvenience, Iâd imagine.
â
His smile bordered on smugness.
Behind his sunglasses, Kennethâs gaze bored into Everettâs, exuding confidence.
In truth, the surveillance perimeter was under Nathanâs direct supervision, leaving no room for laxity.
Everett remained unperturbed.
âYou seem well-acquainted with my predicament.
â
Kenneth arched an eyebrow.
âWord travels fast.
Your troubles have become common knowledge.
I doubt anyone else will dare venture here.
Nonetheless, Mr.
Murray seeks to extend a helping hand.
Would you not entertain our proposal?â