His eyes darkened.
âLarry, Lonnie, youâre in charge of tomorrowâs operation.
Also, have more people guard the hospital and N&l Fairy Land.
â
Mr.
Murrayâs moves were unpredictable, and Nathan didnât want Colby to be at risk.
In the dark basement of the villa, footsteps echoed.
Everett walked over, holding his phone.
âOpen the door,â he ordered coldly.
The chain rattled, and the heavy door opened.
A creaking sound filled the air.
Dust blew over, making them cough.
Everett held the phone; the video call was ongoing.
He aimed the camera at the room.
Lucinda slumped on the bed, lifeless and dirty, like an abandoned corpse.
Despite the dust, she stood out.
âIs she dead?â Mr.
Murray inquired from the other end of the screen.
âNo.
If she were, sheâd be worthless.
I wonât let her die.
â Everett signaled to Fletcher with a raised chin and then commanded, with deliberate fierceness, âGo check on her!â
Fletcher grabbed Lucindaâs limp neck.
She slowly opened her eyes, looking extremely weak.
The man on the other end of the screen remained silent for a while.
After inspecting Lucindaâs condition for some time, he seemed satisfied.
âGood job.
Remember to give her water occasionally.
We donât want her to die.
â
He hung up.
Embarrassment replaced Everettâs domineering expression.
âIâm sorry, Mrs.
Payne.
â
Lucinda waved her hand dismissively, saying, âItâs not a big deal.
â
âThe transaction is set for ten oâclock tomorrow morning.
Please be patient.
Mr.
Murray requests a ransom of thirty billion dollars brought to the meeting place by Mr.
Payne alone.
â
Lucinda responded, âHeâs finally making a move.
These painful days havenât been for nothing.
â
With a detached expression, she added, âPlease tie me up more securely tomorrow.
Iâm worried I wonât be able to stop myself from tearing him apart.
â
How could he harm an innocent child? He deserved to be severely punished!
On Bright Mountain, the dense canopy of trees obscured the sky and sun.
The air in the forest was humid and stifling, enough to make one feel suffocated.
Before the break of dawn, Lucinda was brought to the mountain by Mr.