Chapter 498: Chapter 498



The man was not a stranger to Shawn; Shawn had met him at various events and banquets in Illerith. They were merely acquaintances, yet outside of Illerith, even the most basic courtesies seemed to have evaporated.

Cade Potter dismissed all the bodyguards and had Katherine taken away. With Katherine out of sight, Shawn felt uneasy.

“Don’t worry.” Cade, perceptive to Shawn’s growing unease, spoke with a casual air. “Let’s have a chat. If things go well, I’ll ensure her release.”

Shawn held back his anger.

“How did I offend you, Mr. Potter?”

Cade glanced at his fishing rod.

“You’re poking into my affairs.”

“Is it so wrong for me to inquire about it?”

“I’m investigating Wade.”

“Wade is my son.”

“He doesn’t even acknowledge you. Why fool yourself? If you genuinely cared about Wade and Chris, why would you stand idly by and watch them spiral down this path?”

Despite having his innermost thoughts laid bare, Cade remained unfazed.

“I clearly misjudged you. I always perceived you as a useless man. Without the Miller family’s support, you would have long been expelled from Illerith.”

Shawn dismissed the label of incompetence with indifference. Some individuals devote their entire lives to proving their worth. But he didn’t need to. He was merely…

A businessman. While making money brought him satisfaction, it was not the paramount concern in his life.

“Mr. Potter, feel free to speak your mind.”

Cade set aside his fishing rod, retrieved a thermos from the ground at his feet, and rose to his full height. Standing tall, he was no less imposing than Shawn, and he could even rival him in presence and intensity.

“I’ll extend you an opportunity. Cease your inquiries into that woman’s affairs. If you can manage that, then you can take your girlfriend back to Illerith. I can easily pretend that nothing ever transpired.”

Shawn didn’t correct Cade for referring to Katherine as his girlfriend. It was frustrating to be threatened, but Shawn could only blame himself—his carelessness had caused this setback. Wanting to stay under the radar, he had opted not to bring any bodyguards along on their search. Now, he found himself outnumbered, cornered by Cade and his men.

“Me investigating Chris and Wade’s mother doesn’t concern you, right?” he asked.

Cade heaved a sigh, clasping his hands behind his back, that sinister smile still etched on his face.

“In my youth, I made too many foolish choices and left behind countless indiscretions. Now that I’m older, I care about my reputation, but it’s far too late for regrets.”

“You know where she is?” Shawn probed.

“No. Actually, I’m also looking for her, but I wish no one else finds her,” Cade said, glancing at Shawn. His gaze was filled with threat, telling him to back off. With Katherine in Cade’s hands, Shawn had no choice but to negotiate.

Although Cade claimed he didn’t know anything, Shawn didn’t believe him.

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