Chapter 933: The Stakes

Chapter 933: The Stakes

Quintus shook his head, "I don't know. Mr. Walker didn't tell me. He

spoke to Cora alone, so I don't know what they talked about.”

Ayan remained silent, his dark eyes staring at Quintus with a faint hint

of disbelief, clearly not fully convinced by Quintus's words.

Quintus grew anxious, “I really don't know, Mr. Simpson. It's been this

long, and I have no reason to lie to you."

"Did Preston anticipate that my people would catch you right from the

start?" Ayan didn't respond to Quintus's words but instead asked his

own question.

Quintus fell silent instantly, and Ayan understood the truth. His

conjecture was accurate.

Ayan scoffed lightly, saying, "So everything now was anticipated by

Preston. How can you make me believe you? If Preston could foresee

that you'd be caught by my people, then he surely predicted that I

would use your parents to threaten you. So, Quintus, do you think I

should trust you?"

Ayan had complete control over the situation, and his cold demeanor

showed that he wasn't interested in being manipulated by Quintus’s

words.

His silence amplified the quietness in the spacious villa's hall. This

stillness felt like successive heavy hammer blows on the heart,

inducing anxiety and uncertainty.

Quintus's silence confirmed Ayan's suspicions. He said indifferently,

"Do you think I can't do anything to your parents, or does Preston

believe I won't? Otherwise, how could you dare challenge my

patience?"

Ayan's words turned Quintus pale. He hurriedly pleaded, "Mr. Simpson,

I admit that he did anticipate that I would be caught by your people right

from the start. He told me that you wouldn't have any evidence to hold

me. If I didn't appear within a day, he would report to the police, and

you'd eventually release me. As for Cora's situation, he truly didn't tell

me. Mr. Simpson, I'm being honest. I haven't lied to you. I won't use my

parents as the stakes. I swear!!!"

“Your oath means nothing to me. As for whether you've hidden or

deceived me, time will provide the answer. And reporting to the police?

Ha, if Preston has that ability, let the authorities find you. Let's see if

they can locate you."

Ayan didn't regard Preston highly at all. Preston's words were just

meant to manipulate Quintus and Sean, people lacking in intelligence.

However, Ayan was certain Quintus hadn't lied. After all, Preston was

meticulous, and he probably expected that Quintus wouldn't be able to

keep a secret. If they really used methods, Quintus would eventually

confess. Therefore, it was better not to let Quintus know and to only

inform Cora.

Ayan rose from the sofa, looking down at Quintus from a superior

vantage point. He said calmly, "You'd better pray your words are true. If

I find out you're lying, Quintus, I can't promise I won't spread rumors

about your affairs in Hance to your parents.”

"Mr. Simpson, Mr. Simpson, please don't tell my parents, I beg you."

Quintus yelled hysterically, but Ayan didn't respond. He just glanced at

him deeply and walked out.

Leaving the villa and getting into his car, Ayan immediately dialed

Kian's phone.

Once Kian answered, Ayan got straight to the point, "Keep investigating

where Cora went. Go to Flento City yourself, find Zoie, and tell him I'm

about to initiate my plan.”

Since Preston wanted Cora to go to Flento City, he probably thought

that once she was there, he'd have no way to control her.

Sure, if Preston was so confident, then let's see if he could spare time

to meet Cora.

If Preston himself was preoccupied, how could he have time to deal

with Cora?

Kian readily agreed to Ayan's instructions. Even though it was late at

night, he immediately searched for the fastest available flight.

Then Kian added, "Mr. Simpson, if we advance the plan, won't it mean

a complete falling out with Preston?"

"Wasn't it already a falling out from the start?" Ayan never cared about

this. Preston wasn't important to him, so he didn't need to consider it.

But Kian continued, "And Mrs. Simpson? Will she agree with the plan?

It might lead to repercussions for you."

Ayan's expression stiffened instantly. He didn't speak, just remained

silent, his expression far from pleasant.

Kian whispered, "Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Simpson is friends with Preston.

Our plan could ruin Preston's reputation. Perhaps Mrs. Simpson won't

approve and might blame you?"

Ayan's face hardened, and he said calmly, “You go to Flento first, find

Zoie, and tell her to cooperate at any time. As for the other matters, I'll

handle them.”

"Understood." Kian didn't want to say more. After all, if they had

conflicts or disputes, his job could be affected, especially when Ayan

was in a bad mood. He had to be careful not to make a misstep and

risk getting fired.

Ending the call, Kian immediately set up multiple searches for Cora and

took the late-night flight to Flento City.

After making the call, Ayan himself drove back to Franklin Bay.

By now, it was almost 11 p. m.

Upon returning, Ayan didn't rush upstairs. Instead, he sat on the sofa in

the living room and lit a cigarette. He didn't turn on the lights either. The

night lamp in the hallway cast faint light onto him. He sat there with his

tall figure emitting an inward coldness and detachment.

Ayan also couldn't help but think about the question Kian had raised. If

his plan were advanced, Preston's situation would naturally worsen.

Could Camille accept this?

Or would she criticize him for being too harsh on Preston?

Ayan squinted his eyes, and a chill emanated from his gaze. He stayed

like this for a long time, until the cigarette in his hand had burned out.

Then he got up, discarded the cigarette butt into the ashtray, and

headed upstairs.

Master bedroom.

Ever since Ayan's car had returned to the villa, Camille had heard the

sounds. However, she hadn't gone downstairs because Ayan hadn't

come up, and she didn't want to intrude if he had something on his

mind.

Tonight, his every word and action had shown her that he was

preoccupied. So she didn't want to disturb him and chose to pretend

she knew nothing.

Only when he pushed open the bedroom door and entered did Camille

finally turn her gaze towards him.

Seeing that Camille was still awake, Ayan was somewhat surprised.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Camille put down her phone and met his eyes. She said, "I was waiting

for you!"

Ayan walked to the bedside. Since he hadn't taken a shower yet, he

didn't sit down. Instead, he brought over a nearby stool and sat on it.

His warm gaze held a gentle warmth as he looked at Camille.

Their gazes met, and neither of them spoke. The atmosphere gradually

quieted down.

Camille blinked her eyes and looked at Ayan with confusion. "What's

wrong?"

Ayan shook his head slightly, not speaking.

Camille furrowed her brows in puzzlement. "Did something happen?

Where did you go tonight?"

Camille was worried. His reaction was so unusual, something very rare

for him.

He didn't answer her question immediately. Instead, his expression

softened a bit, and he asked in a low voice, "What's your current

opinion of Preston?"

Camille's brows furrowed even more tightly. She looked at Ayan with

confusion. "What do you mean by “opinion“?"

"As a friend."

His question was direct.

Camille didn't respond but asked, "Are you planning something against

him? Are you worried that I'll have objections?"