Chapter 9 Unending Turmoil

• In the dead of night, within a manor on the outskirts of Strico, a somber-looking middle-aged man was sitting on the couch. He held a glass of red wine in his hand and savored it delicately.
• The middle-aged man was Stanley Langdon, the head of the Langdon family in Strico, and the helmsman of the Langdon Group.
• Just from his name alone, one could tell that he had a domineering character.
• A strong man in a singlet stood opposite Stanley, his muscular arms on full display.
• His name was Herbert Lattimer, the gang leader of the Herbert Gang, one of the three major underworld organizations in Strico. In his early years, he gained fame through illegal boxing and became a notorious figure in Strico's underworld.
• Although Herbert had a reputation in the underworld, he could only assume a humble and inferior position when faced with such a powerful man like Stanley.
• When Stanley finished the red wine in his glass, he finally broke the silence.
• “How did the matter go?” Stanley asked with his head lowered, as if he didn't even want to spare Herbert a single glance.
• “I've already sent someone to handle it. At this point... I presume we'll be hearing back soon,” said Herbert respectfully with a slight nod.
• Stanley nodded and instructed, “Logan's disappearance was too abrupt. Now, the only lead we have left is his daughter. As long as Kathleen is captured, Logan would inevitably have to show himself regardless of where he's hiding.”
• After Stanley said those words, a confident smile spread across his face. It was like almost certain about the matter at hand.
• Just then, the room's door was abruptly pushed open.
• An elderly man dressed as a butler entered the room. He first glanced at Herbert before turning to Stanley with an expressionless face. He said, “Mr. Stanley, there's been a problem with the plan.”
• Crack!
• Immediately after Gavin, the butler, said that, the wine glass was suddenly crushed in Stanley's hand. The sharp glass shards slightly cut into his palm, yet he seemed completely oblivious to it.
• “What... did you say?” Stanley narrowed his eyes slightly. His tone did not betray much of his fury.
• However, anyone familiar with Stanley knew that if he ever lost control of his expression, it was undoubtedly a sign that his rage could no longer be suppressed.
• “The plan failed. Kathleen has already returned home. There's an anonymous youth with her,” said Gavin.
• Stanley remained silent. He simply shifted his gaze toward Herbert and waited for an explanation.
• At that moment, Herbert's forehead was already covered in cold sweat. When he felt Stanley's gaze, his heart skipped a beat.
• “Mr. Langdon, give me another chance!” Herbert pleaded earnestly. He didn't offer any explanations, because he knew that in Stanley's world, there was either success or failure.
• Stanley watched Herbert silently till the latter was trembling all over. Only then did Stanley say coldly, “Kathleen is no ordinary person. We've already stirred up the hornet's nest this time. The Castillo family that's backing her won't give us a second chance to kidnap her. I will let this incident slide this time, considering your past meritorious service, However, if this happens again, you should be well aware of the consequences.”
• Herbert nodded heavily, as if a burden had been lifted off his shoulders.
• Stanley then turned his gaze toward the butler and ordered, “Investigate what happened and find out where exactly the oversight occurred.”
• “Yes, I understand,” replied Gavin before leaving.
• “You should go as well,” Stanley said again.
• Immediately, Herbert followed Gavin out of the room. It was only then that Stanley no longer concealed his anger. He fiercely kicked over the coffee table.
• “The darned Castillo family! Logan, don't think that I can't find you just because you're hiding! I will definitely obtain Zeus. I will!”
• With that, Stanley let out a long sigh and walked over to the window. He gazed out at the serene night sky through the large floor-to-ceiling window, yet he couldn't help but feel restless.
• He had a feeling that the tranquility in Strico might not last much longer.
• The next day, as dawn was just breaking, Chadwick had already risen. He walked down the stairs and did his morning exercises in the mansion's garden.
• The set of boxing exercises was executed by Chadwick with such vigor and intensity that each punch he threw was accompanied by a boom.
• After Chadwick had finished his activities and was preparing to return to the mansion, he suddenly raised his eyebrow and cast an amused look at the third floor.
• “Have you seen enough?”
• After he said that, the curtains of the bedroom on the third floor fluttered momentarily before falling still again.
• Upon witnessing this scene, Chadwick laughed. He then returned to his room to freshen up.
• Meanwhile, Kathleen was sitting on the bed, covering her flushed face.
• “Damn it, how did he find out?”
• She recalled the sight of Chadwick's bare upper body. His muscles were not bulky, yet they were incredibly attractive. This image was now etched into Kathleen's mind.
• An hour later, Kathleen arrived neatly dressed at the dining room on the first floor of the mansion.
• Chadwick was enjoying the bread that he had just bought. When he saw Kathleen descending the stairs, he merely gave a slight nod in greeting before continuing with his hearty meal.
• Kathleen raised an eyebrow and asked, “Where did the bread come from?”
• “I bought them outside,” replied Chadwick without lifting his head.
• “I've lived here for quite a few years, but I didn't know that there's a bakery here.” Kathleen was surprised.
• Upon hearing these words, Chadwick couldn't help but laugh .
• “You are a young lady of high standing. You're used to feasting on the finest delicacies. How could you possibly eat what poor folk like us eat?”
• His teasing words had a hint of mockery.
• Kathleen clearly detected the sarcasm in Chadwick's words. However, she didn't bother to argue. For someone as aloof as her, speaking this much was already quite unusual.
• The living room once again fell into silence. It was only when the doorbell rang that the silence was broken.
• Ring! Ring! Ring!
• Kathleen had no intention of getting up. She cast a glance at Chadwick, sending an unmistakable message.
• Chadwick shrugged, set down his breakfast, and swiftly opened the front door of the mansion.
• “You're early, Officer Fitzgerald,” greeted Chadwick with a smile when he saw Eleanor.
• Eleanor appeared rather listless. Her beautiful eyes were underscored by prominent dark circles, giving off an air of utter exhaustion.
• Meanwhile, Kathleen had also arrived by the main gate.
• “Officer Fitzgerald,” greeted Kathleen. Eleanor was her lifesaver. Even though she had an aloof personality, she knew the importance of gratitude.
• “Hello, Ms. Castillo,” Eleanor greeted with a slight nod. Then, she turned to Chadwick and said, “Come take a walk with me.”
• “With you? Where to?” Chadwick was taken aback.
• “To take your statement at the municipal police station.” Eleanor rolled her eyes. She had stayed up all night because of the incident from the previous evening. When she saw how energetic Chadwick was, she instantly felt a wave of annoyance surge within her.
• Eleanor then said to Kathleen, “Ms. Castillo, since such a big incident happened yesterday, we need Chadwick's witness statement.”
• When he heard that, Chadwick looked helplessly at Kathleen. She made no response, so he had no choice but to shrug.
• “Fine, I'll go with you.”