Chapter 67: 67. Unexpected Ally "Sir, you know her?" the guard asked, clearly surprised and curious.
Mr. Frederick’s eyes narrowed slightly, his thoughts racing. "Never mind. Thank you for the information. You can go back to your duty post," he said calmly, though his tone held a weight of distraction.
As the guard left, Mr. Frederick stood in silence, his gaze unfocused. Something about the news had shaken him. The expression on his face was that of someone caught off guard—lost in confusion.
Without another word, he stepped into the waiting car, and his driver pulled away from the compound.
During the drive to his office, Mr. Frederick sat in silence, his mind spiraling with worry. Why would Maria return after three years? What could have prompted her to visit that house? Is she okay? The questions gnawed at him.
When they arrived at the company, he exited quickly and made his way straight to the elevator. He needed answers. Once in his office, he sat down heavily in his chair, pulling out his phone to make a call.
The phone rang and rang. No response.
Growing impatient, he dialed again. This time, the call connected.
"Where did you keep your phone? You ignored my first call," Mr. Frederick snapped.
"I’m sorry, boss. I was out doing some security checks around our territory, so I left my phone on my desk," the voice at the other end—Raymond—replied apologetically.
"Fine. Now talk to me, Raymond. What’s going on with Maria? Why have I not heard anything from your end in weeks?" His voice was tense, demanding.
"Sir, we wanted to gather solid intel before reaching out. But now, we have a serious situation on our hands," Raymond began.
Mr. Frederick’s brows furrowed. "Go on."
"We received word this morning about a shooting at Beta Gilbert’s mansion. Maria was hit, but before we could act, a group of people dressed in white, faces masked, appeared. They took her away. We have no idea who they are or what they want."
"Maria was shot? What? By who? And why am I just hearing this now?" Mr. Frederick yelled, jumping to his feet in disbelief.
"Since the incident, we’ve been tracking those people. They’re skilled—no digital trace, no sightings, nothing. It’s like they vanished."
"So what are you saying now?" Mr. Frederick barked.
"My team and I are doing everything possible. We’ll find something useful—give us until the day after tomorrow at most."
noveldrama "No! You have until tomorrow," Mr. Frederick interrupted furiously. "If I don’t get solid information by then, I’ll replace your entire team."
"Understood, sir. We won’t let you down," Raymond said quickly before the call ended.
Mr. Frederick paced the office, fists clenched. Maria can’t die. Nothing must happen to her, he thought bitterly.
Beta Gilbert... something’s not right. Why hasn’t he involved the authorities? His mind connected the dots.
He picked up his phone and dialed another number.
"I need you to go with one of your most trusted reporters to Beta Gilbert’s mansion. Ask questions about a shootout incident reportedly heard around their estate. I want their reactions and anything else you can dig up. Get back to me immediately," he instructed and ended the call.