Chapter 122 Raymond, A Point of Interest?

The shrill ring of a late-night call sent Paige scrambling to answer without a moment's hesitation. She snatched up her phone, her eyes scanning the screen only to find a series of unfamiliar digits, no name she recognized. Gripping the phone with a firm hold, she silently counted to ten before daring to answer. "Hello?" she ventured tentatively, her voice echoing in the silence as she awaited a response. Before long, a voice, distorted by a voice changer, responded, "Ms. Sackler, welcome to Country M."Paige, her breath held in anticipation, pressed on, "I've brought the person to Country M already. When exactly do you want to make the exchange?"She couldn't afford to waste time here, and without an exchange, the elusive tactics of these individuals made it near impossible to anticipate their next move. A bout of laughter echoed through the phone, "Ha-ha-ha... Ms. Sackler, you're quite eager. Country M's winter snow is beautiful, especially the snow at Echo Peak. I believe Ms. Sackler would find the snowy mountains quite appealing, right?"Quick to understand the underlying message, Paige retorted, "You want me to take someone up to the mountains for the exchange? Are you joking? In this vast Country M, why there of all places?""It seems Ms. Sackler likes to set conditions. Let's be clear then. At Echo Peak's summit, by tomorrow's sunset, if you can't make it, the deal is off."The tone was resolute, leaving no room for negotiation, and Paige was seething. Arranging a deal in the mountains would require her to send people there in advance. In such weather, how many could endure the mountain? And did they not comprehend the dangers?Yes, hiding someone in these conditions would be challenging, but the potential consequences of an accident were unimaginable.The possible outcomes were far worse than Paige's darkest fears. Her fists clenched in anger, Paige struggled to keep her temper in check, "Don't push it. A blizzard and a mountain summit exchange are insane. I'm telling you, I've hired the best lab researchers in the world. Within a year, a cure will be developed. If you're making this difficult, consider the deal off."With that, she ended the call. Paige was incredulous at their audacity to blackmail her to such an extent! She had already conceded, yet they dared to threaten her with canceling the deal.Did they truly believe she was a pushover?Sure, she needed the antidote they held, but they were equally desperate to take Raymond off her hands. In a trade, wasn't the value placed on each side supposed to be equal?Paige had no intention of pandering to their inflated egos.After ending the call, Paige slumped against her desk. Raymond's sarcastic remark about helping to count the money even if he were sold echoed in her mind.Nevertheless, the image of Mrs. Sackler in bed, living a life akin to a zombie, tethered to existence only by machines and IV drips, haunted Paige with equal intensity.Who could understand the dilemma she was facing?Less than ten minutes after ending the call, the unfamiliar number lit up her phone screen again.She stared at the blinking notification, hesitating before finally answering.She held onto the hope that they would return with a more reasonable demand.Indeed, before Paige could speak, the voice on the other end laid out new terms: "Meet at the base of Echo Peak before sunset. Ms. Sackler, is this a sufficient demonstration of our sincerity?"Paige felt cornered. They had seemingly made a concession. Meeting at the base of the mountain was, at least, somewhat safer for her. Plus, she could have her people canvas the area well in advance without openly bringing them along.Raymond had been deceived into coming, but she still had to ensure his safety.Was she really going to betray him?Selling Raymond, of the Hawke Corporation, would lead to an uncertain future for Paige.With a curt response, Paige said, "I'll be there on time, and you'd better keep your word."After ending the negotiation and hanging up the phone, Paige remained seated in the study.A while later, after making several calls to arrange her backup, Paige had finally started to relax when there was a knock at the door."It's me," came Raymond's voice.Paige rose and walked over to the door. "Haven't you gone to bed yet?" she asked as she opened it."I slept during the day, remember? I'm not tired now. It's my first time in Country M. Is there anywhere you'd like to visit? I can take you," Raymond offered.Paige offered a faint smile, "Are you familiar with Country M?"

With a nod of affirmation, he said, "I've spent several years here. I am well acquainted with it.""Then you must have many friends here?" Paige probed further."Friends?" Raymond responded with a laugh, "I have them scattered across the globe!"Suddenly, the direction of the conversation took a sharp turn as Paige asked, "What about enemies? Raymond, do you have any adversaries?"Paige found herself in a conundrum, unable to decipher the connection between her antidote from Mrs. Sackler and Raymond. The blackmailer didn't demand money; their sole interest was Raymond. They hadn't threatened to kill him or anything of the sort. Paige was certain that the individual hadn't developed romantic feelings for Raymond. Could it be an enemy then? Was she being targeted as the new bride because they couldn't reach him otherwise? What kind of deep-seated resentment would drive someone to conspire against Raymond in such a convoluted manner?Raymond's lips curved into a smile as he replied, "Enemies? Perhaps I have a few."Paige's gaze bore into him as she urged, "Could you elaborate?"Her face was a canvas of curiosity, as if this topic held a particular fascination for her.Raymond maneuvered his wheelchair toward the window. The expansive floor-to-ceiling glass panes framed the snowfall outside. Trees were adorned in a silvery mantle, and despite the frosty tableau, the room radiated a comforting warmth.In a tone of cool indifference, Raymond stated, "Money breeds the best of friends and the worst of enemies. Families have been known to rip each other apart over it, let alone anything else."Paige followed him and queried, "In Country M, if someone were to conspire against you, who do you think it would be?"Paige couldn't reveal everything to Raymond, but she was still eager to learn more. Perhaps then she could find a solution. If she could identify who wished to harm Raymond, wouldn't the rest be much simpler? Some deal? She dismissed the thought. She wouldn't be the one groveling when the time came—she would be the one calling the shots.Raymond turned to face Paige, a smile playing on his lips as he said, "Madam, I'm disabled. Who would waste their time plotting against me? If they were scheming, they'd target Louis. He's the one at the helm of the Hawke Corporation. There's much more to gain from him than me."Paige scoffed, "Do you take me for a toddler? I might not be interested in the affairs of the Carnegie family, but it's clear that your sister-in-law and Louis have been eyeing you with greed. If Louis truly had full control over the Hawke Corporation, would they need to be cautious of you? But tell me, haven't you been managing the Carnegie family's overseas business all these years?"Otherwise, Paige just couldn't comprehend why someone would specifically demand Raymond. She had suspected everyone and, after analyzing the situation, she concluded that Raymond held a crucial position.Raymond glanced at Paige, "You can't hide anything from you. Yes, I'm in charge, but I'm not the public face. A disabled man at the forefront, people would think the Carnegie family is finished."Paige was taken aback. Had Raymond just confessed to her?No wonder Francesca was so concerned. Raymond was in control of the Hawke Corporation's overseas business, and now that he was back in the country, if the group supporting Raymond grew, Louis's position was truly at risk.Paige furrowed her brows, contemplating this new revelation.Raymond's presence was the biggest threat to Louis!Still, didn't everyone know that she and Raymond were married, and part of the Carnegie family?Could it be...The antidote had originated from the Sackler family, and Paige's heart clenched with worry.Was it Louis?Raymond met Paige's gaze, "What's wrong?"Paige shook her head, quickly regaining her composure, "It's nothing."She didn't disclose the truth to Raymond, but Paige was already strategizing her next move.She had anticipated the deal to be set for the evening, but it was arranged for before sunset the next day.Now, Paige really needed to revise her plans swiftly.She would bring Raymond to the deal but not actually betray him.If she did betray Raymond, she wouldn't even be able to face Bradley again, let alone think about a way to make amends.After conversing with Raymond for a while, Paige deliberately sent him away.In the study, she initiated a video call to Pearl.

"Any news from home today?" Pearl, situated in the morning light, was poised to relay the day's events to Paige."Everything remains calm on our end, and an unusual silence has descended upon the Sackler family. Andrew made an appearance at the corporation today, claiming he came specifically to see you. I dismissed him nonchalantly. Ever since Raymond hinted at a special connection between you two during the anniversary celebration, Andrew has refrained from further contact with the Hawke Corporation."Paige inhaled deeply, her voice steady, "Understood. Andrew hasn't returned to Country M, has he?" Pearl shook her head in denial, "No."With her back straight against her desk, Paige instructed, "Since you're still here, keep a close watch on him. Monitor his contacts, his conversations, and especially any discussions similar to this one. Report back to me with your findings."It was glaringly obvious that Andrew was attempting to ingratiate himself with the Carnegies. Paige was not blind to his ambitions.Pearl, her gaze unwavering on Paige, asked, "Is there anything else you need me to do, Paige?"After a few moments of contemplation, Paige issued her directive, "Monitor Louis's activities over the next few days."Pearl hesitated, "Louis? Young Mr. Hawke, he..."Paige cut her off, her tone firm, "Just follow my instructions, no further questions."Paige knew she couldn't casually assign Pearl to investigate Louis. The Universe Group and Hawke Corporation were evenly matched in the city of Northwind, and her own ties with the Carnegies were complex.Despite her suspicions, Paige lacked concrete evidence.Rash actions were not the solution!That night, Paige barely managed to get through, snatching a brief rest with her head on the desk.Raymond also endured a sleepless night, and it seemed no one was in the mood to adjust to the time difference. It was as if they all believed they would be returning home soon.The following morning, Paige requested an early breakfast while she attempted to regain her composure.During breakfast, seemingly on a whim, she suggested, "It snowed heavily last night. I've rarely seen snow since I was young, so while the weather is clear today, why don't we go out and enjoy it?" She then turned her gaze towards Raymond, "Are you interested?"