Chapter 218
With each unanswered ring, Gianna's heart sank.
Meanwhile, at the police station, James was handling Felix's bail. He saw an incoming call on Felix's phone, but it disconnected before he could answer.
The automated voice said, "Sorry, the number you dialed is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later."
Hearing the automated message, Gianna hung up, turned, and left the phone booth with Scorpio's subordinate. They didn't know the phone rang again shortly after they left.
Half an hour later, Gianna walked into a villa. In the European-style living room, Scorpio, still masked, sipped red wine, looking relaxed.
Seeing Gianna, he smiled. The he greeted, "Iris, welcome to the plan. With you, we're halfway there!"
Gianna's face was stoic, and inquired, "What do I need to do?"
Scorpio's subordinate, annoyed, pressed a gun to Gianna's forehead, then a scream followed. Before he could react, Gianna had the gun aimed at his head.
Everyone pointed their weapons at Gianna, and the room tensed up. Scorpio waved his hand, signaling his subordinate to back off, and smiled as he said calmly, "If you like the gun, just ask. No need for anger. Please, sit."
Gianna sat across from him, playing with the gun, and stated coldly, "There are snipers outside in all directions. From the gate to the entrance, six bodyguards. Eight on the first floor, four on the second, two on the third. Killing you and escaping wouldn't be hard."
Scorpio clapped, impressed, then praised, "As expected of Iris. You figured it all out just by walking in."
Gianna replied impatiently, "I said that so we can cut the crap and get to the point."
Scorpio smiled as he said, "Help us kill someone."
Gianna questioned, "Who?"
Scorpio explained that they needed to kill an official from Country D, who was always cautious. He'd be at a yacht party in two days, and they planned to kill him there.
Gianna frowned as she asked, "Why not before the yacht party?"
Scorpio explained simply, "Because we need to kill the official and intimidate others."
Gianna was silent for a moment, then said, "I need all the information of that official."
Scorpio warned, "Alright, but this mission is dangerous. You might not come back."
Gianna's expression didn't change. Her past missions were always do-or-die. But thinking of Felix, she clenched her hand and looked at Scorpio coldly, and stated firmly, "Once this is done, we're done."
Scorpio nodded and reassured her, "Don't worry, I keep my word."
Gianna asked, "When do we leave?"
Scorpio answered, "Now."
Scorpio moved quickly. As soon as they finished talking, he arranged for a car to take Gianna to the airport.
Scorpio briefed, "To avoid being followed, we'll go separately. Your ticket's already bought. Just pick it up at the airport and board. Someone will meet you at the destination."
Gianna replied, "Got it."
After the driver dropped Gianna at the airport, he left. She put on a mask and walked in.
She got her ticket, found her gate, and waited to board.
Meanwhile, Raymond had been in Willow Creek for days without finding Gianna. He decided to let his team keep searching while he returned.
As he went through security and looked for his gate, he spotted a familiar figure in a boarding line.
His gaze froze. It was Gianna!
He hurried to catch up, but she had already boarded.
Raymond quickly checked the flight's destination: Country D.
He only saw Gianna, but where was Natalie? And why was Gianna going to Country D without contacting Felix?
Suppressing his doubts, Raymond bought a ticket for the same flight.
Before boarding, he hesitated but didn't tell Felix he had found Gianna. He wasn't sure if he was afraid of worrying Felix or if he selfishly wanted to keep Gianna's whereabouts to himself.
After a dozen hours, the plane landed.
As soon as Gianna left the airport, she got into a black car. Raymond followed in a taxi but was quickly shaken off.
With no other choice, he went to the Musk Group's branch in Country D.
The branch manager, Zachary Edwards, was surprised to see him.
Zachary inquired, "Raymond, why are you here suddenly? Is there a new strategy from headquarters?"
Raymond's face was grim, and explained, "No, I'm here for personal reasons. I need you to check a license plate number for me."
Zachary nodded and replied, "Alright."
Soon, Zachary walked briskly into Raymond's office, looking concerned.
Zachary asked worriedly, "Raymond, the license plate you asked me to check belongs to a mercenary organization here in Country D. Did you get into some trouble?"
Raymond was shocked but kept a straight face as he replied, "No, I just saw the car on my way here and got curious."
Zachary quickly said, "Raymond, this mercenary organization is very mysterious. I've heard that those who cross them don't end well."
Catching Zachary's hint, Raymond smiled, inquiring, "Zachary, don't worry. I won't do anything reckless over a car. But I'm quite interested in this mercenary organization. Tell me more about it."
Zachary nodded in agreement, "Alright."
For the next hour, Zachary told Raymond all about the mercenary organization, mostly their killings, trying to dissuade Raymond from provoking them.
The more Raymond listened, the more alarmed he became.
Why was Gianna involved with such an organization? She was just a long-lost daughter from the Redstone family. How could she be connected to mercenaries?
Seeing Raymond's growing silence, Zachary pressed on, "Anyone who goes against the mercenaries meets a bad end. Raymond, remember to stay away if you see that car again."
Raymond nodded thoughtfully, and replied, "I understand. By the way, I need you to look into someone for me."
