Chapter 249

Despite Luis' words, the challenge in his eyes was plain to see.

Isaac let out a cold sneer. "Mr. Sampson, your polished phrases sound impressive, but I know my people and what they're capable of. You deliberately waved fat salaries in front of them. Do you think I'm oblivious to your intention?"

In the past, Luis and he had walked their paths without conflict.

Yet now, out of nowhere, Luis had chosen to set himself against him.

It was hard to believe there wasn't something hidden in the shadows.

Luis' smile slowly faded as he straightened in his chair,his gaze hardeninglike steel. "Mr. Bennett, since you prefer honesty, I'll be direct. The strong always rise to the top. I'm only gathering talent for my own cause. If you take that as a declaration of war... so be it."

His words landed with the weight of a loaded pistol,cocked and ready. The two men locked eyes, and silence thickened between them.

Isaac frowned, his gaze sharpening into a cold blade,pressing down with invisible force.

Luis lifted his chin, meeting that icy glare with composure, though a sinister edge lurked beneath his calm.

The meal wound down, leaving behind an unspoken clash that hung heavy in the air.

Luis picked up a napkin, dabbing at the corner of his lips. His sharp gaze slid to Isaac, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. "Mr. Bennett, thank you for the hospitality. This meal was entertaining. I wonder when fate will allow us to drink and talk again."

Isaac's lips curved ever so slightly as he replied,"Whenever the thought strikes you, I'll be ready,Mr.Sampson."

Each phrase carried meanings deeper than the surface.Luis chuckled, shook his head lightly, and rose."Then I'll take my leave."

Isaac inclined his head, his voice low and steady. "Take care."

He tilted his chin, eyes following Luis until the man vanished beyond the private room door.

Only then did Isaac's expression harden.

Luis was clearly determined to oppose him to the bitter end.

But what gain could he possibly hope for by crossing the Bennett family?

What,in truth,was his purpose?

Outside the restaurant, the driver spotted Luis and quickly swung open the rear door.

Luis slipped inside, and the car rolled slowly down the road.

He leaned against the seat with a studied laziness,eyes closed, though his brows furrowed faintly.

His assistant hesitated before speaking. "Mr.Sampson,are you truly set on opposing Isaac? Challenging the Bennett family in Shoildon is like rowing against the tide-risky and unwise. Isaac's standing in the business world is formidable. You should think carefully."

Luis kept his eyes closed, his voice low, calm, almost dismissive. "It's only a smokescreen-to keep him guessing."

The assistant frowned, clearly/ puzzled. "Sir, I still don't understand..."

Luis opened his eyes slowly, a fierce light flashing through the narrow gaze.

His tone turned cold. "Simon used my sister as leverage, forcing me into conflict with Isaac. But why would I drag both of us into ruin?"

He paused, fists tightening unconsciously, veins swelling on the backs of his hands. "Simon is vile.Once I find my sister, he will answer for it."

For now, he bowed to Simon's demands, if only to protect his sister's life-until he could secure her safety with his own hands.

...

At Bennett Group, the conference room doors swung open as Isaac wheeled himself out.

Jacob,waiting nearby,stepped forward with a file in hand, bowing slightly. "Mr. Bennett, the investigation into Luis has yielded results."

Isaac lifted his gaze, motioning him to go on.

Jacob cleared his throat and scanned the report."Since arriving in Shoildon, Luis has kept a low profile.Other than a few dinners with business leaders, there is little worth noting." He hesitated before adding, "However, the very day he arrived, he met with Simon Moss...."

Isaac's hands on the wheelchair froze, a mocking smile curling his lips.

So-that was the thread tying Luis' every move.

He saw no need for further probing. This alone was enough to prove there was an unseen bargain between Luis and Simon.

Back in his office, lsaac reached for the phone without delay, dialing Verena's number.

The moment the call connected, he spoke with urgency. "Verena, Jacob's investigation confirmed it -Luis and Simon are connected. Their arrival in Shoildon is far from coincidence. I suspect they've been in league all along. Simon is certainly not what he pretends to be. You must guard yourself at the hospital. Better still-dismiss him."

His voice was taut with worry, his brows drawn deep in concern.

The thought of such a threat near Verena was unbearable.

On the other end, Verena was briefly startled but quickly steadied herself. "Isaac, I understand your fears. But to drive him away now would be like alarming the snake before striking. Don't worry, I'll deal with him in my own way. Besides, I still have things to uncover."

She wanted to confirm if Simon was in fact Carl, and if he had harmed her grandmother and Isaac.

Yet Isaac's unease lingered, his brow locked in a frown.

With the enemy lurking in shadows, Verena's safety was not something he could gamble with.

After a pause, he said firmly, "Then I'll arrange bodyguards at the hospital. Verena, don't refuse me this-it's vital you remain safe."

Hearing the anxiety in his voice, Verena softened with a smile. "Alright. I'll listen to you."

Just then, a knock echoed at Isaac's office door.

He looked up to see his secretary waiting, report in hand.

He was about to send her away, but Verena,having overheard, said gently, "It seems you're busy. I won't keep you. Go on with your work."

Isaac frowned faintly but gave in, lowering his voice."Very well. We'll talk later." Sensing his reluctance, Verena reassured him with a warm smile. "I'll come pick you up in three hours."

At those words, his eyes brightened, and a rare smile spread across his face.

When the call ended, Verena's expression grew solemn.

She pondered for a moment, and then searched her contacts and dialed an international number.

The call was answered swiftly, and Verena spoke clearly. "Hello, Dr. Joyce? This is Evelyn. I need your help with something. Are you available now?"