Chapter 195 Flattery

Chapter 195 Flattery

James nodded. Just as he expected—Leroy wouldn't dare make any rash moves right now.

"I'll go check it out tonight."

Kevin froze for a second.

"By yourself? Why don't we go together? Bring more guys?"

"No need."

James shook his head.

"I'll just scope out the area around the Martinez Manor. Won't go in. Too many people will just tip him off."

Kevin thought about it and figured he had a point. With James's skills, even if something went down, he could get out.

"Alright, just be careful. Anything happens, holler. I'll bring backup right away."

"Got it."

When it was fully dark, James got in his car and headed out.

The Martinez Manor was in a remote area, surrounded by standalone estates.

James parked two blocks away, killed the engine, and walked the rest of the way.

The night air had a slight chill to it. He moved slowly along the perimeter wall.

Sure enough, there were way more guards than usual.

Every ten yards or so stood a guy in black, patrolling back and forth.

All of them armed.

James ducked behind a tree and watched for a while. Now he had a clearer picture.

Leroy was nervous. If he wasn't hiding someone, he wouldn't need this kind of setup. Adrian had to be inside.

He didn't stick around long. Once he'd gotten a good sense of the layout, he turned to leave.

The moment he turned, his phone buzzed. Iron Wolf.

James answered, keeping his voice low.

"Talk."

"Mr. Anderson, the back gate of the Martinez Manor just opened."

Iron Wolf's voice came through the receiver.

"A black van pulled out—no plates. Heading toward the outskirts."

"They're hauling something under a black tarp. Can't tell what it is, but it looked heavy. The tires were sagging."

James's eyes sharpened.

Moving him? Was Leroy getting antsy and relocating Adrian?

"Follow them."

He said immediately.

"Don't get too close. Don't let them spot you. See where they go, where they stop, and report back to me right away."

"Don't worry, Mr. Anderson. Got people on them. We won't lose 'em."

Iron Wolf said.

James hung up and stood there for two seconds, thinking.

Chase after them now? No.

What if this was a diversion? What if Leroy deliberately sent out a van to draw attention while Adrian was still inside the Martinez Manor?

Then again, maybe Adrian really was in that van.

Either way, storming in right now wasn't the move.

Better to flip the script—go straight to the front gate and confront Leroy. Feel him out.

Make him panic first. See if he could still keep his cool.

Decision made, James didn't linger. He turned and headed back to his car, calling Kevin on the way.

"Bring two guys and meet me at the front gate of the Martinez Manor. Just two. That's enough."

Kevin didn't ask questions.

"Got it. On my way."

By the time James reached the front gate of the Martinez Manor, Kevin was already waiting by the curb with two men.

"Mr. Anderson."

James nodded.

"Let's go."

The four of them walked up to the gate. Four guards stood there, backs ramrod straight. The moment they saw James and his crew approaching, they tensed up and stepped forward to block them.

"Hold it. Who are you?"

Kevin stepped forward.

"We're with Mr. Anderson. Here to pay Leroy a visit. Go let him know."

The guards exchanged glances. Mr. Anderson?

Their expressions shifted. They didn't dare brush him off. One of them bolted inside to report.

In the study, Leroy sat behind his desk.

He was clutching a teacup. The tea had long gone cold.

He hadn't taken a single sip. His mind was racing.

He'd just gotten word—the van had made it out of the city.

As long as Adrian stayed hidden in that abandoned factory on the outskirts, even if James was a genius, he'd never find him.

Once things cooled down, they'd figure out a way to smuggle him out of the country.

He'd just started to relax when the study door burst open. The butler came rushing in, panic written all over his face.

"Mr. Martinez!"

"What are you freaking out about?!"

Leroy snapped, frowning.

"James is here! Right at the front gate! Says he wants to come in and see you!"

Crash.

The teacup slipped from Leroy's hand and shattered on the floor.

Hot water splashed all over his pants. He didn't even feel the burn.

James? Here? Now?

Had he found something? Was the van being followed?

A dozen thoughts flashed through Leroy's mind in an instant. His back was soaked with cold sweat.

"Mr. Martinez? What do we do?"

The butler pressed him.

"He's still waiting at the gate."

Leroy took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

Don't panic. Panicking meant losing.

Maybe James was just here to test the waters.

If he showed fear first, he'd be handing him ammunition.

"Let him in."

Leroy said in a low voice.

"Show him to the living room. I'll be right down."

"Yes, sir."

The butler turned and ran. Leroy stood up from his chair.

His legs were still shaky. He gripped the edge of the desk for a few seconds.

Once he steadied himself, he straightened his clothes and adjusted his tie.

He glanced at himself in the mirror. His face was still a little pale.

He rubbed his cheeks hard, trying to look normal.

It's fine. Adrian's already gone. Even if James suspects something, he's got no proof.

As long as I deny everything, what can he do? He can't just barge in and search the place.

Leroy repeated this to himself a few times until he felt somewhat steady. Then he turned and left the study.

James was already seated in the living room.

Kevin and the other two Specter Syndicate members stood behind him.

Several Martinez family guards stood around the room, all eyes on them. The atmosphere was tense.

James, though, looked completely relaxed. He leaned back against the sofa, casually scanning the room.

The Martinez Manor was lavishly decorated—though right now, it felt kind of cold and empty.

Within two minutes, Leroy came down the stairs, a smile plastered on his face.

He looked friendly enough, but the smile was stiff—like it had been forced into place.

"Mr. Anderson, what an honor. Forgive me for not greeting you properly."

He said as he approached, extending his hand for a shake.

James glanced up at him but didn't extend his own hand. He just said flatly,

"Don't mention it."

Leroy's hand hung awkwardly in midair. He quickly pulled it back and wiped it on his pants.

"Please, Mr. Anderson, have a seat."

He sat down on the sofa across from him.

"It's so late—what brings you by?"

"Nothing in particular."

James's tone was flat.

"Was driving by tonight. Thought I'd drop in."

Driving by? Leroy's unease spiked. Yeah, right. Who'd believe that? This place was in the middle of nowhere.

There was hardly any traffic at night. What were the odds he just happened to pass by?

He was clearly here for a reason.

Leroy's nerves were on fire, but he kept smiling.

"Is that so? What a coincidence.

Someone, bring tea."

He called out, and immediately a servant came in with tea, setting it in front of James.

Steam rose from the cup. James didn't touch it. He just leaned back, watching Leroy.

His gaze wasn't aggressive—but it made Leroy squirm all the same.