Chapter 305: Someone Has Been Held Hostage

"Yes!" Sally solemnly replied. "Although I really want to retrieve Christopher's body, I don't want you to take any risks. I'm also worried about your safety. You are still alive, and your life is more important!"

Upon hearing Sally's words, Vivian felt warm in her heart and smiled lightly.

"You’re truly my best friend! If you're worried about me, then I believe you can also understand our concerns for you, right? We don't want you to take any risks either."

"Well, I was too impulsive before, and I understand your concerns. Actually, I've already met Christopher's parents. But they only know that their son sacrificed, and they are unaware of anything else."

"They also believe that the organization will surely bring Christopher back, and I believe it too. However, it is all happening overseas, and every step of the organization's deployment requires careful consideration. Otherwise, a small action could have far-reaching consequences."

"That's why I wanted to handle this personally because sometimes an individual can be more efficient than an organization. But I was too hasty and I neglected your feelings. I'm sorry, Vivian. I've been too selfish these past few days."

"I understand, Sally." Vivian held Sally's hand and said, "It's only natural, and you don't need to apologize to me. We are good friends."

"No," Sally said firmly. "I do owe you an apology. On that day in Yondora, I said some hurtful words. Actually, I don't regret helping you with the matter at the research institute."

"I know," Vivian smiled. "I know you were just angry and didn't mean it."

"So you don't need to find Sheldon either, just make sure he sends more manpower to Miriwyth."

"It's okay. I've already made up my mind." Vivian still intended to stick to her own plan. "You all want me to avoid the limelight, but that's just a temporary solution. I don't want to be held back by this unresolved matter. I want a quick resolution."

"It would be best to lure Quinton out. At that time, besides us, only Quinton was present. There's a high possibility that he took away Christopher's body. So the most direct way is to find him."

"You can't do that, Vivian. It's too dangerous."

"It is indeed risky, but instead of passively waiting for him to suddenly appear one day, it's better for me to take the initiative. That way, at least I can have some control."

At this point, Sally had regained her composure. After careful consideration, she felt that Vivian's suggestion was reasonable.

"Then we should discuss it with Sheldon."

Vivian nodded. "Let's go."

But just as they were about to leave, both phones on Vivian's desk started ringing at the same time.

Her landline usually only rang when she was in the office, and all calls intended for her would go through the secretary's office for filtering.

The situation of both phones ringing at the same time like this was relatively rare.

Just as Vivian was about to go and answer the phone, someone suddenly knocked on her office door.

The knocking was urgent, so Vivian immediately responded, "Come in!"

As soon as Vivian finished speaking, her assistant, Emily, hurriedly entered with a security guard.

"Something bad has happened, Ms. Swain," Emily said anxiously, her brows furrowed. "There's been an incident downstairs!"

"What happened? Explain clearly," Vivian demanded.

Emily immediately took a tablet computer from the security guard and showed a video to Vivian. "A man has taken the receptionist on the first floor hostage. Take a look, please."

"Why?" Vivian asked, taking the tablet computer. "Have you called the police?"

"Not yet. He said he would kill someone if we called the police, and he had already cut off the phone line at the reception."

The man in the video was dressed in black, with a black hat on his head.

The brim of the hat was pressed down low, and from the angle of the surveillance camera, Vivian couldn't see this person's face at all.

However, from what Vivian could see, when he held the knife, he had his thumb pressed against the neck of the receptionist. It seemed like he didn't actually intend to harm the receptionist, so it could be assumed that this person had some demands.

She asked Emily again, "What does this person want? Did he make any requests?"

"Yes!" Emily looked worriedly at Vivian and said, "He said he was here to find you, but he looked disheveled from head to toe and didn't have an appointment. The receptionist didn't let him come up, so he started causing trouble. That's why they called the security guard. And then that person got agitated and held the receptionist hostage with a knife."

"Find me? Are you sure?" Vivian asked.

"Absolutely!"

"Okay, then I'll go down."

"Wait, Vivian." Sally suddenly grabbed her arm and took a deep breath before saying, "Don't go. What if it's Quinton?"

"This person is definitely not Quinton," Vivian said confidently. "He is slim in build, while Quinton is much taller than him."

"Are you sure? What if you didn't recognize him because of the angle of the surveillance camera?"

"No. Quinton and Ethan have similar body shapes. I won't be mistaken."

Sally still wasn't reassured. "Take another look. Maybe we should still call the police first."

"Yes, Ms. Swain," Emily also said. "Let's call the police."

Vivian also felt that calling the police was necessary. She nodded and was about to speak when her eyes caught sight of a small circular scar on the man's hand in the video.

It was a burn mark caused by a cigarette, and if she remembered correctly, Mason also had a similar wound on his hand.

She immediately changed her mind. "Let's not call the police for now. I know that person."

After saying that, she turned back to Sally. "You stay here and wait for me. I'll be back soon."

Then she instructed Emily, "You and the security guard come with me."

"But Ms. Swain..." Emily anxiously said, "Are we really not calling the police?"

"No!"

...

Two minutes later.

Vivian led Emily and the security guard to the first-floor lobby.

Since it was working hours, there weren't many people coming and going in the lobby.

Besides the two receptionists on duty, there were only a few security personnel.

When Vivian approached, she immediately confirmed that the person was indeed Mason.

She walked briskly in front of Mason and furrowed her brows, saying, "I'm here. Release her!"

Mason raised his eyes but didn't release the receptionist immediately. "It's really you, Ms. Swain."

Vivian nodded. "Since it's a personal grudge, don't harm innocent people."

Mason stared at Vivian and asked, "Did you call the police?"

"No. According to the requirements you presented, we did not call the police. I can assure you."

"Good. I believe you. I'll let her go," Mason said, immediately retracting the dagger from the receptionist's neck. "I didn't come here to harm anyone. I have something very important to discuss with you."