Chapter 865 Something Happened

Chapter 865 Something Happened

Phoenix spilled the beans on where to find Benjamin Cameron, but Benjamin didn't rush to track him down.

Knowing his adversary's identity meant there was no need to hurry. Benjamin had to plan his next move before striking back. The stock market crash was a harsh reality, and it wouldn't bounce back overnight.

Cameron was sly, no doubt, but could his cunning measure up to Hudson's?

Benjamin was intrigued by Hudson's influence and decided to dial the number Hudson had left.

"Mr. Smith, what's on your mind?" Hudson greeted politely.

"I don't think I need to spell it out, do I?" Benjamin retorted.

"Nope, got it covered," Hudson assured. "I've dug up that the troublemaker behind your woes is Cameron, son of Tranquilia's big shot, Randy."

"We're in this together, right?" Benjamin stated firmly.

"Absolutely! Just give me the word," Hudson affirmed.

"Good!" Benjamin asserted. "I want Cameron out of the picture. Clear?"

"Crystal!" Hudson confirmed. "Consider it done."

"How soon can you make it happen?" Benjamin inquired.

"By eight o'clock Stormaria time, I'll have the scoop for you," Hudson promised.

"Perfect! I'll be waiting for the good news," Benjamin said. "Oh, and has my billion dollars landed?"

"It's in your bank account already," Hudson informed. "Just a fraction of what you asked for. The rest will follow in a few days."

Benjamin chuckled. "You're quite the compliant one. Not sure how to thank you."

"No need!" Hudson waved off. "As they say, it's good to have a big tree for shade. And now, you're the biggest tree around. Just a small token of my appreciation!"

"Is that so?" Benjamin mused. "Well, I'll take it then!"

After the call, Benjamin glanced at the clock. It was already two in the afternoon. He had six hours until Hudson's deadline.

Benjamin was intrigued by Hudson's prowess. With Hudson's reputation as the sharpest mind and the wealthiest figure in the underworld, handling a rich heir like Cameron should be a walk in the park.

Benjamin was relieved that Hudson was unaware of the godson and goddess's existence, viewing him only as the top dog. But secrets don't stay buried forever. If Hudson discovered the godson and goddess, or even Warbringer's presence, he would surely seek new allies. For someone like Hudson, the stronger the partner, the better.

If Benjamin wanted to take down Hudson, he needed to act fast. Whether using Cameron to eliminate Hudson or vice versa, both options seemed favorable to Benjamin. Observing from the sidelines was the safest bet.

At three o'clock, Benjamin left the hotel and headed home. The memory of the building explosion and the crashing stock prices weighed heavily on Ava's mind, leaving her restless. Even Jeremy was on edge, bombarding Benjamin with questions.

Benjamin reassured them that everything was in hand and would soon return to normal. He couldn't disclose the plan involving Cameron and Hudson—it was classified information.

From three o'clock onward, Benjamin awaited Hudson's call. Entrusting someone else with his schemes for the first time left him feeling uneasy. He was unsure whose hands his fate rested in.

As four o'clock, five o'clock, and even dinner at six passed without a word from Hudson, Benjamin grew increasingly agitated. He couldn't even focus on his family's conversations.

By seven o'clock, a familiar voice greeted him, but it was insignificant. At seven-thirty, a telemarketer pitched insurance. Finally, with just a minute to spare before eight, Hudson rang.

"Mr. Collins!"

"Mr. Smith, hello!" Hudson greeted.

"How did it go?" Benjamin inquired.

"There was a snag, and the results weren't as expected," Hudson revealed.

"Oh? What happened?" Benjamin probed.

"I deployed my spy team to track down the kid, but he slipped away in the end. Unfortunately, I lost some of my top men in the process," Hudson explained.

"I have one question," Benjamin pressed. "Where's Cameron now?"

"He hopped on a plane southbound this afternoon, fleeing to Valoria. I dispatched my elite air squad to pursue him, but they were taken down by Veridiania's military using anti-aircraft missiles upon entering Valoria," Hudson disclosed. "It's a tough break. Seems like Cameron has backing from Valoria. For now, I can't touch him. But it aligns with your wishes. Cameron won't be showing up in Stormaria anytime soon."

"I see," Benjamin acknowledged. "Alright, I'll handle it from here. Thanks for your efforts."

After ending the call, Benjamin sensed something was off. The clash between Hudson and Cameron seemed like a stalemate. Cameron had fled to Valoria in a rough state, while Hudson faced losses in personnel and aircraft. It was evident that with Valoria's backing, Cameron had the upper hand.

Benjamin dialed Thea's number, and after a delay, she groggily picked up.

Her drowsy voice hinted at her half-asleep state.

"Thea, I'm sorry, Cameron slipped away," Benjamin apologized.

At the mention of Cameron, Thea perked up. "He got away? How did he manage that?"

"I tried to take him out, but it didn't work. He took down some of my guys and escaped back to Valoria," Benjamin explained.

"It's fine, I wasn't expecting a quick capture anyway. I need some rest," Thea yawned.

"Okay, I'll let you rest," Benjamin acquiesced.

After the call, Phoenix rang, urgent. "Benjamin, where are you? Get to my place now!"

"What's up?" It was late; why the sudden urgency from Phoenix?

Though puzzled, Phoenix's tone brooked no delay. "Just come. If you're not here in ten minutes, I'm moving on without you!"

"Are you serious? You want me to fly over?" Benjamin questioned.

"If you can fly, then fly!" Phoenix retorted.

"Forget it, I'll drive," Benjamin decided.

After informing his family, Benjamin rushed to Phoenix's house. He made it in record time, driving at full throttle.

Phoenix met him at the door, grabbing his arm and leading him to her room without preamble.

Benjamin was taken aback by the usually conservative Phoenix's directness, feeling a tad uneasy.

While Benjamin hadn't considered any involvement with Phoenix, he wouldn't likely turn down such an opportunity if she pursued it. Encounters with beautiful women didn't come by every day.

In her room, Phoenix got straight to the point. "Benjamin, what's the deal? Taking bribes from Hudson? You're under investigation by the anti-corruption bureau."

It dawned on Benjamin why Phoenix had brought him here. He hurriedly clarified, "That money was dirty. I just took it."

Phoenix shook her head. "Come on, don't be naive! You're risking your life for ten billion dollars! Watch out not to get yourself shot!"

Benjamin grasped the gravity of the situation and inquired, "So, should I give the money back to him?"

Phoenix shook her head once more. "It's too late for that! If they ask you to return it later, where will you stash it? Laundering stolen cash is an even bigger offense!"

Benjamin's thoughts were in disarray. "What's the plan then?"

"Here's the deal," Phoenix outlined. "Confess to the higher-ups about the bribe. Claim you pretended to accept it to lure him out. When the time is right, return the money voluntarily, and you should be in the clear."

Benjamin couldn't believe that his scheme for ten billion dollars would end with him forfeiting it. He felt a twinge of dissatisfaction.

"Got it," Benjamin acknowledged. "Did you block signals here?"

"Absolutely!" Phoenix confirmed. "This room is shielded, no signals can escape. That's why I brought you here to talk!"

"Oh," Benjamin responded. "I was just trying to make Hudson lower his guard. If he keeps dodging us, we might never nab him."

"That's wishful thinking!" Phoenix retorted. "Various agencies are watching you now. If you don't act, not even my grandfather can save you! B13 is set to arrest you tonight, which is why I urgently called you here!"

"Okay, what's the next move?" Benjamin inquired.

Before Phoenix could reply, urgent sirens blared from outside.

"So quick! They've traced us!" Phoenix shook her head. The knocking on the door had already begun.

"What's happening? Don't they know this is my private space?" Phoenix demanded.

"Ms. Knight, no need to shield him," a man's voice came from outside. "We saw him enter your premises, it's official. We're under orders to bring Benjamin in for questioning, no exceptions."

"Okay, hold on!" Phoenix whispered to Benjamin, "Remember, stick to your story that you were baiting him, not taking a bribe. I'll find my grandfather to sort out how to protect you!"

Benjamin nodded as the knocking on the door intensified.