In the blink of an eye, Deanna had been captured for a week.
Every day, Lance asked Gunner about the progress of the investigation, but without exception, there was never any good news.
Just as he was about to lose his patience, Gunner finally brought useful information.
"Duncan couldn't sit still any longer. He contacted me and asked us to bring ten billion dollars in cash and the Miller family's asset certificates to meet at Sunrise Dock tomorrow."
"I'll go!" Lance said without hesitation.
He wanted to personally bring Deanna back.
Gunner understood his intention but disagreed. "In your current state, you can barely get out of bed. What if something unexpected happens? You don't even have the ability to protect yourself, let alone Deanna."
"I may not be able to protect myself, but my men can. In any case, I must go personally. You can disagree, but you can't stop me."
Lance's gaze was cold and resolute.
Gunner stared at him for a few seconds before finally conceding with a frown. "Since you insist on going, let's plan this carefully. Maybe we can use your weakened state to deceive Duncan."
The next afternoon, Lance sat in a wheelchair, ready to depart.
Logan, Samantha, and Old Ashley knew he was going to meet the kidnappers who took Deanna and worriedly saw him off at the door.
"Remember, no matter what, protect yourself and Deanna."
"Daddy, be careful. We'll be waiting for you at home."
"Make sure to protect yourself," Old Ashley tearfully reminded him.
Seeing their worried expressions, Lance gently rubbed the heads of the two children and said calmly, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Mr. Martinez is also coming along on this mission."
Xavier stood behind Lance and assured everyone, "Don't worry. We'll make sure Mr. Mercer is safe and sound."
After some final instructions, Lance left with Xavier.
They arrived at Sunrise Dock at 3:30 PM as agreed.
As soon as they appeared, Duncan and Brent received the news.
Hearing that Lance was in a wheelchair surprised them.
"Are you sure you didn't see wrong? Only Lance and no sign of Gunner?" Duncan cautiously questioned again.
The subordinate nodded. "Indeed, it was just him with a few men. Also, news from the Martinez family estate says Gunner is tied up with other matters and has been in the study discussing things with people."
Hearing this, Duncan and Brent exchanged glances.
Brent understood Duncan's intention. He wanted to take advantage of Lance's illness and limited manpower to make a move against him.
Thinking of this, Brent disagreed. "Even if Lance is in a wheelchair, his men are not to be underestimated. I've suffered losses at their hands before. Besides, don't forget we don't actually have Deanna; it's just a decoy."
This statement quickly sobered Duncan up.
Brent was right. Even if Lance was ill, his men were formidable, and his goal was to reclaim the Miller family's assets.
Ultimately, he abandoned the idea of attacking Lance and had someone bring him over.
Soon, both parties met at the dock.
One group was on a boat while the other stood on the dock.
Lance looked at the man standing on the boat's deck without any intention of coming down and knew Gunner had been right about him.
Once the transaction was complete, this man would have someone sail away immediately.
"I've brought the money and items. Where is my fiancee?" Lance gestured for his men to display the boxes of cash.
Ten billion dollars in cash required ten small carts, making for an impressive sight.
Duncan looked at the neatly arranged boxes without much interest and questioned, "Where are the Miller family's items?"
"Here." Lance took out a document folder from his briefcase.
Seeing this, Duncan couldn't help but feel eager. "Place the documents on the boarding ladder. I'll have someone come down to get them along with the cash."
Lance's expression turned mocking. "Do I look that foolish?"
"You want to see her? Fine. I'll place Deanna at the ladder's entrance. Once everything is transferred, I'll release her immediately," Duncan said, signaling his men to bring out the bound 'Deanna.'
This 'Deanna' was in poor condition, with disheveled hair and clothes faintly stained with blood.
Lance's face darkened instantly upon seeing her.
"You laid hands on her?"
"She was disobedient and needed discipline," Duncan replied confidently.
In reality, it was just to distract Lance from realizing this 'Deanna' was a fake.
And Lance indeed fell for it, not noticing anything amiss as his eyes filled with rage.
"You're courting death!"