After putting down the phone, Lance was still smiling. Clearly, he was in a good mood. However, this good mood did not last long as he received some troubling news from his subordinates.
"Mr. Mercer, something terrible has happened. Mr. Nelson has been kidnapped by Harold!"
"What happened?" Lance's expression immediately turned serious.
The subordinate dared not hide anything and recounted the events in detail. It turned out that while Xavier was interrogating Harold, Harold had a concealed mini handgun. He took advantage of Xavier's unpreparedness, shot him, and then took him hostage, demanding his release.
Upon hearing this, Lance's face turned icy cold. He gritted his teeth and said, "Do as he says and ensure Xavier's safety."
The subordinate took the order and left to carry it out. Lance, feeling uneasy, followed immediately. Little did he know, someone quietly followed him as soon as he left.
Lance soon arrived at one of his properties in New York. Outside the villa gate, dozens of subordinates were on high alert. As soon as Lance got out of the car, he saw Harold holding Xavier at gunpoint, inching towards the gate while issuing threats.
"I warn you all, don't try any tricks, or I'll take your boss down with me!"
Due to excessive blood loss, Xavier's face had turned very pale. Seeing Mr. Mercer outside the gate, he couldn't help but show a look of shame. What happened today was a great humiliation for him since joining the company. Yet, there was nothing he could do now.
Soon, Harold reached the villa gate. He saw that they had indeed prepared a car for him and showed a pleased expression. However, he did not let his guard down and pointed at a random bodyguard with his chin, sneering, "Let him start the car. I want to make sure you haven't tampered with it."
Hearing this, the other bodyguards looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Fortunately, Lance stepped forward and ordered, "Do as he says." This command was clearly directed at the bodyguard Harold had pointed out.
Lance then looked at Xavier, his gaze sweeping over the two gunshot wounds on his body, his eyes filled with cold fury. "I can let you go, but you hurt my man. This debt won't be settled so easily."
"What do you want then?" Harold squinted at him. He could tell that this man exuding an aura of nobility was their boss and began weighing his options.
Lance didn't know what Harold was thinking and said coldly, "I'll give you a chance to escape, but whether you can get away depends on your skills!"
While they were talking, the bodyguard who had tested the car returned and reported, "The car is fine. Now release Mr. Nelson."
Harold ignored him and looked at Lance instead. Clearly, Harold knew that Lance was the one in charge. With a flicker in his eyes, he asked, "If I manage to escape your pursuit this time, will you promise not to come after me again?"
Lance laughed angrily at this. He didn't know whether to call this man audacious or overly confident for making such a demand. Even so, he agreed because there was no way he would let this man escape.
"I can promise you that if you manage to escape, we won't come after you again!"
Hearing Lance's words, Harold showed a triumphant smile. He then moved towards the car with Xavier still in tow. Just as he opened the car door and got in, an unexpected turn of events occurred.
Harold kicked Xavier out of the car and immediately started the engine, speeding away in an instant. Everyone present was stunned for a second before reacting.
Lance's face darkened as he ordered, "Chase him down! Whether he is alive doesn't matter!"
After giving the order, he quickly walked towards Xavier. By then, Xavier had been helped up by a bodyguard and looked very weak.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Mercer. I was careless," Xavier admitted regretfully upon seeing Lance approach.
Looking at Xavier's pale face, Lance said solemnly, "Focus on recovering. I will avenge you. Take Mr. Nelson to the hospital."
"Yes," the bodyguard responded and helped Xavier away.
Lance got back into his car and followed in the direction his subordinates had gone. Soon, four cars were racing down the road.
Harold glanced at the cars closely tailing him with a crazed look in his eyes. He swerved sharply, choosing narrow and crowded alleys to drive through. His tactic worked to some extent; he managed to shake off his pursuers temporarily and bought himself some breathing room.
Unfortunately for him, just as he saw a glimmer of hope for escape, he realized he hadn't lost his tail completely.
"Damn it! How could this happen?" Harold cursed angrily while driving. He quickly deduced that they must have tampered with his car somehow.