Chapter22 Hostage
On the other end of the line, Mia's voice remained calm and efficient as always.
"Understood, boss."
After hanging up, Mia looked at the banquet address and target information her boss had sent. Without a moment's hesitation, she immediately dialed the CEO of Universe Capital, a subsidiary under Prescott Corporation.
The head of Universe Capital happened to be attending tonight's banquet as well.
Though she couldn't understand why, given Prescott's scale, the boss would suddenly take interest in a small project from Lancaster Corporation, as a qualified assistant, her duty was to execute, not question.
Meanwhile, at the buffet area of the banquet hall.
Miranda held a glass of juice, watching the clusters of business elites chatting pleasantly throughout the hall, yet a lingering sense of bitterness weighed on her heart.
That champagne colored figure seemed somewhat lonely amidst all the clinking glasses and cheerful conversation.
Just earlier, she had approached three company executives who had previously shown preliminary interest in collaboration.
But without exception, their attitudes were strangely uniform.
"Mr. Hill, regarding the details of the Stellar Project, I'd like to..."
"Ha ha, Miranda, so young and accomplished! Come, let's have a drink! As for the partnership, another time, another time!"
"About the proposal we discussed last time..."
"Oh, Miranda, we're here to relax today. Don't always talk about work! You're just like your father, both workaholics!"
They politely exchanged pleasantries with her, praised her youth and beauty, but never once mentioned collaboration.
The practiced way they laughed it off and changed the subject seemed almost rehearsed.
Miranda wasn't a fool.
Just the other day at the company, she had publicly embarrassed her father Dominic Lancaster in front of all the executives and cleverly taken away his most valuable golf course.
Just because her father hadn't made a scene at the company didn't mean he would let it go.
So this was where his revenge awaited her.
These people were all longtime partners of Lancaster, privately close with Dominic Lancaster. It didn't take much thought to realize her father must have given them a heads up, determined to teach her a lesson.
Her own family had become the biggest obstacle in her path forward.
Miranda gave a self mocking smile, drained her juice in one gulp, her chest feeling stuffed with cotton, making it hard to breathe.
Just as she was pondering which other companies might be potential breakthroughs, a crisp, steady female voice spoke beside her.
"Miss Miranda Lancaster, correct?"
Miranda turned toward the voice to see a middle aged woman in a black pantsuit with an distinguished air, smiling at her.
"And you are?" Miranda asked politely.
"My name is Alice Reid." The woman extended her hand in introduction. "CEO of Universe Capital. I heard Miss Lancaster has an excellent new energy project and would like to discuss a partnership."
A flicker of shock passed through Miranda's eyes.
Universe Capital was the absolute leader in the domestic new energy sector, its strength far surpassing even Lancaster.
She looked at the business card Alice handed her, the embossed gold lettering reading "Universe Capital CEO" almost dazzling to her eyes.
But the shock lasted only a second before Miranda immediately seized this opportunity.
She quickly composed herself, grasped Alice's hand, and displayed a professional, confident smile.
"Alice, hello. I'm honored that you'd be interested in my Stellar Project."
"We never pass up projects with potential." Alice got straight to the point. "Can you give me a brief overview?"
"Of course."
With a smile on her lips, Miranda clearly and methodically presented the project planning, market prospects, and core technical advantages she knew by heart.
Without the slightest nervousness or timidity, her voice was steady and strong, her eyes shining with absolute confidence in this project.
Alice listened quietly, the appreciation in her eyes growing stronger.
The two exchanged questions and answers, their conversation flowing smoothly, professional and efficient.
Finally, Alice nodded with satisfaction and made a decision that shocked Miranda once again.
"The project is excellent. I'm very optimistic about it." Alice looked at her, her tone decisive. "Miranda, tomorrow at ten in the morning, come to the Universe Capital building. We'll discuss the contract details."
Miranda had thought just making a connection with Universe Capital would be an unexpected bonus. She never imagined their style would be so decisive, practically at double speed!
"Yes!" Miranda agreed with a smile. "I'll be there on time tomorrow."
After setting the time, Alice took her leave.
Miranda let out a long breath and turned to find her brother Christian.
On the second floor of the banquet hall, at the end of a secluded corridor.
Clifton received a call from Mia.
"Boss, it's done. Alice has arranged to meet with Miranda tomorrow morning to discuss the contract. Alice will personally handle all subsequent project matters and report to you."
"Good."
Clifton responded indifferently and hung up.
He turned around, about to give the order to wrap up, when a team member's figure suddenly appeared ghost like behind him, voice urgent.
"Captain, we have a problem! One of the four targets we caught was faking being drunk. He just smashed through the rest room window and jumped!"
Clifton's eyes instantly went cold, like ice forged blades.
"Alert everyone, seal all exits. Team A, follow me!"
Without a moment's hesitation, his figure flashed as he agilely vaulted over the second floor railing, landing silently on the first floor lawn, chasing in the direction the target had fled.
In the pitch black back alley, the air reeked of rotting garbage.
A man had his arm locked tightly around a seven or eight year old boy's neck, a dark gun barrel pressed against the boy's temple.
The little boy trembled all over, too terrified even to cry out.
"Don't come any closer! Back off!" The man's emotions were running high as he screamed viciously at the team members surrounding him, his face twisted. "Get me a car with a full tank and five million in cash! Or I'll blow his head off!"
At the alley entrance, Clifton's figure emerged from the shadows. He raised both hands, signaling he posed no threat.
"Stay calm." His voice was steady. "The hostage is a child. He doesn't know anything. Hurting him won't do you any good."
"Cut the crap! I said get me the car and money!" The man was clearly at the end of his rope, extremely unstable.
"Fine." Clifton agreed with unusual readiness. "We can give you the car and money. But you must guarantee the hostage's safety first. Let him go, and we can negotiate everything you want."
His words seemed to make the man waver slightly.
Just as the man's eyes flickered, calculating whether this deal was worth it...
Now!
Clifton's gaze suddenly sharpened as he explosively pushed off with his feet, charging forward at a speed the naked eye could barely track!
His movements were swift and precise, honed through countless operations. In less than three seconds, he had closed the distance.