Chapter 61
Things were finally settled. Oscar walked beside me and asked quietly, somewhat confused, "What do you need those two security guards for?"
I just smiled faintly and said nothing.
Eugene brought us to the lobby manager. Clearly, he'd already received instructions from above. He led Oscar and me to the security guards who were already lined up.
I pointed at one chubby security guard. "You."
His legs went a bit weak, and he hurriedly looked toward his security manager, seeking help.
I didn't give him the chance. I pointed at the person he was looking at. "And you. These are the two people I'm taking."
The lobby manager quickly nodded, smiling. "Alright, I'll have someone get their files for you. Just a moment. Paul, James, from now on, you'll be working for Ms. Wilson."
Paul and James looked at each other, both seeing confusion in the other's eyes. "We work for Crimson Nightclub. What's going on here?"
I raised an eyebrow and smiled, giving them a reasonable answer. "Nothing much. I just saw how seriously you take your work and thought you were very professional, so I specifically asked Zach for you. What, you don't want to? Afraid I can't pay you as well?"
Paul flattered me: "No offense, Ms. Wilson. We didn't know you, thought you might be trouble, and were just looking out for our customers. Sorry for the mix-up."
I waved my hand. "Come on, it's not about making it personal. I just think you guys are super dedicated, and I'd love for you to give our people some proper training."
James blurted out, "The people you brought that day? They were so professional, we were no match..."
Staff had already brought their files to me, so I didn't waste words with them. "Report here in half an hour. If you're late, it won't be money that gets deducted. As for what it will be, you can try and find out."
Their faces went pale. They turned to the lobby manager beside them for help, but he shook his head ever so slightly.
Paul quickly took the note from my hand, putting a smile back on his face. "Okay, Ms. Wilson. We'll report there right away. From now on, whatever you need, we'll do our duty."
Fed up with their long-winded talk, I linked arms with Oscar and left. They might be useful later on.
Of course, I was more curious whether their mastermind could still stay calm.
While driving, Oscar asked again, "Can you tell me now?"
"They took Sophia's money to kidnap me. They sold me to Jeffrey." My eyes flashed with coldness.
Oscar pulled over and turned to face me. "Are you certain?"
"I'll never forget their voices."
Of course, I was certain. Blindfolded and terrified, my hearing had become extremely sharp. I thought I'd gradually forgotten over the years, until that day when I heard their voices. I was absolutely sure it was them.
"What are you planning to do now?" Oscar asked seriously.
I answered calmly, "I have other plans. Since I've found them, Sophia should get what's coming to her, too. And..."
My fingers tapped lightly on the car door handle. I said seriously, "Do you really believe they only sold me out that one time? Or do you think they've truly turned over a new leaf?"
"You're saying their current job is just a cover?" Oscar quickly caught on.
I nodded. "Absolutely, more than two people are involved. They must have a complete chain of operations, and these two are just underlings. Since we have suspicions anyway, why not do society a solid? It's the decent thing to do."
Oscar's face showed concern. "I'm afraid the forces behind them won't be easy to cross, so..."
"If you're scared, we can cut ties," I said flatly. Since I'd found leads on my case, there was no need to stay tangled up with him. "We're just pretending to be engaged anyway. Breaking up is no big deal. Nobody owes anybody anything."
Oscar lightly tapped my head with his hand, looking somewhat helpless. "The forces behind them are hard to cross, but after you get your revenge, leave the rest to me. I'll definitely root out the whole chain."
I looked at his face uncertainly. His eyes held gentle determination, his expression serious as he looked at me, making me believe what he was saying was sincere.
"They've been secretly colluding with Solstice's underworld forces for years, and human trafficking is probably just one part of it. Drugs, gambling, prostitution—they usually come as a package." I reminded him that things might not be as simple as we thought. The underground forces could be deeply entrenched, maybe even involving corrupt cops.
Oscar looked confident. "Don't forget, you only stayed there for three years, but I grew up in that environment and took profits from them. Do you think I'd be afraid of this? When it comes to investigating, I'm definitely more convenient than you."
I'd almost forgotten—his past also involved some illegal businesses, just done discreetly, not out in the open. Someone who could rival Michael, how could he be a good guy?
"If that's the case... then let's keep working together. Whatever you need me to do, just tell me directly. Also, I want to know how things progress. Don't hide anything from me." I took the opportunity to make my demands.
Oscar nodded and ruffled my hair messily before continuing to drive. "Got it."
I turned my face away awkwardly, blushing slightly as I warned, "Stop patting my head all the time. It's like petting a dog."
Oscar couldn't help but laugh. "What's going on in that head of yours? This is clearly showing affection, and now you're insulting yourself?"
Seeing his hand coming over again, I slapped it away. "Just drive properly."
Oscar smiled and pulled his hand back. "You really need to stop twisting people's intentions. Should I take you to Lumina Trade Center now?"
I nodded. "Yeah, it opens tomorrow. I need to confirm all the procedures with Bianca one more time."