CHAPTER 666

“Boss’ orders are that no one is allowed to approach except for the man himself,” said Jasper, the leader of Team Nine, who was tasked with protecting Gwendolyn at the villa.

He swiftly moved in, blocking the way of the group and giving Quintrell, the other party’s leader, a cold and stern look.

Cedrick had entrusted Gwendolyn’s safety entirely to Jasper while he was away. Being in such a precarious situation, Jasper had to remain vigilant at all times.

Quintrell, about to touch the door, paused mid-motion and slowly retracted his hand, tucking it into his pocket.

Glancing at the imposing figure in front of him, Quintrell turned to Channing, his displeasure evident on his face. “Mr. Kron, the house rules you have here are quite interesting. How dare a mere watchdog like him act so arrogantly?”

Channing chuckled, dismissing his comment. “Sorry, but my people only follow the rules and don’t really pay attention to who they’re talking to. Besides… You haven’t forgotten what I said earlier, have you?”

The languid expression on Channing’s face faded, and he warned Quintrell, “If your memory is failing you, I won’t mind reminding you whose territory you’re treading upon. I believe that like me, Mr. Wendell won’t like those who don’t follow the rules, especially disobedient watchdogs.”

The atmosphere grew cold.

Quintrell’s plan to breach the room was busted. His gaze gradually sharpened in frustration behind his sunglasses, and his fist clenched within the recesses of his pocket.

Unyielding, Jasper held his ground, blocking their path. Meanwhile, Channing subtly exerted pressure from the side, effectively thwarting any of the opponent’s attempts to advance.

Aware of the true purpose behind his visit, Quintrell had no choice but to alter his strategy.

A sudden smile adorned his countenance as he put on a facade of humility. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Kron. I too am here to fulfill Mr. Wendell’s task. If I’ve offended you in any manner, please find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Channing, consumed by his concern for Gwendolyn’s safety, had no time to engage in a heated argument.

Thoughts of Cedrick’s foreboding warning echoed in his mind, sending shivers down his spine.

With haste, he waved his hand dismissively. “Well, you’ve already laid eyes upon her, and she’s indeed Cedrick’s wife. Being acquainted with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s methods, you should understand that no harm can come to her while she’s under my control. Kidnapping her is just for the sake of getting what I want. Go back and tell Mr. Wendell to come here personally if he wishes to collaborate with me, and he should dismiss any other inappropriate notions from his mind.”

Channing swiftly dismissed them. Quintrell, being a bodyguard under Mr. Wendell’s employment, was left with no choice but to leave.

“I shall convey your message to him. Please accept my apologies for the disturbance.”

He nodded respectfully, pivoting on his heels to depart the basement.

The group walked through the hallway and out into the spacious courtyard.

As they reached the entrance, the leading bodyguard suddenly stopped and turned his head ever so slightly, seemingly sensing something nearby.

After a few seconds, he resumed his stride and departed.

Deep within the dense forest, concealed like dormant beasts amidst the shadows, several black SUVs which were emblazoned with the insignia of the Federal Bureau of Investigation lay in wait.

Cedrick’s dark eyes remained fixated on the unfolding situation. His face was barely illuminated by the ethereal glow of the moonlight, which reflected the chiseled contours of his jawline.

In a chilling tone, he issued an abrupt command. “Investigate them, especially the one who led the way. He’s suspicious.”

His voice carried a weighty seriousness that was clearly different from his usual tone. Neville responded with caution, “Boss, I don’t think so. These individuals are crafty and unlikely to expose themselves so readily. Moreover, there are only two or three of them. I believe that those individuals were sent by the other party to merely test the waters.”

Cedrick’s gaze deepened as he said flatly, “Do as I say.”

For reasons unbeknownst even to himself, despite their remote position and obscured view, he felt an uncanny familiarity emanating from the enigmatic leader of the bodyguards.

His tone carried no blame, yet his aura exuded such a commanding presence that Neville couldn’t help but yield. He closed his mouth and silently arranged for his subordinates to carry out the order.

Swain piped up, “Boss, those people don’t seem friendly. Judging by Channing’s attitude toward them earlier, they definitely are up to something, and my intuition tells me it might be related to Mrs. Jenson. What if Channing…”

His worry was evident, but he hesitated and didn’t dare to continue.

Cedrick’s countenance grew as cold as ice, and his voice gradually lowered as he said, “Let’s wait for Jasper’s report.”

He sneered coldly and continued, “Even if Channing harbors such thoughts, he doesn’t have the capability yet. Moreover, I trust Gwenny. She should be able to protect herself.”

In the serene forest, the air hung damp and cold. This is from .

Several off-road vehicles stood parked in an open expanse. They were manned by a cadre of bodyguards who were all clad in black suits, their presence an embodiment of silent vigilance.

As they beheld a figure approaching, they bowed in unison and spoke simultaneously in reverence. “Mr. Wendell.”

The man at the forefront removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes that were deep and captivating. A sculpted nose graced his countenance, and his features were as sharp as a finely-honed blade.

Deep within the dimly lit basement of the villa, an atmosphere of gloom and dampness hung in the air.

Following Quintrell and his group’s departure, Jasper and Channing returned to the confines of the basement. Jasper’s lingering tension only began to dissipate upon laying eyes on Gwendolyn.

Hastily, he approached her, carefully untying the tightly bound ropes that had restrained her. His voice resonated with genuine concern. “Are you all right?”

The ropes were meticulously tied, following a methodical technique commonly employed by criminal organizations. These knots were designed to be secure and not easily undone by an average person. However, in the skilled hands of Jasper, they were nothing to him.

The binding had been in place for some time, leaving faint red marks on Gwendolyn’s fair and delicate skin.

A soft hiss escaped Gwendolyn’s lips, prompting Jasper to exercise even greater care and tenderness in his movements.

Channing rushed over and was left speechless when he saw the situation. Beads of sweat raced down his forehead. “U-Uh, Mrs. Jenson…”

Before leaving, Cedrick had made it clear that not a single hair of Gwendolyn’s should be harmed. Who would have thought that his subordinates would tie her up with such force? If Cedrick found out about this, it would be disastrous!

In a panic, he ordered his subordinates to bring the medical kit. Even if there were just a few slight red marks, they needed to be treated and erased.

Jasper shot Channing a piercing glare and said, “Mr. Kron, although Mrs. Jenson willingly took risks by staying in this den of yours as bait, those people suddenly arrived and demanded verification in the dead of night. It not only disturbed her sleep but also—”

Channing was already at a loss. On hearing this, he became even more flustered. Hanging his head low, he searched for an excuse.

“Jasper,” Gwendolyn interjected, her voice clear. “These slight marks won’t cause me any harm. They will fade by tomorrow morning. It was my request for the bodyguards to tie the ropes tighter so the other party wouldn’t easily notice that something was up. Besides, there’s no need to inform Cedrick about this trivial matter.”

Her command brooked no dissent, and despite Jasper’s desire to warn Channing further, he had no choice but to remain silent.

Channing took advantage of the situation to say, “Mrs. Jenson, you truly are a heroine among women, just like my wife. If you were to be reincarnated as a man, you would surely not be inferior to any of us!”

He raised his thumb in admiration.

Gwendolyn paid no attention to his extravagant flattery. In a flat tone, she said, “Although we are in a passive position, they willingly approached us for collaboration. We cannot sit idly by, nor can we allow them to manipulate us. When you negotiate with them, you mustn’t adopt a submissive manner. Find a way to reclaim the upper hand.”

Channing chuckled nervously and nodded repeatedly, agreeing with her words.

“Mrs. Jenson, please go upstairs and rest now. I’ll quickly send a doctor to treat your wounds and check for any other injuries. Your well-being is of utmost importance. If any further mishaps occur, I won’t be able to explain things when Mr. Jenson arrives.”

After all, Cedrick was famously obsessed with protecting his wife. If he were to discover the red marks on her wrists, he would probably want to eliminate them all overnight.

However, Gwendolyn stood up, and before Channing could protest, she grabbed a handful of dirt from the corner of the wall and smeared it on the small bed in the basement. She also rubbed some on her legs and arms.

Channing’s jaw nearly dropped at the sight of her sudden actions.

Jasper was also shocked. “M-Mrs. Jenson…”

Gwendolyn remained calm. Smiling lightly, she said in a clear voice, “Do you recall what Quintrell said? Even though I’ve been held captive here, I looked clean and completely unharmed. Quintrell may have believed that you wouldn’t dare harm me, but his boss behind him might not be convinced.”

She continued, “When he comes back in a few days, it will raise even more suspicion if I remain unscathed. In the art of performance, one must fully immerse oneself. So, I’ll remain here for a few days, maintaining the charade and ensuring they don’t detect any inconsistencies.”

Channing grew increasingly anxious. “This is not feasible! The basement is stuffy and damp, and Mr. Jenson won’t spare me if he knows I left you here!”

Gwendolyn furrowed her delicate brows, finding Channing to be quite troublesome.

Channing, intimidated by her unwavering gaze, was about to leave and send a message to Cedrick when she took a step forward, blocking his path.

“Channing, even if Cedrick were here, he would respect my decisions. You always question my choices. It wouldn’t be wise for you to go back and report everything to him, would it?”

Her tone was calm and considerate, but the hand that was gripping his shoulder exerted a subtle pressure.

Channing winced in pain.

The strength of her grip was on par with the ferocity of his own wife’s grip. He couldn’t help but think their ferocity was comparable.