Chapter 597: Chapter 597: The Trade

Hope Williams mentally calculated for a moment, "Don’t worry, I have enough money for this."

Hope raised her finger to point at a few names of the shareholders, smiling as she spoke to Liam Cloud, "I’ll need to trouble you to investigate all their personal details."

Since I’m planning to purchase their shares, I need to understand them thoroughly to secure the deal more easily.

"Alright."

Over at Waylon Lewis’s side.

The Lewis Clan Group office was enveloped in silence when Thomas Hughes came rushing in.

"Boss..."

"Speak."

"Latest news: The aviation bureau’s confirmed data indicates there’s nothing wrong with the plane; everything is normal. The issue lies with the captain."

Waylon Lewis’s hand, holding a pen to sign documents, paused for a moment. After a brief silence, he asked, "Were the family members found?"

"We’re still searching; it seems they’ve been taken hostage."

"Focus the investigation on Ted Williams."

The ones originally taking that plane back to Emperor Capital were his family of four, meaning the target clearly was them.

"Yes, Boss. Also... sir and madam... we’re still searching for them with all resources available."

Waylon Lewis’s body stiffened slightly, the veins on his hand gripping the pen protruding unconsciously.

"Keep looking, deploy everyone to search."

Thomas Hughes glanced at his Boss, struggling to hold back his emotions, and his own heart clenched painfully. After hesitating briefly, he spoke in a comforting tone, "Boss, as long as we haven’t found any bodies, there’s still hope. Sir and madam are blessed individuals; I believe they’ll overcome this danger."

"Hmm."

At that moment, the oppressive tense atmosphere was interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Waylon Lewis saw the caller ID, answered, and brought the phone to his ear. Hope Williams’s clear voice came through immediately, "Waylon Lewis, how are things on your end?"

Waylon adjusted his emotions, softening his tone as much as possible, "Handling it; I’ll get everything sorted. What about you?"

"Grandma is now out of danger—it’s at least a bit of good luck amidst the misfortune." Hope shared her plan for a large-scale acquisition of shares.

Having heard it, Waylon responded without hesitation, "I support you. Don’t worry about spending money; spend as much as you need. I can hold up."

Hope knew that regardless of her decision, Waylon would always unconditionally support her.

"Is Liam Cloud by your side?"

Hope paused, slightly surprised, "I’ve realized there’s no need for me to tell you; somehow you already know."

"People in the business world aren’t so easy to deal with. Having him by your side puts me at ease. Take care of yourself."

Even though Waylon was good at masking his emotions, Hope could still detect the faint weariness in his voice.

Hope pressed her lips together, "Alright, don’t worry, I’ll keep myself safe. You too—make sure to eat well and rest properly."

"Hmm, I’ll listen to you."

...

Liam Cloud’s investigation speed was always quick, and all the shareholder information was laid out before Hope.

Liam had conducted an in-depth investigation, even uncovering some of the shareholders’ sordid scandals. Hope’s gaze swept through the details one by one, her attention first landing on Chairman Cox, who owned ten percent of the shares.

"Let’s start with him."

Liam lounged lazily on the sofa, then straightened slightly and took a glance. "Alright, I’ll have my people bring him here."

Hope raised her hand quickly, "Wait! No, let’s visit him ourselves."

The two didn’t delay further. Half an hour later:

Royal Court, a high-class entertainment venue, where the clientele were all wealthy and distinguished.

Hope lowered the car window to look outside. Chairman Cox’s profile revealed he indulged privately in gambling and hunting for pleasure. This club turned out to be his usual haunt. Liam’s team had already found that Chairman Cox was inside the Royal Court’s luxury private room, number 666.

Hope and Liam stepped out of the car together. Just as Hope was about to stride forward, Liam grabbed her wrist and pulled her behind him. "Stay behind me."

Hope didn’t argue, letting him lead, as the two entered. The opulent main hall bustled with a variety of guests.

Men in tailored suits, women dressed provocatively with slender and elegant figures. Even the staff were youthful and attractive, all exceptionally good-looking.

Private Room 666—this was the one.

Hope glanced at the room number and was about to knock, but Liam had already pushed the door open to enter.

Inside, multicolored lights gleamed as music blared; the scene was one of revelry and indulgence. Below a massive crystal chandelier, a wide sofa was occupied by young men surrounded by sultry women, enjoying themselves wantonly—a thoroughly decadent sight.

This kind of venue wasn’t Hope’s usual environment; she frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping the dim room until she spotted Chairman Cox lounging amidst his companions on the side of the sofa.

*Click.* A crisp sound. The blaring music was silenced, replaced by bright overhead lighting that washed the room with clarity.

All movements in the room froze, as everyone turned their gaze towards the two visitors.

"Who the hell are you? Looking for trouble?" The one who stood up to confront them, full of irritation, was Eli Cox himself.

Liam stood with his hands in his pockets, his dark brows slightly raised.

Eli Cox rolled up his sleeves and charged at Liam. Hope stepped forward, blocking Liam, her lips slightly pressed into a polite smile. "Apologies, we didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m Hope Williams, shareholder of the Williams Group, are you Chairman Cox?"

As Eli Cox’s eyesight landed on Hope, under the bright lights, her delicate and striking features made his eyes shine instantly. Squinting lecherously, he grinned broadly. "Oh? A beautiful woman too. Yes, that’s me. So, Beauty, you came looking for me?"

Eli Cox drew closer to Hope, the mixed stench of cigarettes, alcohol, and perfume making her wrinkle her brow.

"Beauty, if you’re here for business, let’s have a drink first. After drinking, we can talk." As he spoke, Eli poured a glass of wine, raising his hand to pull Hope closer.

The others in the room began cheering and jeering.

Hope was about to raise her hand to stop him when Liam’s long arm stretched out, pulling her back behind him. The clean scent of his cologne shielded her from the oppressive smell in an instant.

With one swift move, Liam grabbed Eli Cox’s hand tightly and twisted it hard, making him scream in pain.

Cold fury flared in Liam’s eyes, as he glared down at the bent-over Eli with disdain.

"Try looking again, and I’ll gouge out your eyes!"

"Ow, ow! Stop!"

"Liam!" Hope reached out to halt Liam’s hand, shaking her head to signal him not to act rashly.

They were here to negotiate, and it wouldn’t help to injure someone.

Liam glanced at Hope, then reluctantly released Eli.

Eli cradled his injured hand, now furious beyond containment. "Guards!"

Several bodyguards rushed into the room from outside. "These people are causing trouble! Get them out of here and finish him—cripple him! He wanted to gouge out my eyes earlier, so tonight I’ll have his gouged out and soaked in alcohol!"

Hope frowned.

The icy malice flashed through Liam’s eyes while his thin lips curled mockingly.

Hope let out a soft sigh, looking at Eli Cox. "Can’t we talk civilly?"

"Fine, we can talk—if you gouge out his eyes for me first!"

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