Chapter 182
Chapter 182:
Devin’s back snapped straight on instinct. Shakier than he had been during his very first performance review, he described the entire situation from beginning to end. “The kidnapper is still out there, and I’m tracking every police report as it comes in. That is everything, sir p>
Kyson’s eyes never moved to Devin. No words came from him. Sometime during the silence, a pen ended up in his hand, rolling in a slow, absent circle between his fingers.
Experience had taught one lesson early: the enemy in plain sight rarely posed the greatest danger. The true threat came from the quiet ones — those who looked harmless, idle, even kind — and struck when no one thought to brace for it. Kyson fit that shape too well, and within seconds, sweat gathered along Devin’s forehead.
At last, Kyson asked, “Is that everything p>
“Yes.” Devin tried to read meaning from a face that revealed nothing. “Miss Evans’ uncle handled the thirty million ransom. He called it payment for the years he failed her, so I chose not to question him further p>
Kyson paused, then slowly raised his eyes — sharp and unwavering. Rather than dwelling there, he steered the conversation elsewhere. “So you’re telling me you genuinely have no idea who arranged this p>
𝗦𝗵𝗮re y𝗈𝗎r 𝘁𝗵𝗼u𝘨𝗵𝘵𝘴 𝘰n 𝗴𝖺𝗅n𝗼𝗏е𝗅ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗆
“I have no idea p>
“You could find out p>
Devin was stunned — less by the words than by how quickly his boss had arrived at that conclusion. When hesitation flickered across his face, Kyson leaned back in his chair. His posture appeared relaxed, yet his gaze stayed hard and bright. “Since you already started digging, finish the work properly. Otherwise, I’ll replace you with someone who values my time p>
Words rushed to Devin’s throat before he could stop them. “Mr. Blake, I p>
“What p>
“I’ll handle it,” Devin promised under that steady stare. “Give me five days, and I’ll expose whoever planned this p>
Without a second of thought, Kyson replied, “Three p>
“Mr. Blake p>
“Two p>
That single word sealed the matter.
Kyson had never looked closely into Devin’s past, yet the way he worked said everything. His assistant was anything but ordinary. The kidnapper had mapped Kailey’s movements with frightening accuracy and extracted her from the neighborhood with careful precision — every step of the plan showed deliberate preparation. Devin’s rapid response had not been luck. It had been skill.
Kyson reclined and closed his eyes, thoughts of Ryan, Lionel, and Kailey circling through his mind. Something unseen had begun to tighten around the life he had built, and the pressure was growing little by little.
Morning light poured through the window and pulled Kailey from sleep. She raised a hand to block the glare and reached toward the lingering warmth beside her. Another day stood waiting. Kyson’s words echoed in her memory, and she believed them. Everything would settle into place.
“Kailey, are you awake?” Karol spoke from the other side of the door, her voice carrying its usual calm kindness. “I made breakfast. Eat it now, or I can keep it warm until you feel ready p>
It was a workday. She was due at the office.