Chapter 280

Isabella pondered for a moment, trying to make sense of why Quentin would have installed a camera in the private room. After all, he was there to negotiate with Nathaniel. She thought, 'Wouldn't he be worried about Nathaniel discovering the camera and potentially scuttling the deal?

'Or has Quentin already investigated Nathaniel and suspected he wasn't a straightforward character? Perhaps the surveillance was part of a broader plan, and by sheer coincidence, it had captured evidence of Nathaniel's harassment of me?'

Regardless of Nathaniel's character, the USB was now in her possession, and the decision was hers.

Isabella tightened her grip on the USB and looked at Quentin. "Are you really willing to testify for me?"

Quentin nodded firmly. "Absolutely, anytime."

Isabella tucked the USB away. "I'll think it over."

Despite Nathaniel's harsh words today, he had previously helped Sebastian and was a long-standing shareholder in the Landon Group. Although he had been unpleasant, Isabella felt there was no need to escalate things to the police just yet.

"Alright," Quentin said, moving to the coffee table. He grabbed a notepad and pen, jotted down a number, and handed it to Isabella. "This is my number. Feel free to call me whenever."

Isabella raised an eyebrow at the lack of a business card, finding Quentin's old-fashioned approach endearing. She glanced at the handwritten digits and couldn't help but appreciate the gesture.

"Thanks."

Quentin glanced at his watch and said, "It's almost lunchtime. If you don't have other plans, would you join us for a meal? You saved my mother's life, and we'd like to show our gratitude."

Isabella shook her head. "I have other commitments and wouldn't want to intrude. Mr. Black, since you've bought into the Landon Group, we're likely to cross paths again. Let's save it for next time. When Sebastian returns, we'll host a proper dinner to thank you."

Quentin smiled and didn't press further. "Alright, then. I'll walk you out."

As Isabella and Quentin left the private room, Laura arrived from another part of the café. Seeing Isabella, Laura hurried over, grabbing her and inspecting her closely. "Isabella, are you alright?"

Isabella took in Laura's concerned expression and calmly shook her head. "I'm fine."

"You scared me half to death! I was about to come in and look for you when the server told me you'd already left. I couldn't find you anywhere and was about to call the police!" Laura's voice carried a hint of relief mixed with her anxiety.

Turning to Quentin, Laura paused, looking him over with curiosity. "And who might this be?"

"This is Mr. Black," Isabella introduced briefly, omitting details about Quentin buying the shares from Nathaniel.

Laura didn't press for more information. She exchanged polite pleasantries with Quentin before they all left Blue Horizon Cafe.

Once they were out of sight, Quentin turned back to the private room.

Just as Quentin reached the door, his phone rang.

"Mr. Black, we've got a problem!"

After dealing with Nathaniel, Isabella felt a weight lift from her shoulders. But the unresolved issue of Sweetie brought her anxiety right back.

She thought, 'Emerald Isle City-what kind of place could that be?'

Isabella and Laura had grabbed a quick bite before Laura took a cab back to the Landon Group while Isabella drove home.

As soon as she pulled into the driveway, she noticed a black car parked by the gate and Michael standing next to it, puffing away on a cigarette.

Spotting her car, Michael stubbed out his cigarette and walked over.

Isabella rolled down her window. "Michael, what are you doing here?"

"Richard sent me to pick someone up," Michael replied tersely, glancing at the passenger seat.

Isabella blinked in surprise. "Pick up who?"

Michael raised an eyebrow and reluctantly said, "Nina."

Isabella's heart sank. She recalled the car that had picked up Nina the previous night. "Nina wasn't with Richard? But his people picked her up from here last night."

Michael's smile faltered. "What?"

His reaction confirmed Isabella's worst fears. Panicked, she asked, "If it wasn't Richard's people who took Nina last night, then who was it?"

"Don't know," Michael said, sliding into the back seat of the car as he spoke.

Once he was seated, he turned to Isabella. "Let's head to the surveillance room."

A few minutes later, they were in the surveillance room, reviewing footage from around Sebastian's neighborhood from the previous night. The cameras were high-definition, and as they zoomed in on the faces, Michael pointed out, "That's her!"

Isabella leaned in, anxious. "Who?"

Michael glanced at her briefly. "I have a pretty good idea of who it is. Don't worry, Nina will be fine."

With that, he turned and left the room.

Isabella instructed the security guard to save the footage and send it to her.

As Isabella burst out the door, she saw Michael standing under a tree, talking on the phone.

The call was with Richard, but Isabella couldn't make out what was being said. By the time she reached him, Michael had already hung up.

"What's the situation? Where's Nina?" Isabella demanded.

Michael replied, "I don't have all the details yet, but I've informed Richard. He'll take care of it."

Worried sick about Nina, Isabella didn't even go inside her house. Instead, she got into Michael's car, determined to help him find Nina.

Meanwhile, after ending the call with Michael, Richard grabbed his coat and headed out. He pulled up an old contact he hadn't dialed in ages and made the call.

After a long and impatient wait, the call was automatically disconnected due to no answer.

Richard started his car and dialed again.

As he drove out of the casino, he had dialed the number about a dozen times.

Just when Richard was about to give up on reaching Elodie Black, the call finally connected.

Through the receiver, a sultry voice greeted him with a hint of playful reproach, "Richard, you finally remembered me."

Richard cut straight to the chase, skipping any pleasantries. "Is Nina with you?"

Though phrased as a question, his tone was resolute.

"Elodie!" Richard's voice turned icy, his tone stern. "Don't touch her!"

Elodie paused for a moment, then responded, "I do have an older woman here, but I'm not sure if it's this Nina you're talking about. Richard, I'm at the Starlight Hotel. Come find me."

"Hang tight!" Richard gritted out before abruptly ending the call.

He merged onto the highway, speeding towards the Starlight Hotel.