C396 On The Other Side

At Willy’s estate, everyone watched the scene unfold live on television. For a moment, nobody said a word. The footage showed the chaotic attack on the road, the gunfire, the smoke, and eventually the moment when the masked men carried the unconscious group into the black vehicle before speeding away. Everyone in the room was shocked. Even Willy. He stared at the television screen, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a smile appeared on his face. “So she really killed Chenfeng,” he said. He leaned back in his chair, almost amused by what he had just witnessed. “This child is very stupid. Does she really think every enemy will underestimate her the way we did?”

He paused, his smile fading slightly. “If the police weren’t after me, I would have done the same thing.” Brian remained silent, watching the footage. Willy continued staring at the television for several seconds before something seemed to occur to him. “Wait.” He frowned. “But why did they kidnap them all?” Brian smiled. He was clearly enjoying the sight of their enemies being taken down. “Boss, if this were us, after finding out that she killed Jack, would you have killed her immediately?” Brian asked. “Or would you have given her a little torture first? Break her a little before finally killing her?” Willy slowly nodded. “I would have done the same thing.” He thought about it for a moment before leaning forward. “Now that she is gone, this is a good chance for us to take control of Lucia Goods.”

He looked toward Brian. “The teams I asked you to organize. Are they ready?” Brian immediately nodded. “Yes, sir. I told them we are going tomorrow.” Willy smiled. “Very good.” Before he could say anything else, there was a knock on the door. A young woman entered the room. “Uncle, I got your message.” It was Charlie. Willy smiled when he saw her. “Yes. Starc got you a job. Go to him and see if you can adapt well.” Charlie’s face immediately brightened. “Thank you, Uncle.” Willy waved his hand dismissively. “Work well. And don't let me down.” Charlie nodded eagerly. “Yes, Uncle.” She turned around and left the room. Willy watched her disappear through the doorway before looking back at Brian. “Yesterday, our shipment arrived safely, correct?” “Yes, Boss.” “Tell the boys I will give them a bonus.” Brian nodded. “Yes, sir.” He turned and left.

Once he was alone, Willy leaned back in his chair. He looked at the television again. “Lucia Goods…” A satisfied smile appeared on his face. “Now it seems easy for you to become mine.” Excited by what he believed was an opportunity that had finally fallen into his hands, Willy returned to his work. He had no idea that the people he believed were gone were already preparing for their return. At Wood IT Company, Bright had barely spoken the entire morning. He sat at his desk, staring at his phone without really seeing it. The events of the morning kept replaying in his mind. Laura was gone. Even though he knew the truth, pretending that she had been kidnapped was harder than he had expected. Every time he remembered her walking away from him that morning, his chest tightened.

After hesitating for a long time, Bright finally stood up. He decided to go to Josh’s office. He walked through the hallway and stopped outside the door. After knocking several times, he heard Josh’s voice. “Come in.” Bright opened the door and stepped inside. “Father-in-law.” Josh looked up from his work. “What is it, Bright?” Bright didn't answer immediately. Instead, he walked toward the desk and placed the envelope Laura had given him in front of Josh. Josh looked down at it. Then he looked back at Bright. Bright slowly said. “She is gone.” Josh froze. The words immediately sent a strange feeling through him. He looked at the envelope again. Something about Bright's expression made his heart sink.

There was only one thought in his mind. Laura. His daughter. He remembered the difficult period she had gone through in the past. He remembered her failed suicide attempt and the fear he had felt when he thought he might lose her. He suddenly stood up. “What do you mean she is gone?” His voice trembled. He quickly picked up the envelope and opened it. Inside was a small letter. Josh unfolded it with shaking hands. He began to read. “Dad, Ever since my mother passed away, you have always taken care of me. Even after I fell in love with your colleague, I knew you never stopped worrying about me. I know you tried your best to give me the best love and to make sure I married someone who would love me and give me the respect I deserve. And yes, Father, you did it. You found Bright for me. You found the Gomez family for me. They treated me as one of their own. I was welcomed with open arms. And yes, I found a husband who loves me, and I love him so much. Father, I am writing this letter because my friends and I have some matters to settle. It is something difficult that I cannot disclose to you. If I am lucky, you will see me again. I never stopped caring about you. I forgave you a long time ago. I hope you will be happy, just as I am. Your daughter, Laura.”

Josh's hands began to tremble. Tears slowly filled his eyes. He lowered the letter and looked at Bright. “What is going on?” His voice cracked. “You said she is gone. But this letter says otherwise.” Bright immediately took out his phone and showed him the breaking news. The video of the kidnapping had already spread throughout social media. Josh stared at the screen. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The footage continued playing. He watched the cars being attacked. He watched the gunfire. Then he saw Laura. She was holding a gun and shooting back at the attackers. Josh's eyes widened. “Laura has a gun?” He looked at Bright in disbelief. “She can shoot?” Bright didn't answer. He couldn't.

The video continued. Then came the smoke. Then the masked men. Then Laura and the others being taken away. Josh froze. “My daughter was kidnapped?” Bright slowly nodded. “Yes.” Josh's breathing became heavier. Bright decided not to tell him the entire truth. “My father is trying to contact the kidnappers to see if they want something in exchange.” Josh's face went pale. His hand suddenly moved to his chest. Bright immediately noticed. “Father!” Josh struggled to breathe normally. His heart ached as the reality of what he was seeing became too much for him. Bright quickly moved closer. “Father, wait. It isn't as you think.” Josh looked at him. “They left because they are dealing with the Harris family. Laura will come back. Don't overthink this.” Josh stared at him for several seconds. “Are you trying to comfort me?” Bright shook his head. “No. Wait. Let me call my father.” Josh remained silent.

Bright took out his phone and called Prince. After a few rings, the call connected. Bright immediately put it on speaker. “Dad, we have a problem.” Prince was on his way to work after the early morning incident. “What is it?” Bright glanced at Josh. “Dad, Laura's father is taking this very badly.” There was a brief silence. Then Prince laughed softly. “We are also taking it badly, but Laura specifically told us to keep this from everyone. So try to distract him.” Bright sighed. “But Father, I am also still trying to accept it.” Prince's voice became more serious. “Bright, you know they went there to train. Don't try to cause unnecessary drama. They will be back after three months.” Bright nodded even though Prince couldn't see him. “Don't worry, Father. I will.” He ended the call.

Bright then looked at Josh. “Father-in-law, what I am about to tell you is a secret.” Josh said nothing. “My wife, the Director, Alicia, and the others planned to disappear for three months. That is why they made the scene. You don't have to worry too much. In three months, they will be back.” Josh looked at Bright. Then at the phone. Then at Laura's letter. He shook his head slowly. “That doesn't seem like something planned.” He pointed toward the phone. “And my daughter has a gun.” Bright nodded. “They all have guns, Father.” Josh stared at him. Bright gave him a reassuring smile. “We will see her in three months. Just keep working and don't worry too much.” Josh slowly sat back down. But despite Bright's words, his heart was still filled with questions. There was something about the entire situation that didn't feel normal.

Back at the Gomez residence, Godness had not forgotten what Laura had asked her to do. She sat at a table with her phone in front of her. After taking a deep breath, she began writing a statement. “To whom it may concern. I am writing this statement overwhelmed with shock and frightened by the unknown circumstances surrounding my daughter-in-law. The Gomez family is still trying to digest what happened. If anyone saw something or knows the whereabouts of my daughter-in-law, please contact me. I am offering a reward of $10,000 to anyone who can assist in finding her. The Gomez family will not comment further at this time as we continue searching for her.” Godness read the statement again. It sounded desperate. Exactly as Laura had wanted. She nodded to herself and posted it on her social media.

Within minutes, the comments began appearing. People expressed shock. Others offered prayers. Some demanded answers from the police. Others shared the kidnapping video. The disappearance of the Lions was becoming a public story. And the more people believed it, the more successful their plan became. At Gupta Military Base I slowly opened my eyes. For several seconds, I had no idea where I was. The strange atmosphere immediately confused me. I tried to move, but my body felt heavy. My head was pounding. I slowly looked around. Everyone was still unconscious. I turned my head. Alicia was lying beside me. She hadn't woken up yet. “Alicia.” I reached over and gently shook her shoulder. “Alicia.” She groaned softly. “Mhhh…”

A few seconds later, her eyes slowly opened. She looked confused at first. Then she looked around. One by one, the others began waking up as well. Nobody spoke. We simply looked at each other. For a moment, none of us knew what to say. Then Laura finally broke the silence. “Was it successful?” I looked at Alicia. Alicia looked at me. Then we looked at the others. Nobody answered. A sudden knock came from the door. Everyone immediately turned toward it. The door opened. Hammer walked inside. He looked at all of us and smiled. “Welcome to the Gupta military base.” I slowly sat up.