Chapter 86: Locating the Kidnapper’s Hideout!

"I won't hurt her, of course. But what's this? Hesitating? What's wrong? Don't want to hand it over? Seems like you don't care much about this beauty after all. Makes sense—people like you can replace someone like her in the blink of an eye."

The sneering voice from the phone carried an air of mockery. Marcellus's face remained stoic, but a glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. Though he maintained his composure, the words stirred a ripple in his heart.

Alia, who had mentally braced herself for everything, couldn't help but feel a pang of pain upon hearing this. She knew the kidnapper was trying to sow discord, but those cold words still left an impact. She forced herself to suppress all conflicting emotions, focusing on finding an opportunity to escape.

At that moment, Marcellus, signaling subtly to Elias, maintained his calm tone. "Fine, I'll give it to you. Knowing about such confidential documents couldn't have been easy. But these files aren't with me right now—they're at my house. I'll need to go back and get them. Besides, you're asking for an entire bundle of files. How do you propose we hand them over?"

"Good." The kidnapper seemed satisfied with his answer and replied coldly, "It only takes forty minutes to get from where you are to your house. I'll give you forty minutes. Once you have the files, I'll call you with the next steps."

With that, the call ended abruptly, leaving no room for negotiation.

Marcellus held the phone, silent for a few seconds. The kidnapper's abrupt hang-up was clearly an attempt to deny him time to devise a counter-strategy, aiming to maintain control and force him to act according to their plan. He looked up at Elias, who was frowning deeply. The forty-minute deadline left them no time to craft an alternative plan.

"We need to get to your house immediately," Elias said urgently. "No matter what, let's prepare a Plan B. If worse comes to worst, we'll hand over the files to save Livia. But what exactly are those files?"

Marcellus didn't respond immediately. Instead, he calmly gestured for Elias to follow him toward the car. His measured pace exuded composure, as though he were unaffected by the kidnapper's threats. This demeanor was as much to reassure Elias as it was to prevent any hidden informants nearby from detecting their intentions.

Seeing Marcellus's reaction, Elias realized his brother was already formulating a plan. Lowering his voice, Elias said, "Based on the information Livia shared earlier, the kidnappers are likely hiding in one of three wooded areas near an old factory by a water source. However, I can't pinpoint which one. If we send people to search each location, we risk alerting their informants to the fact that we've narrowed down the area."

Elias unfolded the map slightly, shielding it with his body as he pointed out the three locations to Marcellus.

After studying the map and Elias's explanation, Marcellus nodded slightly. After a brief moment of thought, he said, "I know which one it is. Don't forget, I spearheaded the city's expansion plan. Over the years, I've personally overseen every piece of infrastructure. I'm familiar with these sites. Follow me—I'll take you there."

Reaching the car, Marcellus immediately contacted his chief bodyguard and butler, Mark, along with two of his most trusted men. Meanwhile, Elias summoned three of his most reliable allies.

"These three are my closest friends. They would never betray me or side with another faction," Elias assured Marcellus.

Marcellus nodded, quickly outlining his plan. Turning to one of his men, he instructed, "Peter, you'll team up with Elias's men. Each of you will lead a small team to scout the locations nearby, but do not act recklessly. Your task is not to confront the kidnappers but to monitor your team members closely. If anyone shows suspicious behavior or attempts to act independently, detain them immediately. You don't need any justification—just notify me directly. There is a traitor here."

He paused, his gaze sharp as he looked over everyone. His voice carried a chilling edge as he added, "Our enemies are not just the kidnappers but also the moles hiding within our ranks. Their goal is the documents, while ours is to rescue Livia. Remember, any slip could be fatal. Your primary mission is to expose the traitor."

Everyone nodded resolutely, determination evident in their eyes.

"I need to head back home now," Marcellus said, swiftly getting into the car. Mark started the engine, the headlights flashing briefly in the dimly lit street before the vehicle sped toward the castle.

Inside the car, Elias turned to Marcellus and asked quietly, "Do you really know the kidnappers' exact location?"

Marcellus stared ahead, his expression cold and resolute. His voice was low but firm. "Of course I do. I designed the expansion plan, I know everything about the city. Based on your analysis, their hideout can't escape my notice."

Elias hesitated before suggesting, "Should we split up—one group goes to your house to get the files while another heads to rescue Livia? It's always good to have a backup plan."

"No. I know where they are. We'll go straight to rescue her. I also know a shortcut that will get us there faster. Sending someone else could expose us or take too long."

"Then why did you…" Elias started to ask, puzzled.