Chapter 87: This Woman Must Not Be Left Alive

The atmosphere inside the car was heavy with tension, yet Marcellus remained unusually calm. His gaze lingered on the passing scenery outside the window, his voice low but resolute. "I can't be certain if all five of the men we trust are truly reliable. One of them could be a traitor or a mole. That's why I misled them, sending them to search elsewhere. If they catch the mole, we'll know who's pulling the strings."

Elias frowned, his tone edged with urgency. "What if they don't catch anyone? What if there's no mole at all?"

Marcellus turned to face Elias, his voice steady but sharp with insight. "If that happens, it won't matter. The priority is rescuing Livia. Judging from the car crash site, the kidnappers used a small vehicle. There were no other tire tracks, which means they likely kept their group small to avoid drawing attention. I estimate no more than five to ten people."

He paused, locking eyes with Elias. "The three of us can handle that—unless, of course, you're scared."

Elias's expression darkened as he snapped back instinctively, "Bullshit! I'm only worried that if we're wrong, and Livia's not in any of those places, we'll waste precious time!"

A faint, cold smile appeared on Marcellus's lips. His tone remained composed, even as he replied, "If that's the case, don't worry. The document they're after is with me. I realized from the moment Livia was kidnapped that this either had to be a trap you and Livia set or a plot targeting that document. So, I brought it with me."

Elias froze, a mix of emotions flashing across his face. He hadn't expected Marcellus to prepare for the worst while meticulously planning every step. After a deep breath to steady himself, Elias nodded without further comment.

"Mark, take us to this area." Marcellus picked up a map and pointed to one of three marked locations. Analyzing the roads and terrain, he quickly added, "Take this secrete route."

Behind the wheel, Mark glanced at the map before nodding. He checked the rearview mirror for any signs of being followed, then sharply veered off the main road toward a hidden path leading into dense woods.

"Drive fast. Don't hesitate. This car can handle it. Speed is our only advantage," Marcellus instructed.

For a moment, the car's interior fell silent, save for the crunch of gravel and mud beneath the tires. Watching the trees blur past outside the window, Elias broke the silence. "Are you really sure Livia's there? What if she isn't?"

Marcellus shook his head slightly, his confidence unwavering. "I know Livia. She wouldn't leave a clue without reason. I trust both her and your analysis. That area's layout, based on the expansion plans, is perfect for hiding and controlling movements. The kidnappers wouldn't choose anywhere else. Trust me."

Elias nodded, refraining from further questions. He knew Marcellus wasn't one to act on blind confidence.

Before long, the car emerged from the woods, revealing a cluster of dilapidated buildings silhouetted under the faint moonlight. The eerie outline of an abandoned factory loomed ahead.

"We're here." Marcellus's voice was quiet yet firm as he opened the car door. Once outside, he issued instructions in a low voice. "Turn off all communication devices to minimize detection. Spread out to surround the area, but keep concealed. If anything changes, prioritize Livia's safety."

Turning to Elias, he added, "Remember, if worst comes to worst, we trade the document for her life. But for now, let's see how far they're willing to push us."

Without waiting for a response, Marcellus strode toward the factory ruins with measured yet fearless steps, his aura commanding.

Inside the factory, the dimly lit, damp space reeked of mildew and gasoline. A few exposed lightbulbs cast weak illumination, highlighting peeling walls and a floor coated in dust. The oppressive air was thick with unease.

The kidnappers had locked the factory doors and were busily setting traps around the perimeter. Working quickly but carefully, they arranged old barrels in corners and along passages, pried open their lids, and let the pungent smell of gasoline permeate the room. They concealed the barrels with dry grass and crumpled newspapers, hoping to keep the deadly setup unnoticed.

A towering, broad-shouldered man wiped gasoline from his hands. Standing in the shadowy light, his face was obscured, but his lips curled into a chilling smile. Turning to a wiry accomplice, he murmured, "Once we get the document, light it up. Burn this place to ashes along with the woman. Keeping her alive will only bring us trouble."

The wiry man glanced toward a window where Livia was tied to a chair. Her hands were bound, her mouth gagged, her face pale but filled with defiance. Though she appeared frail, a hint of wariness flickered in his eyes. He replied gravely, "You're right. If she sees or hears too much, our identities could be exposed. Worse, Elias and Marcellus might trace us back to our employer. She can't be left alive."

"What are you worried about?" a shorter, stockier man chimed in, his tone dripping with disdain. "Even if they get a lead, what can they do? Their power is nothing compared to our boss. Besides, do you really think Elias and Marcellus would risk everything for one woman? She's just a pawn."

The broad-shouldered man scoffed, his expression icy. "Maybe, but it's best to cover all our bases. If we can take them out, too, that's ideal. Of course, it'll depend on how things play out."

"Wishful thinking," the wiry man muttered with a bitter smile. "Those two won't be easy to handle. Once the place is torched and the document's in hand, we retreat. That's the plan."

The factory fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves and distant hoots of night birds.

"Stick to your positions and stay alert. Don't let anyone approach," the broad-shouldered man ordered. "Everything's ready here. Once we get the call, we'll lure them into the warehouse, light the fire, and vanish."

Outside, the night wind carried a sharp chill, foretelling the deadly confrontation about to unfold.