Chapter 86: Director Carey

When Hebrai strode into Henry's office, the latter was momentarily stunned. There was something familiar about this man's face. After a brief pause, recognition dawned—his expression shifted from arrogance to reverent fear, and all traces of his former bravado vanished. In a trembling voice, he asked, "Mr. Hebrai... what brings you here?"

Hebrai took a drag from his cigar and sat unceremoniously on the sofa. "Why am I here? I feared if I delayed another day, my son might not be alive."

Henry forced a sycophantic smile. "If there's anything I can assist with, you need only call. I'll do everything in my power to help—whatever it takes. Now, please tell me: what trouble has the young master encountered?"

Hebrai flicked the ash from his cigar and said coldly, "He's been imprisoned, hasn't he?"

Henry's face twisted into a mask of righteous fury. "Who would dare? Such audacity! They must have a death wish to detain your son!"

Kaili couldn't help but scoff at Henry's exaggerated performance.

He turned to her, his pride wounded. "Miss Kaili, are you mocking me?"

She nodded slightly, her tone tinged with amusement. "Indeed. Do you really not know who's been holding my brother?"

"Your brother? What does he have to do with Mr. Hebrai's son?" Henry asked, his voice faltering as an ominous realization crept in.

Hebrai gave a cold snort. "With intelligence like yours, it's laughable you ever became director of the Second Bureau. My son's name is Carey. Does that clarify things?"

The very outcome Henry feared had come to pass. He had suspected Kaili's guest had come regarding Carey—but never imagined it was his father. And not just any father—Hebrai, the second-largest shareholder of the Brum Corporation. Henry stared at Hebrai's scornful expression—one not feigned, but bred of true power, wealth, and influence.

Sweat broke out on Henry's forehead. "Forgive me—I truly didn't know Carey was your son!"

"Well, now you do. Do you also know what you must do?"

Henry nodded quickly. "Yes, I do—I'll have him released at once!"

"There's no need to delegate. You will fetch him. Personally." Hebrai's words were absolute—a command, not a request.

Henry rushed out toward the holding cells. Of course, he was well aware of who Hebrai was—second only to the Brum Corporation's CEO, a man one could not afford to offend. The four great consortia were bound by deep ties; crossing one meant consequences from all.

Kaili, watching Henry flee like a rabbit from a hawk, giggled and said to her uncle, "You know he gave me quite a hard time—you can't let him off that easily. You've always spoiled me, remember?"

Hebrai smiled, cigar glowing. "Rest assured—anyone who bullies my daughter shall be thoroughly repaid. I'll deal with Henry slowly… until you're satisfied."

Kaili leaned into him with a grin. "I knew you'd always be on my side."

Not long after, Carey appeared, dressed in a sharp suit. Upon seeing Hebrai, his expression brightened with joy and astonishment. He had guessed who had orchestrated his release—but seeing his father in person still surprised him.

"I'm sorry, Father," Carey said. "You're so busy, and yet you had to come resolve my mess yourself."

Hebrai gave a cold chuckle. "You're my son. How could I not come? But you truly brought shame upon our family—how could you allow yourself to be captured?"

"I'm sorry, Father. I was careless. It won't happen again."

"Oh? You dare promise me that?" Hebrai narrowed his eyes. "Then tell me—what will you do next time?"

Carey's gaze turned cold as steel. "I'll kill them."

Hebrai nodded in approval. "Much better. Now, where is Henry?"

Carey frowned. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen him."

"What? I told him to release you personally."

"I swear—I never laid eyes on him," Carey said with grave seriousness.

Kaili thought for a moment. "He probably ran away. He knew he couldn't afford to offend you, Uncle."

Hebrai nodded. "Likely so. Very well—the position of director for the Second Bureau shall go to you, Kaili. I'll inform the higher-ups. After all, you're my brother's daughter—not even the Alliance's elders will object."

Kaili quickly waved her hands. "No, I'm not suited for it! I don't know the rules, and I have no desire to learn them. Please don't make me do it."

Hebrai turned to Carey. "Since Kaili refuses, what about you? Would you take on the role?"

Carey hesitated. "Father…"

"Stop dithering. Just answer me—yes or no? If you want the position, I'll have it arranged immediately. If not, say so now."

Carey smiled. "I won't let you down again, Father."

"Good. I'll hold you to that. Now, I must take my leave."

"Can't you stay a little longer, Uncle?" Kaili asked.

"My plane's waiting, and I've much to do. I won't be able to linger. What are your plans, Kaili? Staying here in Blackwhale City?"

She shook her head. "I'm going to hunt down two bastards. One of them is that scoundrel Xiao Feng. He just left me behind and vanished—when I find him, he's going to pay!"

"Very well. If anything happens, call me. I'll take care of it for you—my dear daughter."

With that, Hebrai departed.