Chapter 53: Mick’s Scheming
The Caden Family protected this young master too well. Although they ensured his absolute safety, they limited his freedom.
So… “Did you sneak out?” Kayla raised an eyebrow at him.
Clifton lowered his head and whispered, “I… I didn’t sneak out… I brought money…”
Kayla’s mouth twitched.
She sighed, “You’ve been out for so long. Your family must be worried. Let me take you home, okay?”
“I…” Clifton glanced at Kayla, then lowered his head, remaining silent.
His expression and actions clearly conveyed: I, won’t, go, home!
Although Kayla didn’t want to get involved with the Caden Family, as a police officer, she had the responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens.
Kayla extended her hand, “Give me your phone. Even if you don’t want to go back, at least let me inform your father that you’re with me. Otherwise, he’ll surely be worried.”
Clifton looked puzzled, his delicate eyes fixed on Kayla. “What’s that?”
“…,” Kayla took a deep breath. “Do you know your father’s or Brady’s phone number?”
“No.” Clifton’s answer was straightforward.
Kayla felt helpless and had to think of another way to contact the Caden Family.
Viola seemed to be acquainted with Brady, so she could probably help.
…
Viola’s fried tofu stall was bustling with business. Besides the delicious food, her good looks were also a significant draw.
Clifton had never seen so many people before. Nervously, he clutched Kayla’s sleeve, hiding behind her.
Leading Clifton, Kayla approached the stall and waved, “Viola!”
Viola looked up, and when she saw Clifton standing next to Kayla, the tofu she was holding fell right back into the pot.
“Hiss-” The hot oil splashed onto Viola’s hand, the pain bringing her back to her senses.
Viola fished out the tofu, packed it in a box, and handed it to a customer. “We’re sold out for today, folks. Please disperse.”
Ignoring the customers’ complaints, Viola walked over and frowned slightly at Clifton, “Clifton?”
“Hmm?” Clifton reflexively raised his head when someone called his name.
Seeing Viola’s beautiful eyes staring at him, he grew frightened and clung tighter to Kayla’s sleeve, stammering, “I… I don’t know you.”
Kayla pointed to Viola, “She’s Viola, my friend.”
“… Oh.” Clifton replied, but he still held onto her sleeve tightly.
“What’s going on? How did you end up with him?” Viola asked Kayla, puzzled.
Kayla raised an eyebrow at Viola. “I was on patrol and found him getting robbed. This guy sneaked out from home and doesn’t want to go back. I need to contact his family to prevent a bigger issue.”
“Why involve me?”
Kayla replied bluntly, “I need Brady’s contact information. Clifton doesn’t know anything.”
When Viola heard Brady’s name, her expression turned as cold as ever. “Do you really think it’s a coincidence he got robbed and you happened to be there? Keeping him around might be a trap.”
Kayla raised an eyebrow, “So, hurry up and give me Brady’s number. If I don’t get him back soon, rumors about us might start spreading.”
Viola usually avoided mentioning Brady, but hearing Kayla’s urgency, she fell silent for a moment, then wrote a number on Kayla’s hand.
“Thanks.” Kayla didn’t question why Viola had Brady’s number memorized or their relationship.
In this matter, they had a mutual understanding: Kayla wouldn’t ask, and Viola wouldn’t say.
Soon, Kayla drove to Taihee Group’s headquarters.
Taihee Group was a major conglomerate in the Estrica region. Though headquartered elsewhere, they had set up a branch in Seatowne due to their recent focus on mineral and offshore oil development.
To attract this significant client, Jack not only allocated a prime piece of land for the group’s building but also exempted them from various local taxes. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Taihee Group, with its substantial resources, didn’t participate in the Goldenshore Group-centric international financial conference, clearly indicating a strained relationship between the two groups.
Kayla, unaware of the corporate rivalries, just found the towering building impressive. She turned to the innocent-looking Clifton, “Have you been here before?”
Clifton looked around and shook his head, “No.”
Alright then, you don’t even recognize your own family’s property…
Leading Clifton up the steps, Kayla attracted quite a few stares.
After all, a policewoman accompanied by a… beautiful man was indeed an unusual sight.
“Miss, please stop!” The security personnel blocked Kayla. “Officer, who are you here to see?”
“I’m here to see Brady,” Kayla replied straightforwardly.
“Mr. Kwon?” The security guard smiled formally. “Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes, I do. Is he in?” Kayla asked, smiling.
“He is, but I need your name to confirm,” the guard replied.
Upon hearing this, Kayla smiled. “Actually, I don’t have an appointment. I just wanted to know if he’s in.”
The guard’s expression changed immediately-he realized he had been tricked.
Kayla took out her phone and dialed the number written on her hand.
Soon, a man’s calm, low voice came through. “Hello, this is Brady.”
“Mr. Kwon, this is Kayla,” she said with a proper, bright smile. “I’m right outside your office. If convenient, I’d like to meet with you.”
“I…”
“I know you’re in the office,” Kayla interrupted Brady. “Of course, you can choose not to meet me. But I’ll have to leave this gentleman with your security team. With so many witnesses, whatever happens to him won’t be my responsibility, right?”
Kayla’s smile widened. “But if I leave him with security, I’ll have to reveal his identity…”
“… I’ll have someone bring you up.” Brady’s response was swift and measured.
“Thank you.” Kayla hung up, her lowered lashes hiding the sharp glint in her eyes. The public only knew that Clifton had some cognitive issues; very few knew his appearance. If his identity were exposed, the Caden Family would definitely intervene.
Bringing Clifton here was to gain the upper hand. Being passive wasn’t her style.
Soon, a woman in professional attire came to escort Kayla. Seeing Clifton, she immediately bowed respectfully.
Clifton, confused, clung to Kayla when the stranger approached.
“Don’t be scared. She won’t hurt you,” Kayla guessed the woman knew Clifton’s identity.
Kayla was right. The woman was one of the few aware of Clifton’s identity. She merely bowed and spoke to Kayla, “Miss Green, please follow me.”
Taihee Group’s building had forty-six floors, with increasing authority on higher floors.
The top floor housed the chairman’s office, while the floor below was Brady’s domain.
As an assistant with an entire floor to himself, Brady wielded considerable power within Taihee Group.
The private elevator stopped at the forty-fifth floor. The woman exited, respectfully guiding the way.
At the entrance of the reception room, Brady greeted Kayla and Clifton, quickly approaching. “Young master.”
“Brady…” Clifton’s voice was soft, “I… I didn’t mean to…”
“It’s alright, as long as you’re safe,” Brady reassured him gently. “I’ve informed your father. Next time, if you want to go out, tell me, and I’ll arrange someone to accompany you. Don’t sneak out again.”
“… Okay.” Clifton replied softly, like a child who had made a mistake.
Brady then turned to the uniformed Kayla, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
No one wore a police uniform as stunningly as Kayla. Her delicate features and upright posture made her a striking figure.
Brady smiled and nodded slightly at Kayla, “Kayla.”
“Please call me Miss Green.” Kayla instinctively distrusted cunning individuals like Brady and Jack. However, Jack was Ethaniel’s friend, so her wariness was less pronounced.
Brady smiled and complied, “Miss Green, thank you for bringing Clifton back.”
“You’re welcome. It’s my duty. But you should improve your security.” Kayla’s smile had a hint of sarcasm.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“… Yes, of course,” Brady nodded repeatedly.
“I’ll leave Clifton with you now. I have other matters to attend to.” Kayla prepared to leave.
“Kayla!” Hearing that she was about to leave, Clifton immediately reached out and grabbed her.
Kayla could have avoided him, but Brady also stopped her, “Miss Green, please wait.”
Kayla halted, her tone impatient, “Mr. Kwon, is there something else?”
Brady retracted his arm and smiled elegantly, “I just wanted to invite you to a meal to express my gratitude.”
“Thanks, but I have things to do and no time for a meal.” Kayla had to deliver food to the little devil, Oliver.
“What about tonight?” Brady persisted.
“Nope, not tonight either. Maybe some other time,” Kayla firmly declined.
“Alright, I have another important guest arriving soon,” Brady glanced at his watch and smiled, “Since Miss Green is busy, let’s leave it for another time.”
“…,” Kayla felt uneasy at his smile, a chill running down her spine.