“Professor Reese, Mr. Simmons would like to discuss the Al–designed drugs project. with you personally. Please come with me to the top floor.” The secretary general had come in person to deliver the message.
Hugo Black looked uneasy. “Professor, I’ll go with you.”
The Al–designed drugs project had been in talks with The Simmons Group for ages. If Eddy hadn’t suddenly changed his mind, a deal would have been struck long ago.
Now that Eddy had allowed The Simmons Group to reopen negotiations with the institute, several days of meetings had hammered out nearly every detail. Today’s meeting was supposed to be just a formality–to sign the contract.
But being summoned to the top floor probably had nothing to do with the project.
“Mr. Simmons requested to see only Professor Reese.” The secretary’s tone sharpened, leaving no room for argument.
Everyone in the conference room turned to look at Fernando.
The institute’s scientists watched with hope in their eyes, eager for the collaboration to succeed.
The business team, on the other hand, was more curious than concerned. Mr. Simmons only intervened if things truly got complicated.
Clearly, Fernando’s summons wasn’t about the project itself.
Fernando didn’t want to let anyone down. He clapped Hugo lightly on the shoulder and, in a voice only the two of them could hear, asked, “Is everything settled on the Silverwood front?”
“Don’t worry, Professor,” Hugo murmured. “I hacked into the dark web, posed as a threat, and scared the detective off. He’s convinced now that Miss Griffiths was kidnapped because his investigation angered some shadowy organization.”
“Good. As long as Laney’s identity stays hidden, nothing else matters.” Fernando reassured Hugo and followed the secretary out.
Yet Hugo’s anxiety only grew. If Eddy meant any harm to Fernando, only Blanche could stop it from spiraling out of control.
Even though the professor had warned him not to disturb Blanche again. Hugo couldn’t help himself–he dialed her number.
21.44
Chapter 140
The call was instantly terminated.
Hugo checked his phone–The Simmons Group’s entire network had been locked
down.
A cold sweat broke out on his brow. “I have to get back to the institute–now.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Black.”
A burly security guard blocked his way. “No one leaves until Professor Reese
returns.”
Unaware of any of this, Fernando followed the secretary into the executive suite.
Blinding sunlight and a gust of wind greeted him as he stepped in. Eddy sat by the window, pouring tea with meticulous care into the empty cup beside him–obviously meant for Fernando.
Another man stood respectfully off to the side.
Fernando took the offered seat.
Suddenly, Eddy spoke. “What have you found out about Professor Reese?”
The detective recognized Fernando immediately, but had no idea why Eddy wanted him to report his findings right in front of the professor. Still, Eddy was paying the bills–he had no choice. “Professor Reese, most of your achievements are all over the internet. But there’s one thing that stands out: for years, the story of you being hunted for your research was a media sensation. Then, almost overnight, every article and mention vanished.”
“Especially from 2017 to 2019. Professor Reese didn’t say a word about those years in any interviews. Even in your autobiography, there’s simply nothing about what you were doing during that time. It’s like you disappeared off the face of the earth.”
Eddy’s gaze bore into Fernando, eyes dark and unreadable.
2017 to 2019. That was exactly when Laney had been studying abroad–only sending a single email each month, impossible to trace no matter how many people Eddy sent to find her. She’d vanished just as completely.
Fernando met Eddy’s eyes–so dark and fathomless that a chill ran down his spine. He’d survive more than his share of close calls, and met plenty of powerful people in his life.
But Eddy–a businessman–had a quiet, overwhelming presence and methods that left no room for underestimation.
hapter 140
Fernando hadn’t expected that, even after Hugo’s attempt to scare the detective off using the dark web, Eddy would still keep digging.
“Professor Reese. Where did you go during those two years?” Eddy asked, his gaze sharp, watching for the slightest reaction.
Fernando shot a look at the detective.
The detective flinched under Fernando’s stare, taking a half–step back, and stammered, “There’s a rumor on the dark web… It’s said there’s a powerful, secret organization that’s been protecting Professor Reese and other high–profile figures. Those two missing years? Word is, Professor Reese was under their protection.”
