As soon as Curtis stood in the hallway for barely a minute, a group of people in distinctive uniforms started approaching him from the other end.


    Curtis frowned, his fingers tensing slightly in his trouser pocket.


    When the group got closer, the man leading them looked at Curtis with an even sterner and more rigid expression, "Where is she?"


    "Isn''t this approach a bit much?" Curtis scanned the six elite guards behind the man, his face impassive.


    "For the safety of James''s friend, this is just standard procedure. Once this is over, she will naturally be released," the leader said, his voice as mechanical and cold as a robot.


    "Her safety isn''t your responsibility," Curtis muttered, pressing his lips together.


    From the moment the IP address was located, he had anticipated something like this happening.


    He had thought it was just a simple online issue but hadn''t expected it to escte. If he''d known, he definitely wouldn''t have called James to ask Ms. Mirabe to


    "Mr. Yang, this is an order from above. Please, let James''s friende out," the man''s tone wasn''t hostile, but it wasn''t friendly either. He tilted his head slightly, signaling his subordinates with a look.


    Upon receiving themand, the subordinates stepped forward, forming a tight circle around Curtis, while another headed towards the restroom.


    "Carter, I advise you not to mess with James''s people," Curtis red at those surrounding him. Five men, really?


    A small smile appeared on Carter''s face as he replied in a strictly professional tone, "How can this be considered messing? James''s friend is now involved in confidential matters. Mr. Yang, you know this concerns national security. Not to mention James, even if Sam were here, we''d treat them the same, especially since I''m following orders from above."


    Curtis''s expression darkened. He knew full well that Ms. Mirabe was brought by James, yet they still proceeded. Truly relentless.


    After using the restroom, Mirabe stepped out to see a person in special military attire standing by the door. Her eyes narrowed slightly, then she walked out calmly.


    The man paused for a second upon seeing Mirabe, "Are you James''s friend?" They didn''t know Mirabe''s name, only that Mr. Curtis had brought her here.


    "Oh, no," Mirabe replied indifferently.


    Denial was her response.


    The man frowned, noticing she wasn''t wearing an ID badge, which was mandatory for all internal staff here. It was clear she was deliberately denying it.


    Immediately, he said, "Pleasee with us." He gestured politely.


    "Who are you with?" Mirabe didn''t resist; instead, she asked calmly as she walked forward, showing no signs of fear.


    The man just nced at Mirabe, slightly surprised, but he didn''t answer since it wasn''t his ce to say.


    Seeing that he wouldn''t respond, Mirabe didn''t press further. Turning the corner into the hallway, she saw Curtis encircled from afar, apparently in the midst of a conflict and about to make a move.


    Approaching, Mirabe called out to Curtis. His expression softened slightly at her voice. He looked at Mirabe with a hint of guilt in his eyes and lowered his raised hand.


    After a pause, he said, "They''re officers from the security department," Curtis exined briefly.