<h4>Chapter 405: Eric’s Predicament</h4>


    Luke hated wasting time more than anything, yet for E, he had already spent an amount of time that made his chest ache with regret.


    Time that could have been used to close several major business deals or clear countless files now felt squandered.


    E cast a nce at him, her lips curling into a cold smile. "I never asked you to wait here. Rx, I’m not about to drop dead. Besides... under the mighty protection of your Anderson family, what could possibly happen to me?"


    Her words made Luke frown. "You may not agree with Father’s decision, but let me be clear—I don’t like you either, and I’ll never marry you."


    E watched as the waiter finished pushing the lunch cart into her room. Once he exited, she mmed the door shut with a resounding *bang*, cutting Luke and his stormy expression offpletely.


    Luke stood frozen, trembling with anger. "I’ve never met a woman this rude! Marry her? My wife will *always* be an elegant, refined heiress from a proper family!"


    Yet even as he spoke, a bitter irony gnawed at him. He’d been through countless arranged dates with wealthy women, most handpicked by Lucas from Country S.


    Many of these women were beautiful, graceful, and pure in reputation—perfect on paper. Yet, none of them had ever caught his eye.


    The two bodyguards exchanged a wary look as they watched Luke storm off. A silent unease brewed between them.


    After all, Eric was still missing, and he was their true benefactor. If something happened to him, where would their loyalty lead them next?


    ...


    While E ate her lunch, John called with an update. The maid they suspected wouldn’t leave Leonard’s estate until after 10 p.m., meaning they couldn’t make contact until then.


    E’s anxiety red. Every second was precious, and waiting untilte evening meant another day before they might get news about Eric.


    "No matter what, station more people around Leonard’s estate. If anything..." E took a deep breath. She was clinging to hope, even though no miracle had yet delivered Eric back to her.


    Leonard wasn’t a fool, after all.


    But what if something unexpected happened?


    "Don’t worry, Sister-inw," John replied. "We’ve already prepared for that. Luckily, there’s a farm near Leonard’s property—perfect for keeping our people hidden."


    E’s heart remained heavy.


    ...


    Meanwhile, on the ninth floor of the Vienna Hotel.


    Luke was dining slowly, his father Lucas sitting calmly beside him. Lucas’s serene expression suggested nothing out of the ordinary had urred.


    "Father," Luke finally broke the silence, "do you think E’s n to flush them out will work?"


    Lucas chuckled softly. "You’re clever enough to figure that out on your own."


    Luke nodded thoughtfully. "Leonard is a sharp man. He’ll likely hand Eric over to his eldest brother to distance himself."


    "Exactly. E is quite clever herself, and Leonard has realized she’s seen through him. Any man who studies Country S culture in depth isn’t simple. But their side isn’t foolish either. If they n to move Eric, they’ll take every precaution. It won’t be easy for E to make a move."


    Lucas spoke slowly and deliberately.


    "Father, aren’t you worried something might happen to Eric?" Luke asked, his confusion evident. After all, E was Lucas’s only daughter. Luke had assumed their prior arguments were just Lucas being stubborn, and that he would ultimately side with her.


    But to Luke’s surprise, Lucas had refrained from interfering entirely.


    Lucas smiled calmly, his wisdom andposure settling something inexplicable within Luke.


    "If Eric isn’t capable of protecting himself, he doesn’t deserve E," Lucas said, his tone mild but firm.


    Luke froze, taken aback.


    His thoughts unexpectedly turned inward. What about me? Raised under Lucas’s rigorous training, was he capable? Did he deserve someone like E?


    The thought irritated him. Why am I even thinking this?


    "E’s been in a bad mood these past few days," Lucas said with a sigh. "Make sure someone keeps an eye on her. I’m worried she might lose control of her emotions."


    "Understood, I’ll take care of it," Luke replied, hesitating before adding, "But... Father, if something really happens to Eric, aren’t you worried she’ll end up like you—alone for life?"


    Lucas frowned, clearly displeased. "What kind of bad omen are you spouting now?"


    Luke lowered his gaze. "I was just specting, that’s all."


    "There are very few people in this world who would stay single for life because they lost or were separated from a lover," Lucas said calmly. "I’m not truly abstinent for Isabe’s sake. It’s just that I’ve never met anyone who moved me the way she did. That’s why I’ve stayed single. But if E were to face such a situation, I’d make sure she slowly forgets him. Women’s hearts are fickle, Luke. If you don’t understand that, spend some time studying women."


    Lucas’s tone was light, almost dismissive.


    In his view, a woman’s feelings were easily swayed. If a woman had a long-term rtionship with another man, there was a 99% chance she’d move on eventually. Whether or not E would, Lucas couldn’t say for sure, but he held onto the hope that she might. After all, if Eric were out of the picture, there was always Luke, his exceptional adoptive son.


    While they discussed Eric’s fate, and while E, John, David, and others were consumed with worry, at Leonard’s estate, deep in the basement, Eric had his own battle to fight.


    ...


    Leonard’s Vi.


    Basement.


    Eric sat slouched in a corner, listlessly ying a handheld console brought to him by a maid. His eyes were bloodshot, evidence of sleepless nights.


    In this ce, Eric couldn’t afford to let his guard down for even a second. If he did, who knew what that overly flirtatious maid might try to do while he was asleep?


    Over the past few days, Leonard himself hade down multiple times to persuade Eric to join the Miller family, promising an alliance to take down both the Anderson and Scott families.


    As E’s husband and Lucas’s son-inw, Eric would naturally inherit Anderson’s fortune if Lucas were gone. The lure of power and wealth wasid bare before him.


    Eric, however, neither refused outright nor agreed. Instead, he kept his answer vague, saying he needed time to consider.


    For four days, Leonard hadn’t used violence against him. Instead, he had stationed an attractive maid to attend to Eric’s every need, delivering his meals and tending to him.


    "Mr. Nelson, your lunch is here!"


    Eric was focused on his game when the maid sauntered in, bncing a tray of food. She swayed her hips provocatively, now wearing an even more revealing maid outfit.


    Eric nced at her briefly, his expression cold. "Put it there and leave."


    Feigning hurt, the maid slinked closer, her voice dripping with seduction. "Oh, Mr. Nelson, how can you be so heartless? I’ve been here with you every moment, in the same room. Isn’t it a shame to waste such an opportunity? Or... is there something wrong with you down there?"


    Eric didn’t even lift his head. Calmly, he used his utensils to move some food around on his te. "Eat it."


    As always, Eric was meticulous about his meals. He never touched any food without having the maid taste it first. Only after ensuring it was safe would he eat.


    The maid sighed dramatically. "That’s really not necessary. Our dear Leonard wouldn’t stoop to poisoning your food just to ckmail you. I swear on my life."