Chapter 1545:

Amelie’s swift coordination with an international criminal syndicate hinted at more than transient contacts; these were long-established connections. The gang’s deferential treatment toward Amelie indicated they feared not just her methods but the significant power she represented.

Maybe, Corrine mused, she could extract useful insights from those she had met the previous night.

With these thoughts, she lifted herself from the bath, wrapped in a robe, and exited the bathroom.

She noticed Nate was gone, though the bowl of food on the table remained untouched.

She moved toward it and quickly typed out a message on her phone. Once sent, she sat down and ate slowly, forcing each bite down. Refreshed and changed, she descended from the bedroom and overheard voices in the living room below.

“Mr. Hopkins, the police have successfully detained all suspects from last night. The entire ship is now in custody, and thorough interrogations are underway. We anticipate further updates shortly,” Saul informed, his gaze lifting to meet Corrine’s as she paused on the stairs. He bowed slightly. “Miss Holland.”

Corrine offered a faint nod, her fingers brushing the railing as she slowly made her way down the steps. Her surprise was palpable upon noticing Maddox among those gathered.

Saul stepped forward. “Miss Holland, this belongs to you.” He extended a check as he spoke. “It was recovered from the two men who kidnapped you. They were caught while trying to flee, and nothing was lost in the process.” Even as he handed it over, he couldn’t hide his astonishment. It was hard not to be struck by how easily the Ford family treated such a sum. The check was worth ten million dollars.

Accepting the check, Corrine eyed it with a smirk, her fingers tracing the deliberate modifications she had made earlier.

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“It was never meant to be anything more than a prop,” she declared, and then proceeded to rip the check into pieces before casually discarding them in the nearest trash bin.

This act was rooted in a deep family history. Corrine’s mother, Kiley, had once been a victim of a kidnapping during her childhood, which had profoundly impacted the family. Consequently, Carl had instilled a strict policy within the family to never openly display their wealth, maintaining a veil of secrecy and intrigue around the family to safeguard them from similar threats.

However, Carl had also recognized the necessity of exceptions, particularly in dire situations. “In emergencies, use money as a negotiating tool,” he had advised. “If money doesn’t solve the problem, then the offer isn’t significant enough.”

Corrine had once skeptically remarked, “Isn’t that too lenient for them? How could those who committed such heinous acts escape justice?”

Carl had simply patted her head, chuckling softly. “You might be right, my dear. But remember, sometimes the best way to handle such situations is to use them to our advantage. A deceptive check can create confusion, buy time, and signal to us that something is amiss.”

This long-standing strategy had come into play this time, proving its worth. No one outside the Ford family knew the full depth of that strategy.

“Unexpected surprises always seem to accompany my visits to Riverveille,” Corrine noted, her tone carrying a layer of significance. “For a city of its size, you’d think its security would be tighter. Yet criminal networks from across the border move freely.” Her sigh was heavy with concern.

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