Jasper smiled coldly.
He scrolled down his phone and appreciated the news he had released, smiling.
And then, he made another phone call, “Let Diego Barnett know about the news. Make sure to let him know.” He was listening to his assistant’s words at the other end and suddenly got irritated. “I have my purpose and plan. Well, this isn’t your concern, is it? Just do the job!”
Someone needed to be his scapegoat. Diego Barnett would always be the best choice.
****
Just as Jasper wished, Diego knew this piece of news even earlier than he expected. Both Linford and Cody had gone missing. Did that mean that he could take the opportunity and take over Bradley’s market?
Diego started to act immediately as he heard about the news. He swore that he would use the chance and defeat the Bradley House completely, taking his revenge.
****
Darwin and Tanya went to Linford’s mansion in the evening. At first, the bodyguards refused to let them in. Darwin could only call Alfred to let him in.
When Darwin stepped inside the house angrily, he suddenly realized that he was the last one who made it there.
Drew, Mr. Weston, and Mrs. Weston were in the living room. Even Peter was standing in a corner. As Linford’s father, Darwin was annoyed as he was the last to come here. The fact made him a bit embarrassed.
Franco realized something must have gone seriously wrong having so many guests in the house, “What are you doing here, Darwin?”
Darwin sat on the couch, “I’m just here to visit Candace. Candace, what are you doing right now?”
Candace smiled at her grandpa, “Making a gift for Cody.”
Franco smiled as he squeezed Candace’s little cheek, “You must miss your brother very much right now, huh? Don’t worry. He’ll be back soon.”
Candace nodded heavily. Everyone was a bit sad as they heard that. Tanya cleared her throat and showed Candace the desserts she had brought for her.
Cristelle took the box of desserts and thanked Tanya politely.
However, Franco suddenly stood up from his seat and returned to his room. Mr. Weston followed him immediately. Everyone in the house was a bit sad. Cody probably won’t come back tomorrow.
Someone had to tell Franco the truth. Mr. Weston was the only one who seemed fit.
When the two old gentlemen came to Franco’s room, Franco just sat down on the couch, “Tell me, my friend. What are you guys trying to hide from me?”
Mr. Weston didn’t seem panicked as he sat beside Franco, “You’ve noticed that?”
“All of you came to Linford’s mansion for no reason? I could tell things had gone wrong, and I was not blind. Tell me. Is this about Cody?” Franco had prepared himself for any bad news.
He used to be a leader in the military, after all. He was strong enough to handle bad news.
Mr. Weston knew there was no reason to hide anything anymore; telling his old friend about the kidnapping incident was the only option.
Franco had prepared himself for the worst. But after hearing the whole thing, he still looked a bit pale, “Who did this to them?”
Mr. Weston shook his head, “You know how important your grandson is in the army. I bet he has a lot of enemies. But you need to know as well that he will be safe. He was a well-trained officer.”
Franco knew Enzo was a trained special force. But this time, things were different. Enzo was having a kid with him. Cody might be smart, but he was still just a child. He wouldn’t be able to protect himself when danger loomed over.
Mr. Weston patted Franco’s shoulder, “I know you’re worried about Cody. But we can’t afford to panic right now. The house and Linford’s company still need you. You should know that Enzo is professional when it comes to a situation like this.”
Franco knew what his friend was trying to tell him. But he still felt bad as he couldn’t protect his grandsons.
Being a soldier was too dangerous. Should he even allow Cody to take this path in the future?
“We should go out. The kids are waiting. They will be worried if we stay here too long,” Mr. Weston urged him.
Franco took a deep breath to calm himself. His friend was right. He couldn’t collapse, at least not right now.
“You’re right. They’ll be safe. Let’s go,” Franco propped himself up using his cane.
****
People in the living room noticed that Franco didn’t seem too devastated as he came out of his room.
The old man sat on the couch, his voice serious, “How could you all hide this from me?”
Mr. Weston laughed, “They were just only worried about you, old man.”
Franco picked up the cup, took a sip from his coffee, and felt much more relaxed, “Both Linford and Enzo are the best soldiers in the army. Cody is also a genius boy. They will be alright. Besides, we’ve sent our men. Those kidnappers won’t get what they want. Plus, I heard people are spreading rumors. Just let them say whatever they want to say. Just ignore them.”
Franco used to be leading an army. Everyone in the house suddenly felt that they had seriously underestimated the old man.
Cristelle let out a breath. As long as Pop was still strong enough, no one in the house would collapse.
Franco continued, “I’ve known that the boys are kidnapped. None of you need to hide anything from me anymore. I just want to hear the truth.”
Franco sounded pretty angry as he said that. Alfred looked away immediately and sighed, “Yes, Pop. The company’s situation is getting serious too. Someone took the opportunity to steal our market. They tried to break our business while Mr. Bradley was away.”
Franco stomped his cane against the floor, “Who is this guy?!”
Alfred let out a breath, “It’s Diego Barnett. He took advantage of the current crisis we’re facing right now.”
“Diego Barnett? What a clown,” Franco was furious, “Listen, Alfred. I know Linford’s not here. But you’ve followed him long enough to learn from him. Do whatever you need to do and kick this Barnett boy out of the city! I don’t want to see his family anymore!”