Texas, Hede Company's headquarters building.

In the luxurious CEO's office, a middle-aged man with blond hair and blue eyes put down his phone, his face grim.

This man is the company's nominal owner, Barnes.

He had just received news of the failed mission: Twenty-four elite members of two tactical teams sent to Alaska, were completely wiped out, not a single survivor.

Seth is also missing.

As one of the giants in the American energy sector, Hede Company's background is far more complex than it appears on the surface; its intricate network of connections even reaches some high-level officials in Washington.

They have long regarded the lucrative nuclear desalination technology as theirs, resorting to the kidnapping of Seth's daughter is merely a standard operation for them.

The failure of the operation now is something he cannot accept.

"Useless!" Barnes slammed the documents on the desk to the ground, venting his anger.

Twenty-four elites, well-equipped, in a place like Alaska, how could they all be wiped out by a scientist and his private security?

Not a single one escaped to report back?

He took several deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down, instantly connecting thoughts that other forces might have intervened, trying to snatch it from Hede Company's hands...

Exxon? Chevron?

Or did that old guy really contact a buyer from Central Holdings?

"Call Alina in!" Barnes pressed the internal communicator on the desk.

A moment later, the office door opened, and a tall woman wearing an exquisite suit walked in.

She was approximately in her thirties, exceptionally attractive, comparable to those Hollywood stars, and served as the "bridge" for Barnes to communicate with the upper echelons.

In the United States, high officials generally avoid direct contact with businesses, fearing being targeted by the media or opposition factions, intermediaries like Alina play a crucial role.

They not only have to be beautiful but also intelligent enough; the most important thing is to be perceptive, allowing those old foxes to let down their guard during in-depth interactions, helping her boss achieve his goals.

Alina moved to the desk, glanced at the mess on the floor, and said, "Boss."

Her voice had a unique magnetism, the kind that bald old men love.

Barnes was in no mood to admire her beauty, and asked gravely, "Has the CIA made any recent contact?"

Alina shook her head slightly, "No."

"Go see him now, everyone we sent to Alaska is dead, I need to find out who did it."

"Alright, I will contact Mr. Charles immediately and convey your message."

"Go." Barnes waved his hand wearily.

Despite being a big figure in the business spotlight, commanding a gigantic enterprise valued at billions, he is merely a spokesperson thrust to the forefront by those people.

...

Meanwhile, at a hotel in Westward, Brother Quan brought the security team captain into the suite.

"Sansuo, right? Welcome to the team." Qi Yun didn't know the exact details Brother Quan discussed with him, but the person has been recruited.

Sansuo was no longer the unruly character he had been before; he quickly stepped forward, shook Qi's hand, and bowed, calling, "Boss."

Qi Yun patted his arm, "No need to be so formal, we're all on the same side now. Come, sit and talk."

After Sansuo sat on the opposite sofa, Qi Yun asked directly, "Dr. Seth said you found some clues about his daughter, is that right?"

Sansuo nodded solemnly, "Yes, Boss."

"Before Hede Company attacked the villa, through some channels, we found out that they might have transferred Dr. Seth's daughter to Texas, possibly to a private island along the Gulf of Mexico."

"But this information hasn't been finally confirmed, just a highly probable speculation; given Hede Company's headquarters in Texas, it makes sense to keep important hostages close."

Texas?

Qi Yun frowned slightly.

"What's the security situation like there? Is it possible to rescue her directly?"

Sansuo gave a bitter smile and shook his head, "Boss, there are many private islands along the Gulf of Mexico, we don't know exactly which one."

"Even if we narrow it down, such places are surrounded by water. Hede Company is sure to deploy tight surveillance, alarm systems, and armed guards; there could even be speedboats and helicopter patrols."

"Overall, the chances of success are slim, and it would completely expose us, prompting Hede Company to heighten their vigilance."

Qi Yun listened and was silent for a few seconds.

Sansuo's analysis was quite objective; forcibly infiltrating their base wasn't wise. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

But not rescuing her isn't an option either, or Seth wouldn't agree to leave.

This really is a problem...

After pondering for a while, Qi Yun decided to first gather information and then make further arrangements.

"Alright, go ahead and rest."

Sansuo got up to leave.

After he left, Brother Quan reminded, "For safety's sake, we need to leave here soon; they might track the clues."

"Hmm." Qi Yun nodded, rising to the window.

Given Hede Company's official connections, finding them at this hotel wouldn't be hard, it's best not to linger.

"Let's do this, transfer by daybreak. I'll contact our people here, send Seth over first, and then we'll discuss the rescue."

"Okay." Brother Quan agreed that the arrangement made sense.

Mobilizing Guo An's power in the United States, merely finding Director Duan wouldn't be enough.

Considering the time in China should be afternoon, Qi Yun directly called his superior, Minister Lan, who was somewhat surprised to receive his call.