Even Hugh and his wife couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety upon hearing this.
Of course, they were furious and wanted the kidnappers to pay dearly for their actions. However, if they truly provoked the kidnappers and something happened to their grandchild, or if they planted something on him, it would be a devastating loss. Despite their deep resentment, they somewhat agreed with the words of their elder brothers.
The old man glanced at everyone and then slowly nodded.
Seeing that his father agreed with him, the eldest uncle couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. He then continued, "In that case, I'll go and bring little Lucian back. Although it's dangerous, as the eldest uncle, it's my duty. Lambert is exceptionally capable, and we can't afford any mishaps with him. So, I'll handle this exchange."
The eldest son's words were quite unexpected to the old man.
He looked at his eldest son, who seemed willing to sacrifice himself rather than let his younger brother or nephews face any harm, and a thoughtful expression flickered in his eyes.
As for Lambert, he was deeply cynical.
However, he didn't speak up.
Nor did he expose his eldest uncle's lies, choosing instead to watch silently. After all, his own plans couldn't be revealed.
But he thought it was unnecessary for him to go and rescue his son. No one understood the real reason behind his eldest uncle's offer better than Lambert. This way, his own actions would be less likely to leave any trace. Even if someone investigated later, they wouldn't find anything.
So Lambert directly said, "No need to trouble you, Uncle. I'll take some men and go."
The old man immediately turned his gaze to Lambert.
A flash of something crossed the eldest uncle's eyes.
He absolutely couldn't let Lambert go. This kid was too cunning and intelligent. There was no guarantee he wouldn't discover something. So the eldest uncle flatly refused, adding a sigh of helplessness, "I understand how you feel right now, but think about your parents. You're their only son. Lambert, the reason I don't want you to go is because I'm afraid something might happen to you. Imagine if you saw something terrible and lost your temper. Then, it wouldn't just be little Lucian in danger, but you as well."
The uncle portrayed a genuine concern for Lambert, yet his tone carried an undercurrent of reproach, as if scolding Lambert for his lack of consideration.
Lambert let out a cold laugh and said, "Don't worry, I'll keep my cool. I'll go pick up my son myself. If anything happens to you, I wouldn't be able to bear the responsibility either. Besides, I don't like owing anyone any favors."
His words carried a hint of confrontation, almost like he was tearing off the mask of civility.
The uncle's expression twisted slightly, barely managing to keep his composure.
Just as he was about to say more, the old man slowly interjected, "Let Lambert handle this. He's the father of the child, so it's only right that he goes."
The uncle's face fell. He glanced at his father several times, but ultimately, with a tone of reluctance, he added, "Then let's have Arnold go with Lambert. After all, when Lambert returned last time, wasn't it Arnold who finalized that project? I think Arnold is ready to take on more responsibility now."
Indeed.
And just as Lambert had anticipated, his phone rang while they were still in the car. The voice on the other end demanded that the fifty billion be transferred first.
Seated in the back, Arnold spoke up. "Transfer the money. We don’t want them to think we’re not serious. Lucian is still in their hands."
Lambert cast a brief, indifferent glance at him before instructing Assistant Hills to proceed with the transfer.
Upon receiving the signal from Jerold confirming that Lambert had indeed transferred the money, Arnold couldn't help but let out a cold, triumphant chuckle. He thought to himself, "So even you, Lambert, have a day when you're played for a fool." At that moment, Arnold finally allowed himself to truly relax.
He knew that Lambert had completely fallen into their trap. And in this game, he was destined to be the winner.
Not only had he secured the fifty billion, but he had also eliminated a competitor for his son. If nothing unexpected happened, in the future, only the eldest branch of the family would gain the favor of Old Mr. Stone and Old Mrs. Stone. After all, no one would want to pay attention to a child who couldn't even speak.
Yes.
In the end, Jerold and he had decided to change their approach. Instead of causing physical harm to that little bastard Lucian, they would poison him into muteness. This way, the Stone family wouldn't immediately notice anything amiss, especially since the child was already unconscious. It would help them swiftly erase all traces of their involvement.
Moreover, no matter what the future holds, that little mute would never be able to compete with his son. As for the child Ariana was carrying? It hadn't even been born yet, and there were countless ways to ensure it never would be. Even if she somehow managed to give birth, he would make sure that brat ended up just like Lucian.
Thinking of this, Arnold couldn't help but curl his lips into a sinister smile. He was completely unaware of how repulsive and vile his expression appeared to others.

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