Dirk Carter saw this.

He grabbed Lauren Radford's hand.

Helplessly said, "Sis, I'll help you."

Lauren was relieved to tears when she heard this.

She held Dirk Carter's hand, trembling all the while.

Clearly.

She had made a huge decision to reach this point.

But Dirk Carter couldn't feel happy in the slightest.

The issue with Dylan Tate hasn't been resolved yet, and now there's Shane Vincent too; it's like looking for trouble.

"Sis, even though I promised you, this matter still needs careful consideration. Shane Vincent is at the height of his power now and is also County Committee Secretary Donal Lewis's protégé. Although you know many of his secrets, you don't have any concrete evidence. Bringing him down is almost impossible."

"Regarding Hilliard Hall's matter, you have evidence, and I have been involved personally. I can testify."

It seems Lauren Radford is really going all out this time.

If this matter is exposed.

Lauren Radford would be the number one target.

Not only could she lose her position, but she might also bear criminal responsibility.

Dirk Carter shook his head.

Said, "The evidence on Hilliard Hall isn't strong enough. Initially, we could have caught him off guard, but you leaked it to him beforehand. With Shane Vincent's personality, it's impossible for him not to be prepared. By then, he'd find someone to take the fall, and you'd be wounding the enemy by a hundred only to hurt yourself by a thousand."

Dirk Carter's analysis was spot on.

No one understands Shane Vincent better than her.

She regretted revealing this matter.

But now, it's too late to say anything, as the situation is already set.

"Is there no other way?"

Lauren Radford asked anxiously.

Dirk Carter pondered for a moment, saying, "There is a way. I heard Shane Vincent has only one daughter?"

Lauren nodded and said, "Yes, her name is Sierra Vincent. Shane Vincent lost his wife early on and dotes heavily on this daughter, but their father-daughter relationship doesn't seem good."

To change the course.

It seems the only avenue is through Sierra Vincent.

Dirk Carter asked Lauren Radford to gather some information on Sierra Vincent.

The two agreed to meet here in a few days.

After sending Lauren Radford off.

Dirk Carter was still somewhat annoyed.

After all, keeping his current job was most important for him at the moment.

Yet he didn't expect the upcoming phone call to change his opinion completely.

The call came from an unfamiliar number.

As soon as Dirk Carter put it to his ear, a rough voice came through.

"Is this Dirk Carter?"

"I am!"

"Good, you have ten minutes to get to Night Paris right away."

On the phone, the man spoke in an ordering tone.

"Who are you? You think I'll just go because you asked?"

"In the underworld, they call me June Bates. I suppose Mr. Carter might have heard of the name."

Nine Brother?

Upon hearing this name.

Dirk Carter felt a jolt inside.

There are three influential figures in Stillwater County's underworld.

Well-known to everybody.

Reputed as One, Two, Three: Caleb, Nine Brother, and Scar.

One refers to Caleb Ford, known as Ford, who was a mason before becoming involved in soil and demolition work with a group of brothers, eventually hitting the golden era of real estate and diving right in, earning handsomely.

Apex Real Estate Group in Stillwater County is his enterprise.

He's also the leader among the trio.

The second figure is this Nine Brother, real name June Bates.

Considered the pioneer of Stillwater County's entertainment industry.

The reputable bars, KTVs, nightclubs, even cyber cafés, and billiard halls in the county belong to his empire.

The third figure is Scar, real name unknown, is a seasoned gangster.

He took a slash to the forehead when young, leaving a scar, hence the name Brother Scar.

Though Dirk Carter had heard these names.

He never had any dealings with June Bates.

Why would he be calling?

"Oh, so it's Nine Brother, pardon me for not recognizing. May I ask what brings you to contact me?"

Upon hearing Dirk Carter acknowledge his name.

June Bates was evidently pleased.

Voiced louder, "It's nothing major really, a woman named Delilah Goodman, you might know her."

Delilah Goodman?

Dirk Carter reeled.

Suppressing panic within, asked, "She's my boss, the director of the Health Bureau."

"Director or not, I don't know. But if you're worried about her, be there within ten minutes. Otherwise, well, I might have a taste of the director myself."

After saying this.

The call was disconnected.

How could Delilah Goodman be in June Bates' hands?

Although he's a notable figure, he wouldn't dare to kidnap the Health Bureau director.

Could it be a scam?

Dirk Carter had no time to ponder, hailed a cab, and while getting in, quickly dialed Delilah Goodman's phone.

The phone was turned off.

His mind was a tangled mess, with the first thought being to call the police.

But on second thought, it might not work. June Bates is entrenched in the entertainment industry, well-connected in numerous aspects. Reporting this might alert him, then Delilah Goodman would be endangered.

In a flash.

He thought of someone.

Scar.

Even though he wasn't familiar with Scar.

Last time, due to Bingham Fisher's matter, he obtained Scar's number.

Didn't expect it to be useful here.

No time to overthink.

He dialed Scar's number...

Eight minutes later.

Dirk Carter got out of the cab at Night Paris' entrance.

Night Paris.

The largest and most luxurious KTV in Stillwater County.

Whenever night falls.

Luxe cars gather here from all around.

Beautiful women of various shapes seductively flaunting, revealing the "The Gilded Cage" nature.

"Hello sir, may I ask if you have a reservation?"

Just as he appeared at the entrance.

A madam in her thirties sashayed over.

Purposefully rubbing her body against Dirk Carter's arm.

"I'm looking for June Bates."

Dirk Carter said bluntly.

The madam's warm expression instantly stiffened.

On Night Paris' turf, nobody dared to directly call Nine Brother.

"You must be Mr. Shaw?"

"Yes, I am!"

"Then follow me!"

Evidently, June Bates had notified her.

Then.

The madam swayed her hips, leading Dirk Carter inside, stopping at a suite door labeled 888.

"Nine Brother is inside, you can go in."

After saying that, she turned and left.

Without hesitation.

Dirk Carter pushed open the suite door.

It's a massive luxurious suite.

In the central position is a row of sofas, nearly seating over a dozen people.

In front of the sofas is a long coffee table.

Covered with various beers and spirits.

Behind the sofa, a lineup of henchmen stood, at least seven or eight.

Each donning a cheap suit, hands tucked behind.

Two people were seated on the sofa.

A man and a woman.

The man seemed to be around forty, sporting the then-popular slick-back, hair gleaming, exuding authority.

The woman was none other than Delilah Goodman.

But currently, her hands are tied, a towel stuffed in her mouth. Trembling, she sat there. Upon seeing Dirk Carter she tried to stand.

But was pressed down by hands moved from behind.

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