Chapter 555

International waters? A jolt of realization pierced Vincent's mind.No wonder every lead in Dorbarrow and across the entire country had collapsed into nothingness. The truth struck him like a blow-those who had taken Hannah away were never on land to begin with.

And then fury and dread rose within him like a violent tide,surging uncontrollably. International waters... It meant lawlessness-a boundless gulf where restraint vanished, and illegitimate activities could unfold unchecked.

Vincent's voice cut like steel as he commanded, "Summon the swiftest private yacht, gather every available vessel we control,and outfit them with the most advanced tracking and communication gear we possess. We depart for international waters at once!"

"Yes, Mr. Jones!" Derek answered briskly, already pivoting to set everything in motion.

"Wait!" Vincent's voice cracked through the air, halting Derek.His gaze hardened into lethal frost. "Notify Gavin of our suspicions. Demand international maritime coordination and support. Tell him | suspect a massive transnational crime network is operating aboard that ship. The kidnappings and detentions are nothing more than the surface of something far darker."

Vincent resolved to leave no stone unturned in that vast stretch of sea. He would bring Hannah home, no matter what.

Vincent continued, his tone edged with unyielding resolve,"One more thing, arm our people. Should resistance arise, they have clearance to act with absolute force."

Derek felt a chill in his heart. "Understood!"

Vincent strode to the window, his fists locked tight, knuckles blanching. His lips moved in a silent vow to rescue Hannah.

Above the rolling expanse of international waters, Vincent stood on the deck of the Windchaser, his private yacht. The sea air whipped around him, but his brow remained furrowed beneath the crushing weight of determination and restless anxiety.

These past few days, whenever they encountered an unfamiliar ship,they had boarded it for inspection. Yet, all inspections had ended with empty holds and disappointment. He had ceased counting the endless days drifting in futility.

"Mr. Jones, we've spotted another cruise ship up ahead. It's quite large and brightly lit," a subordinate reported quietly.

Vincent's eyes sharpened to slits. Without hesitation, he commanded, "Close in. Standard procedure-four of us,blending in as tourists."

"Understood."

Soon,they boarded the cruise ship.

The moment Vincent's feet touched the deck, he sensed something amiss. A casino glittered before him, sprawling and ostentatious. It was the first true large-scale floating casino he had encountered in all these days at sea.

Vincent and his men dispersed, dissolving into the raucous crowd.

Vincent drifted through the throng, outwardly idle, but every glance was a blade, carving through the scene in search of one face. But Hannah wasn't there. The women here were scarce -powdered, painted, draped across gamblers like ornaments

-powdered, painted, draped across gamblers like ornaments.None of them was Hannah.

It seemed it was another hollow pursuit. He was becoming numb to the torment-hope flickering alive, only to be snuffed out cruelly each time.

Vincent was about to signal his men to retreat when voices at a nearby gambling table drifted into his ears.

"Brixton's luck that night was unreal-the Black Dragons 'leader lost his temper."

"Quiet down! But honestly, do you think Brixton's win was genuine or rigged?"

"Of course, it was genuine. He's the one calling the shots here.He doesn't need tricks."

"I'm not saying he cheated-I meant that stunning dealer. Her hands... They're uncanny. Do you think-"

"Stop it! Brixton seems to value her quite a bit. Don't run your mouth unless you want trouble. But no one has seen her for days. Has something happened to her?"

"Doubt it. Word is, she spends most of her time below deck,preparing Brixton's meals, rarely stepping into the casino.Anyway,place your bets."

Vincent caught the key information-there was a woman on the lower deck. His gaze snapped toward the staircase descending below. Could Hannah be imprisoned there?

Vincent moved instinctively, drawn toward the entrance, but just as he neared, a shadow loomed across his path.

It was Scorpio.

"Apologies, sir. This area is restricted. No guests allowed below,"Scorpio said, his eyes wary.

Vincent halted at once. With immense self-control, he suppressed the emotions boiling within him. He couldn't force his way in; he couldn't alert them. If Hannah were really trapped down there, any reckless attempt would spell catastrophe.

Vincent's features shifted seamlessly into embarrassment. He let out a dry laugh, muttering, "Forgive me, I thought the bathrooms were below."

Scorpio pointed impassively in another direction. "Facilities are that way."

"Much obliged." Vincent nodded, noting in the corner of his vision that Scorpio's vigilance remained unbroken, his gaze tracking him relentlessly.

Vincent strode to the indicated restroom, lingered inside,splashed icy water across his face, and forced his pulse back into rhythm. When he reemerged, he played the part flawlessly -ambling back to the tables, sliding chips across the felt,wagering small sums like a careless gambler.

As he lifted a chip between his fingers, the door to the lower deck creaked open, and someone emerged.