...he was just a nephew.
If Nolan hadn't despised the business world, and if Mr. Devereaux had any other sons, he never would have paid Felix much mind. After all, Felix's last name was Kwan. The Kwan family had their own corporation, and while they weren't direct rivals, they weren't exactly fiercely loyal allies either.
"Yes, Uncle. The company will collapse without you here. Let me deliver the ransom. Given my relationship with my cousin, it's only right that I do my part to save him."
Mr. Devereaux gave him a long, measuring look. "I appreciate the sentiment, Felix. But the kidnapper specifically asked for me. If you show up, he might turn hostile."
Felix hesitated. "But, Uncle..."
"Enough. I know what I'm doing. You stay here and manage the fallout. If the board demands a meeting, handle it for me. Nolan is not a murderer, and his name will be cleared. Assure the shareholders they have nothing to panic about."
Seeing his uncle's absolute resolve, Felix nodded. "I understand."
"Hold the fort down." Mr. Devereaux patted his nephew's shoulder. "Once this nightmare is over, Nolan and I will make it up to you."
"Okay."
Mr. Devereaux left with his executive assistant. Felix followed them all the way to the elevators. Only after watching the doors slide shut and the car descend did he turn around and walk directly into Mr. Devereaux's private office.
...
Outside the warehouse, the kidnapper was growing impatient.
He forcibly dragged Nolan and Nora over to lean against the heavy doorframe. Having a solid wall guarding his back clearly gave him a sense of security.
The two hostages were pressed fairly close together. Pretending to stretch her cramping legs, Nora shifted her weight and peeked over her shoulder. The kidnapper caught the movement instantly and delivered a brutal kick to her ribs. "What are you doing? Stop moving!"
Nora whipped her head back around.
Her actions had roused his suspicions, but instead of physically turning to check his blind spot, he slyly pulled out his phone and opened the camera app, using the screen to mirror the space behind him.

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