No, it's unlikely. Throughout my time in office, I suppressed numerous underground organizations, and my subordinates strictly followed my orders. There's no room for mistakes. Even if an issue arises, my subordinates would promptly report it to me.
Considering Bailey's current behavior, this situation must have pushed her to her breaking point. People like her usually have a high tolerance; it's unlikely that she would hold such resentment solely over a financial loss or a shipment of goods. The reason for her behavior likely revolves around matters of life and death, specifically the well-being of someone she cares deeply about.
When his train of thought ended there, Artemis quickly retrieved his phone and dialed Veikko's number.
Once the call connected, a detached voice came through the receiver, “What's up, Artemis?”
Artemis held his phone tightly, collecting his thoughts before he asked in a strained tone, “Veikko, do you know why Bailey despises the former Interpol commander so intensely?”
As soon as he asked this question, the sound of heavy breathing immediately came from the other end of the phone.
Veikko responded gravely, “Did you mention 'The Exterminator' in her presence? Don't you know that's a taboo for her?”
A taboo?
Artemis furrowed his brows even more.
At that time, he genuinely believed he had done nothing wrong. At most, he mobilized the police to restrain the rapid expansion of the Saviors, a duty he deemed necessary.
If Bailey held resentment because of this, it would only mean that he had misjudged her.
In the past, they held different positions, adopted contrasting perspectives, and it was only natural for them to pursue different courses of action.
As long as no undue harm was inflicted, past grievances should be capable of being resolved, shouldn't they?
“Why is this a taboo for her? Did The Exterminator do something inhumane that deeply affected her?”
Veikko let out a soft sigh, then fell silent, seemingly lost in his memories.
Artemis didn't rush him, though his heart pounded wildly in his throat.
Surely fate wouldn't be so cruel as to let this matter drive a wedge between us. It would be a great injustice.
Two to three tense minutes passed before Veikko finally spoke in a somber tone. “When Bailey went to Springwyn to visit Shannon and Eugene, she inadvertently revealed her location. Subsequently, she was chased by Interpol, desperately evading capture all over Springwyn. From that moment on, she held a deep resentment for The Exterminator.”
Artemis furrowed his brows. He had frequently deployed forces to encircle the leader of the Saviors, aiming to disrupt the network of connections she had established. However, this was a standard operation to counter underground forces.
If she knew about my role, she should understand my actions. So why is her animosity toward me so intense? Did an uncontrollable incident occur during that operation, leading to casualties?
“You haven't finished what you were saying. Please, go on.”
Veikko clenched his teeth and explained, “When Eugene had an accident, Shannon urgently called Bailey, asking her to rush over and save the child. However, Interpol wouldn't let her go. She couldn't escape, and as a result, she missed the optimal time for treatment. Upon learning about Bailey's predicament, an undercover agent that the Saviors had placed in the police force took her own life to help Bailey escape. When Bailey arrived at the hospital, Eugene's cerebral hemorrhage was severe. Even with all her skills, she was powerless to reverse the situation. All she could do was watch helplessly as the child passed away.”
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