Solivair spared Finley only a passing glance. As he turned to leave with his men, he called over his shoulder without so much as slowing down, “Don’t worry—Hugo won’t kill you.” And with that, his figure vanished around the corner. Finley stood there, completely petrified. He didn’t know whether to admire his father’s incredible sense of judgment—or be stunned by how little he seemed to care. After thinking it over, Finley leaned toward the first option. After all, Hugo was a respected professor. And with all those police officers behind him, of course he wouldn’t actually kill someone. That must’ve been why his dad had felt so confident leaving him behind. He had to still love him… right? Finley even believed that Solivair had released Arthur’s group out of fatherly concern for him. Poor Finley had no idea—Solivair had just couldn’t be bothered. Hugo slowly loosened his grip on Finley’s neck, staring at Arthur and the others in disbelief. Then he let out a short laugh. They’d rushed over here like it was a life-or-death crisis and… this was it? Arthur’s expression was far too calm. Even after Solivair walked away, he remained as composed as ever—so calm it was impossible not to believe him. With Arthur, Ashley, and Taylor all unharmed and openly denying they’d been kidnapped, the police had no reason to detain Solivair. Still, everyone there knew something had happened. No one was a child. Solivair, of all people, playing murder mystery games with students? Who would believe that? When he first appeared, his face had been thunderous with rage. It was hard not to assume he’d snapped and come up with that absurd excuse on the spot. Otherwise, how could a man of his stature say something so ridiculous?Arthur helped Ashley into the car, and just like that, the group that had arrived with so much commotion now left in the same dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, Finley—who’d been dragged here by force—was left standing in a now-empty lot. Not even a car, not a soul left for him. With no other option, and despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to slink into Hugo’s car and ride back to school with the very man who’d kidnapped him. One of the police officers couldn’t help but murmur, “Truly… the world is full of wonders.” A hostage, voluntarily getting into a car with his captor? Around the corner of the abandoned building, Zac stood quietly, face hidden by a mask and cap. He’d pulled the brim low, blending into the group of bodyguards. Hugo hadn’t noticed him. After escorting Ashley and the others to Solivair, Zac had withdrawn. The guards had subtly signaled for him to stay at a distance—to keep him from overhearing anything he shouldn’t. Zac didn’t understand why Solivair had let Arthur’s group go. He wanted to ask. But after hesitating for a while, he said nothing. He didn’t have the rank to ask questions like that. Solivair cast a sideways glance at Zac. He was quietly satisfied with Zac’s restraint. A dog should know its place. And those who overstep, who ask questions they shouldn’t, don’t deserve to be kept around. Zac had no idea that in that brief moment of silence—hesitating over a single question—he had unknowingly chosen his fate. More accurately… whether he would live or die. Inside the car. Hugo sat stiffly, his eyes fixed on Arthur. “Arthur, what exactly happened?” No outsiders were present—just Hugo, Arthur, Ashley, and Taylor. The man behind the wheel was Spring, Hugo’s most trusted aide.Arthur understood the weight of the question. He glanced instinctively at the driver. Hugo caught the look and said at once, “Spring is mine. You can speak freely.” Arthur nodded. Without hiding anything, he told them everything that had happened in the abandoned building—including his request to be introduced into the organization behind Solivair. Hugo’s face changed instantly. “What!” He jolted upright, eyes wide with disbelief. “Arthur! That’s far too dangerous! You have no idea what kind of organization that is. Once you step into it, there’s no getting out!” His tone was more serious than ever. There wasn’t even time to marvel at Arthur’s daring. He was too busy fearing for his student’s safety. He knew about that organization. He had looked into it. If Arthur really joined… if something happened, even he wouldn’t be able to step in to save him. Ashley leaned forward, curiosity piqued. “Mr. Hugo, what kind of group are we talking about? How powerful can they be? Not even the government can do anything about them?”