Chapter 424: Resistance Will Not Be Tolerated

Lucas and Bennett continued towards the jet at a leisurely pace.

The morning air was cool, and the steady rumble of the engines filled the otherwise quiet tarmac. Ground staff were already waiting near the boarding stairs, ready to receive them. One of the attendants stepped forward with a polite smile, preparing to greet Bennett.

He never got the chance.

The sudden roar of approaching engines drew everyone’s attention.

Several black vehicles came speeding across the tarmac, moving with deliberate urgency. They ignored the usual airport lanes and headed straight for the jet. Their brakes screeched against the concrete as they came to a halt in a tight formation, blocking the path between the parked jeep and the aircraft.

Before anyone could react, the doors swung open.

Men dressed in dark tactical gear stepped out, one after another. Their uniforms carried no visible markings, but everything about their equipment suggested professional training. Heavy protective vests, gloves, clear eyewear, and weapons held close to their bodies.

They didn’t point their guns at anyone, but they were clearly prepared to use them.

Their movements were coordinated and precise. These weren’t ordinary airport security officers. They operated with the confidence of men accustomed to carrying out orders from people who rarely had to explain themselves.

Bennett slowed to a stop.

Lucas narrowed his eyes as he watched them spread out across the tarmac, gradually forming a line in front of them.

A tall man stepped out from the group and approached. His posture was rigid, his expression unreadable. He barely spared Bennett a glance before fixing his attention on Lucas.

"Lucas."

The man’s tone made it clear that he already knew exactly who he was.

"You are required to accompany us for questioning. You’ll come with us immediately."

Lucas didn’t move. His expression remained calm, although a slight frown appeared between his brows.

"Questioning for what?"

The man offered no explanation.

"Under whose authority?" Lucas asked again, his voice even.

"The order comes from a high-level authority. That’s all you need to know. Resistance will not be tolerated."

His delivery was cold and matter-of-fact, leaving little room for negotiation.

Bennett immediately stepped forward, her expression hardening.

"Excuse me? This is my jet, and we’re on a private terminal. You can’t just show up, block my aircraft, and start ordering people around without an explanation."

The officer finally turned towards her.

"This doesn’t concern you, Miss Bennett."

"It concerns me when you block my aircraft and attempt to take someone who’s travelling with me!" she snapped. "I want to know who’s behind this and what legal authority gives you the right to do it."

The man didn’t bother answering.

His attention returned to Lucas, while several operators moved closer, gradually forming a loose semicircle around him. None had drawn their weapons, but their positioning made their intentions obvious.

They weren’t there to have a conversation.

Judging by how quickly they had arrived and the precision with which they had surrounded the area, they had likely been following Lucas and Bennett since they left the hotel.

This was no routine security check.

Lucas quietly studied the men around him. Their equipment, their vehicles, and their refusal to identify the authority behind their orders all pointed in the same direction.

Someone powerful was pulling the strings.

"I’m not going anywhere until you tell me why you’ve come for me," Lucas said.

The officer’s jaw tightened.

"You will come with us. Now."

One of the operators standing to his right stepped forward. Apparently tired of the exchange, he reached out and grabbed Lucas by the forearm, intending to escort him to the vehicle by force.

Lucas didn’t even flinch.

He made no attempt to pull away, yet the moment the operator tried to move him, it became apparent that something was wrong. Lucas’s feet remained firmly planted, his body completely unmoved despite the man’s tightening grip.

For a brief moment, neither of them moved.

Lucas lowered his eyes to the hand gripping his arm.

"Get your hands off me."

His voice was quiet, but there was a noticeable warning in it.

"I can walk on my own."

The operator hesitated.

After receiving a brief glance from his superior, he released Lucas and stepped back.

Lucas casually adjusted his sleeve as though nothing had happened. However, the interruption had already attracted considerable attention. Several airport staff had stopped working, watching from a distance. None seemed willing to get involved, especially with so many armed men standing on the tarmac.

Bennett’s expression had changed.

Her earlier irritation had given way to genuine concern. Whatever this was, it clearly went beyond an ordinary misunderstanding.

The lead officer stepped forward again.

"This is your last chance. Cooperate."

Lucas held his gaze for a few seconds before glancing towards Bennett.

She was still standing beside him, her bag hanging from one shoulder. Judging by the look on her face, she had no intention of letting these men take him without a fight.

Lucas let out a quiet breath.

"Fine. I’ll go."

Bennett immediately turned towards him.

"No. I’m coming with you."

She stepped closer and grabbed his hand, holding it firmly.

"I’m not staying here while you disappear with a bunch of armed strangers."

"Miss Bennett, you can’t..."

One of the operators began, but the lead officer raised his hand, cutting him off.

A brief exchange of glances passed between the men.

They clearly wanted to get this over with. Causing an unnecessary confrontation on a private airport terminal would only complicate matters, especially with witnesses already watching.

After a moment, the officer gave in.

"Fine. Both of you. Let’s go."

The operators immediately adjusted their positions.

Lucas started walking without resistance, Bennett’s hand still firmly wrapped around his. The men surrounded them as they headed towards one of the black vehicles.

Its rear doors were already open, and the engine remained running.

Bennett glanced over her shoulder once as they approached.

Her private jet was still sitting on the tarmac, its engines humming and its boarding stairs ready. Only a few minutes earlier, they had been preparing to leave Silvermont.

Now, their entire morning had been thrown into chaos.

Lucas climbed into the vehicle first, with Bennett following closely behind. She didn’t release his hand until they were both seated.

The doors slammed shut.

Outside, the remaining operators returned to their vehicles with the same efficiency they had displayed upon arrival. Within moments, the convoy was moving again, leaving the private terminal behind.

Lucas and Bennett were being taken somewhere neither of them knew.

Behind them, the private jet remained on the tarmac, its engines still running, waiting for passengers who were no longer coming.