The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226 A Business

Deal

In Braeden’s office.

Braeden transmitted the newly received system to the relevant units. “First, update the special forces‘ system for testing. If the performance checks out, deploy it to all helicopters.”

As he set down the phone, another phone rang. He answered it at once. “Braeden speaking.”

“Miss Harper’s signal dropped in international waters,” said the voice on the other end with a sense of urgency. “Her last known coordinates have been sent to your phone. Beyond that point, we can’t track her or guarantee protection. We request immediate backup.”

Aboard a speedboat, Morton Sugden watched the distant luxury yacht through his binoculars. His grip tightened as the vessel disappeared from his view.

As an agent, he understood the stakes. Brenna wasn’t just a civilian; she was a genius in aerospace design, a national asset. Losing her was not an option.

Braeden’s screen lit up with coordinates and a grainy image of the yacht. Within moments, he had relayed the information to a special ops commander.

“Names of everyone on board,” he demanded, pen in hand.

Morton’s voice crackled over the satellite link as he listed the names of the passengers. When the call ended, he

waited for orders.

On the yacht, the armed personnel stood with weapons raised, eyes scanning the horizon. One of them held a tablet showing live radar imaging, capable of detecting movement within a three–hundred–mile radius.

Jade approached the guard watching the radar. “Status?”

“All clear. No vessels or aircraft within 300 miles. Underwater scans are clean, too,” the guard answered.

Satisfied, Jade turned back to the guests with a perfect smile. “Ladies, I invited the heirs to discuss a business deal.” She then gestured to the lavish spread. “Please, enjoy yourselves while we hold a quick discussion inside. It won’t take long.”

Ethan and Jayceon exchanged glances. Why haul them out to international waters just for a business deal?

Something wasn’t right.

Though also cautious, neither Denis nor Ernst raised any objections. They had been informed beforehand that the business deal was very profitable. The lure of tens of billions in annual profits was too strong to resist.

Anyone would have found it hard to walk away from that kind of money.

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<Chapter 226 A Business Deal

Isabella beamed and quickly said, “We’ll take care of the barbecue! It’ll be ready by the time you’re done.”

Ethan met Brenna’s eyes, then gave her hand a light squeeze. He discreetly pressed a small, solid object into her palm. “Grill me some bluefin tuna. It’s my favorite.”

Brenna nodded and closed her fingers around the object. Since when did Ethan care about food? There was

clearly a hidden meaning behind his words.

Bluefin tuna came with a steep price tag, especially when flown in fresh from abroad. Its rich taste and rarity only drove the cost higher.

But for the four great families, it was nothing more than a common ingredient.

Nearby, Sabine, Isabella, and Fay all drooled at the sight of the prized fish. It was a luxury they had only ever

dreamed of tasting before.

Jade’s laugh rang out. “You seem so reluctant to leave Brenna’s side, Mr. Mitchell. Don’t worry; you will be back

in no time.”

Ethan walked past her without so much as a glance. Then, the others followed him into the cabin.