Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 726 At the time, Lucas was still young. Fear, frustration, and resentment filled his heart. He blamed Nick for his predicament, convinced it was Nick who had caused him to be kidnapped in the first place. In a desperate bid to save himself, he had even offered to help the kidnappers catch Nick. And so, Lucas had lured Nick to the school gates, exchanging Nick's freedom for his own. But afterward, regret gnawed at him. Lucas wasn't a virtuous man, but he hadn't wanted to harm anyone. Fortunately, Nick had been rescued unharmed. After that, Lucas kept his distance.

They no longer spoke, no longer shared moments. Only after middle school graduation, when financial pressures forced Lucas to drop out, did Nick find him and offer a substantial scholarship. It was then that Lucas realized Nick had never stopped considering him a friend. Nick had always noticed Lucas's warmth and effort, even if his own aloofness made him seem distant. Nick had never been good with words or social interaction, but in his heart, he valued Lucas as a loyal and capable friend who had helped him countless times.

---- Lucas remembered how, back then, he often spoke of his dream: to study in Naraida, attend the best university, become a top-tier talent, and make a fortune. Nick hadn't commented much at the time, but when Lucas faced the threat of leaving school, Nick had ensured he got into a school in Naraida. The Hunt family provided full financial support, covering every expense as long as Lucas performed academically. Hearing Nick's sincere words, Lucas had been overwhelmed with shame. He confessed everything he had done, hoping for forgiveness.

He had expected Nick's disdain, but instead, Nick had clapped him firmly on the shoulder and moved on. "Don't be an idiot next time. What you owe me, remember to pay it back." Lucas never forgot Nick's calm, effortless words. At the time, Nick was still a child, speaking with a cold, expressionless tone- but he was so striking, so admirable Lucas never forgot the debt he owed. Over the years in Naraida, he had faced many trials. Though he hadn't become the great man he had dreamed of, fate had turned him into a powerful and influential figure.

He had earned the money he wanted, but every close friend and family member had long vanished from his life. ---- A few days ago, he had stumbled upon a news report: Nick had arrived in Naraida. Excitement had surged through him. He didn't know if his old friend would remember him, but he had resolved to see Nick at all costs. Then disaster struck. Just as he had cleared his schedule, news of Nick's accident reached him. Lucas knew Naraida's police better than most. An organization capable of committing murder in public was no small matter.

Local authorities, wary of the organization's power, would never dig too deeply. Lucas's own business operations operated in gray areas, requiring contact with both sides of the law. It took a little effort to confirm who wanted Nick dead: Lacuna. Lacuna was a notorious international underground organization, a weapon and secret reserved for the world's elite, tied to countless influential figures globally. Its strength was formidable, with numerous chapters and elite operatives, its network reaching into the corridors of power in multiple countries.

Naraida was the organization's strongest base, which explained the audacity of their actions. Even now, though public outrage and police pressure had forced a full-scale investigation, Lucas knew the outcome would likely be limited: a few arrests here, a ---- handful of chapter closures there, all just for appearances.