Chapter 128: French Art Treasure

Victor arrived at Boston Airport and headed to the city mall, where he bought several gifts for Trish, including some exclusive items from other cities and a box of Barbie dolls for his soon-to-be-born daughter. Though the dolls were pricey, he hoped they'd be a pleasant surprise.

Returning home by taxi, Victor rang the doorbell with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

"Ding Dong!"

"Who is it?" came Trish's voice from inside.

When the door opened, Trish was thrilled to see Victor. "Victor, you're back early! I thought you'd be away for a few more days."

Victor embraced her and gently touched her pregnant belly. "I missed you. I have some gifts for you."

Trish was delighted with the presents. "Barbie dolls! I saw these at the mall recently, but they were too expensive. I can't believe you got them."

Victor smiled and replied, "Rest for now, and I'll cook dinner for you."

He relaxed on the sofa, reading the newspaper as Trish prepared dinner in the kitchen. This was the peaceful life he had always wanted. He planned to take a break from work and enjoy time with his family, using the savings he had set aside.

Just then, the phone rang.

Victor answered, "This is Victor."

"Mr. Victor?" a strange voice asked.

"Yes, who is this?"

"My name is Henry, and I'm calling from Los Angeles. I believe you know why."

Victor's heart sank. The caller knew his name and home number, which meant they had traced him precisely.

"We're outside your door. You can try to escape, but I doubt you'll succeed. Think about Trish and your unborn child."

Victor's hand shook as he held the phone. He knew the threat was real and severe.

"Please, don't harm my family. I'll cooperate. Just let them be safe," Victor pleaded.

"You have three minutes to come out with the check," Henry instructed.

Victor hurried to the bedroom, retrieved an iron box from a hidden compartment in his closet, and packed it with $200 in cash, a bank book, and the deed to his house. He then approached Trish, holding the box.

"What's this, Victor?" Trish asked, surprised.

"I've earned this money over the years. There's over $4,000 in cash, $20,000 in the bank, and the house deed. Take it all," Victor said, forcing a smile.

Trish, concerned, asked, "What's wrong, Victor?"

"I have an important matter to attend to and may be gone for a while. This is for you and the baby," he said, touching her belly tenderly.

Victor left quickly, fearing the worst if he delayed. As he got into a black car, he handed the check to Henry.

Henry examined the check and, satisfied, pocketed it. The car ride was silent, and Victor's anxiety grew. He wondered if he would be killed or face some other grim fate.

The car took Victor to the airport, where he was put on a plane with several stern-looking men in black suits. As the plane took off, Victor sat nervously, wondering what awaited him.

Arriving in New York, Victor was brought to a familiar place: Han Yezhen's auction company. He felt a chill seeing the company's plaque. He had been here before and was greeted warmly by Han Yezhen and her assistant, Irina.

Inside the office, Han Yezhen, Irina, and a young man awaited him. Henry handed the check to Han Yezhen, who reviewed it and turned to Victor with a frown.

"Mr. Leo, you've caused quite a mess. If you continue like this, you'll end up in prison."

Victor, distressed, responded, "I'm truly sorry, Miss Han. My greed led me astray."

Victor was terrified that he might face death rather than prison. Desperately, he offered additional information.

"I have news about valuable antique art. If investigated, it could lead to significant discoveries."

Henry eyed Victor skeptically. "What news?"

Victor explained, "The artwork story was a lie, but it was inspired by a real incident. On a cruise from France, someone told me that after the Germans invaded France, they sought out gold, jewelry, and art. A Frenchman named Debrand Hill, who was responsible for a small museum, helped the Germans collect art. After hiding many pieces, he disappeared, likely fleeing to the U.S."

Victor continued, "If you can find Hill, you'll uncover valuable art. I have a photo of him, and while finding him is difficult, it's a lead worth pursuing."

Han Yezhen and Hardy listened carefully. Han Yezhen's anger softened slightly, but she remained wary.

Victor pleaded, "I'm willing to help find Hill. It's better than just killing me, right?"

Han Yezhen, still frustrated, looked at Hardy, who seemed intrigued but skeptical. It was clear that Victor's fate was uncertain, but his desperate plea for a chance to prove his information might influence their decision.