After Julian stood up, the look in his eyes toward Lucas turned vicious.

“This is all your fault!” He was trembling—equal parts fear and rage—but mostly hatred. “You’re the reason I ended up like this! And that bitch Tessa, I’m not letting either of you go. You’ll both pay for this!”

As soon as he finished, Julian lunged forward. Even though deep down he knew it was pointless, like a moth charging a flame, he still wanted to try. He couldn’t accept it. His life wasn’t supposed to turn out like this—so where had it all gone wrong?

The moment Julian threw himself forward, Desmond kicked him back without hesitation, not even letting him get close enough to touch Lucas’ jacket.

What a joke—was he seriously trying to get at Lucas while Desmond was standing right there? Did he even ask for permission? And that kick? Desmond didn’t hold back at all. He was already annoyed just being in this place, and now Julian had the nerve to act like this? There was no way he was going to tolerate it. So, with one solid kick, Julian went down hard.

Neither of the other two said a word. Hector casually glanced around and pretended not to see anything. He even added, with just the right tone, “Huh, looks like there aren’t any cameras in this room. Well, it is just a holding cell… no idea why they didn’t install one. Might have to bring it up with the higher-ups next time.”

Hearing that, Desmond couldn’t help but laugh to himself. It looked like Hector had a sense of humor. And more importantly, he knew how to read the room. That little detail actually left them quite satisfied. It meant they wouldn’t have to deal with any fallout afterward. No wonder the chief insisted they bring this particular officer along. Now the reason was clear—they’d sent the one guy who knew how to read the room.

Lucas looked coldly at Julian sprawled on the floor, then his gaze shifted. He noticed something had fallen beside him. It was a black phone.

Desmond suddenly realized, “So Julian’s been hiding this phone the whole time. Mr. Carter, think there’s something shady on it?”

Lucas shot him a sharp look, like he was talking to an idiot. Wasn’t it obvious? Why did he even ask? “Bring it here.”

Desmond caught on right away and walked the phone over. “Here you go, Mr. Carter.”

Julian, still on the ground, tried to stop them but was too weak to do anything. All he could do was repeat over and over, “Give it back… give it back to me…” He dragged himself toward Lucas inch by inch, but it was pointless.

Lucas cast him a cold glance and strode out of the holding cell. “Keep him here. Don’t take your eyes off him.” With that, he left first.

Desmond gave Hector a firm pat on the shoulder, voice low but approving. “Well done. You’ve got real potential—just give it time.” Having worked with Lucas for years, Desmond understood exactly what those few words earlier had meant. Lucas was considering pulling this young officer up.

Hector watched Lucas’ retreating back, just about to follow when he heard Desmond’s words.