Chapter 198: Nabbed

"That's all everyone, thank you for all of your hard work," Dr. Villanueva said as he wrapped up today's meeting with the team.

The doctors seated around the conference table rose to their feet, stretching and exchanging brief nods of acknowledgment for the day's progress. As they filed out of the room, Dr. Villanueva gathered his own notes and turned off the projector.

The room quieted, the buzz of discussions replaced by the soft clicking of the cooling projector and the shuffle of papers.

He made his way to the small kitchenette adjacent to the meeting room. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the space—a welcome scent for Dr. Villanueva who had planned an all-nighter to finalize the compilation of data on Medipod's successful treatments. He poured himself a large cup, appreciating the warmth that spread through his hands.

As he sipped the strong, bitter coffee, Dr. Villanueva reviewed his agenda mentally. The compilation was crucial not just for internal records but also for upcoming regulatory meetings where detailed patient outcomes would prove essential. The success stories could significantly enhance Medipod's credibility and facilitate smoother approvals.

After locking up the conference room, Dr. Villanueva grabbed his laptop bag and headed toward the parking lot. The building was quieter now, most of the staff had left for the day. As he walked through the dimly lit corridor to the exit, a sudden noise—a faint scuffle, like shoes against the rough pavement—caused him to pause.

Peering over his shoulder, Dr. Villanueva saw nothing amiss at first glance. He continued walking, but the sense of being watched grew stronger. Quickening his pace, he listened for any out-of-place sounds, his heart rate slightly elevated. There was a brief rustle again, this time closer. It seemed to come from behind a set of large potted plants near the exit.

Dr. Villanueva set his coffee down, peering around the corner of the hallway. The shadows cast by the overhead lights created deep pools of darkness around the pots, making it difficult to see clearly. He considered calling security but decided to take a closer look first.

As he approached, he noticed a figure quickly moving away—a brief glimpse of a dark coat and the hurried steps fading into the distance.

Shaken but unharmed, Dr. Villanueva collected his coffee and briskly walked to his car, scanning his surroundings with heightened caution. Once inside, he locked the doors immediately.

As they approached their destination, the driver navigated through a series of desolate industrial zones, the towering warehouses casting long shadows in the moonlight. Finally, the van pulled up to an abandoned warehouse, its windows boarded up and graffiti covering the walls.

The abductors unloaded Dr. Villanueva's unconscious form from the van, carrying him inside the dimly lit warehouse.

They placed him on a makeshift cot in the center of the warehouse, securing him with additional restraints to prevent any escape attempts.

Once satisfied that their captive was secure, the abductors retreated to a corner of the warehouse, where another group of people was waiting.

"So he is the one who is an expert on Medipod?" said the man, who was wearing a black suit.

"Yes," replied one of the abductors, nodding.

The man in the black suit nodded thoughtfully.

"Good," he said tersely. "This information will be valuable. Once he wakes up, I'll get every information about the Medipod out of him. Are you sure that you haven't left any traces of our presence behind?"

The abductor nodded, his expression hidden behind the mask. "Yes, sir. We made sure to cover our tracks. No witnesses, no evidence."

The man in the black suit nodded approvingly. "Good."