Chapter 49
Howell was raring against time, facing a merciless enemy. These kidnappers were ruthless, and he had no idea what they were after. Was it just
1Fit was about money, he could handle it. But if there were
hesitation, he dialed Hanley’s number.
were other
motives, that was a different story. He couldn’t afford to waste any time. Without
“Take 20 million dollars in cash from my private account,” Howell instructed briskly. “Also, start investigating–find out where they were kidnapped, which direction they were taken, and identify that rundown house.”
Hanley stepped into the office, heanng Howell’s cold command. Cautiously, he asked, “Mr. Buckley, aren’t we going to alert the police!”
The question hung in the air. The police might be the professionals, but Howell’s instincts told him this was a matter of secrecy. The less people
knew, the better
And be discreet, Hanley. No one can know about this
Howell’s gaze tumed ice–cold. “No, don’t call the police. We can’t afford to spook them. And
Hanley was about to speak, but the weight of Howell’s words shut him down. He nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Understood I’ll take care of i
As soon as Hanley left. Howell’s mind swirled with images of Joanna in the hands of those kidnappers. It was maddening. If he caught them, he would tear them apart
Hus fo slammed down on the desk in frustration.
Joanna slowly regained consciousness, confused and disoriented. How did she end up here? She had been struck from behind, then dragged away
to this place
Looking around, she realized she was tied up her hands and feet bound. Though she’d never experienced anything like this, Tell oddly familiar. like something out of a crime show. She was being kidnapped.
Her thoughts raced. She hadn’t wronged anyone recently–except maybe Polly, Theodora, and Margot, who had all clashed with her at some point. Could they really be behind this? Would they go so far as to have her kidnapped?
Suddenly, a cold thought crossed her mind, and she instinctively pressed her hand to her stomach. Thank goodness the baby’s fine, she thought, relieved. The child was strong.
Though fear gripped her heart, Joanna quickly composed herself. She surveyed the room again and noticed the broken door, a faint murmur of
vodces on the other side.
She had to stay alert. What did they want! Was it money, or something else?
In the room next door, Margot was bound as well. Her face was smeared with dirt, but if you looked closely, you could see she hadn’t been physically harmed.
Ryan Paliner, the kidnapper, walked over after making a phone call. He pulled the SIM card from his phone and tossed it aside–no one would be able to trace the call now.
He eyed Margot hungrily, noticing her delicate skin and long, slender legs. His gaze lingered, his eyes greedy and lecherous.
He smirked, reaching mut to touch her chin. “Why not just come with me? I’ll make sure you live a life of luxury. His tone was smug, and his eyes
you want to do this?”
Margot wowded. She was no stranger to creeps like him, and she was far from impressed. “I’m Jamar’s woman. Are you sure you
Rye recoded, his hand supping back. “I was just joking, har muttered, clearly rattled.
Though Ryan was Jamār’s subordinate, he didn’t fully understand why Margot wanted to go through all this trouble. If she wanted to get rid of Jounna, they could do it without her involvement Why risk it What if something went wrong? I low would we explain it to Jamar?
Margot smirked collly “This isn’t a joke. Make sure you handle things properly, and E’ll put in a good word for you with Jamar. You’ll be well compensated for your efforts. And if you want to mess ansund, you can always try the girl next door. She looks innocent, but I bet you’d be surprind at what’s under the surface”
Finally, slar saw it for herself–die cruel heart of a woman.
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411 PM
Chapter 49
“Alright, we’ll follow your lead” Ryan chuckled lightly, feeling a thrill run t could be
through him. The more beautiful a woman
a woran was, th
the more ruthless she
There were plenty of beautiful women out there–money could get any woman you wanted. Besides, the woman next door was even more stunning than Margot. He preferred her anyway-
“Let’s see what Howell does. You all just follow the plan, but don’t make any mistakes and get me caught. If you do, I’ll make sure it’s just you as it is on me,” Margot warned sharply.
These people only cared about money–she was genuinely worried that something might go wrong.
as hard on
There was a hint of unease in Margot’s heart, too. She wasn’t entirely confident in her plan. But her eyes hardened with determination; she was all
In this time
She believed he
She believed her plan was flawless, that nothing could go wrong
With a vengeful look, she glared at the broken door next door, thinking about how best to forment Joanna.
She had fallen so low, forced to sell herself just to get ahead. If simply getting rid of Joanna was all there was to it, Margot didn’t feel it would be enough to satisty her.
That would be too easy for Joanna
A cruel smile twisted at the corner of Margot’s lips. She wanted Joanna to suffer, to be humiliated beyond repair, to never be able to show her face again.
Ten’t that much more fun? Margot thought
Hours passed, and Howell watched as the cash was prepared. He dialed the number again, only to find that the phone was disconnected.
“As expected” he thought grimly. They’re too clever for that.
Frustration built up in Howell’s chest. He couldn’t wait any longer. They wanted money, and they wouldn’t pass up this opportunity. It was only a matter of time before they called again.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, the phone rang. This time it was Ryan on the other end, his voice altered again.
“Are we good to go! Is the money ready! Ryan’s tone was flat.
Howell signaled to Hanley, and with a quick nod, Hanley started tracking the number. Howell answered coolly, “It’s ready. How do you want to proceed”
“Don’t rush me 10
“Tine Howell said. “But I wa
when” Ryan paused before continuing. “I
“I want to hear their voices. Let them speak to want to see them first. I need proof they’re still in one piece
to me.”
“You’ll get what you need. I told you they’re fuse, Ryan assured him.
Le it believe it when I hear them myself”
Ryan’s patience snapped. “This in’t your call, Howell. You can either trust ine, or I’ll start ending lives. You decide.” “Alright I trust you for now. But tell me how to get the money to you,” Howell said, trying to keep his composure.
e ounkirts. Someone will meet you there. If you pull any tricks, you’ll
Don’t call the cops Come alone, with the money. Go to the bridge on the
never see them again, Ryan iliratened, his sour dripping with malice.
He h
–id. Tll be thara”
