Ellisâs eyes darted around, his interest piqued by Ivyâs offer of endless riches and glory. If letting this woman walk away today meant he could wrap himself in luxury, he would nod without a momentâs hesitation.
But as Clara had pointed out, what if Balfour no longer cared for this woman? Who would fulfill those grand promises, then?
âIf youâre doubting me, just check out the message that guy sent, will you? I waited so long for him, and he finally replied. Haha, see for yourself!â
A solitary message lay quietly in Claraâs inbox!
It was as if Balfour truly no longer loved Ivy. Without her beauty, she had lost all her worth.
âMan, I always said you canât trust these types. You even went public for him in front of all your fans; itâs totally not worth it. A guy from his background? Theyâre all players! You really misjudged this Youâd have been better off with some Joe Schmo. Heâs got money, power, and that handsome face. What made you think heâd fall for an actress like you?â
Ellis sounded genuinely indignant on behalf of his favorite actress, but Ivy only felt a chill run down her spine.
âI donât believe this. It canât be true. He must still love me! Trust me, if you spare me, I can make everything you want happen!â
Ivy kept inching away, trying to put more distance between herself and Ellis.
Clara neither stopped Ellisâs advances nor gave the go-ahead. She simply looked on with an air of superiority, enjoying Ivyâs desperation Meanwhile, a team quietly entered the village. The sight of strangers prompted a couple of barks from the local dogs, quickly silenced by their ownersâ scolding.
âYeah, itâs over there, the abandoned building. It was supposed to become a bed and breakfast, but that plan bit the dust,â A villager said.
Balfourâs face was a mask of stormy resolve. With a wave of his hand, a well-equipped team moved silently towards the building, its occupants absolutely unaware.
âClara, Iâm begging you. Let him leave, and for the rest of your life, Iâll give you anything you want!â
Ivy continued to plead, hoping to stir some conscience in her. She had to dodge Ellisâs advances and pray to an indifferent Clara.
She didnât know if Balfour was aware of her location or when he might arrive. She was drenched in sweat, all of it cold.
Ivy was truly scared. âPlease, Iâm begging you!â
Watching Ivyâs pleas, Ellis seemed to grow more excited.
âClara, can I go ahead already? At this rate, the momentâs gonna pass.â
But Clara wasnât done savoring Ivyâs pitiful state. She relished the sight of Ivy begging at her feet.
âHaha! Ivy, oh Ivy, did you ever imagine youâd end up like this a few weeks back?â she taunted, lifting Ivyâs chin.
âIf you knew youâd fall into my hands, would you have been less smug? Do you have any idea how much I wanted to tear your face apart every time I saw you two playing lovebirds in front of me? What makes you think you deserve any of this?â
Ivy inwardly coached herself to stay calm and play the role of the repentant in front of Clara. Maybe she could still find a way out. She had to stall for time.
âItâs all my fault, but you see, he doesnât love me. He hasnât even offered a ransom. I was deceived, too.â