In contrast to the lively wedding scene, the Olsen Residence was eerily quiet after the festivities. The servants were busy cleaning up under the guidance of the butler and the housekeeper.
When the housekeeper saw Laura, she was surprised. âWhy were you at the wedding, Mrs. Olsen?â
âOh, I wasnât feeling well. Iâll leave soon,â Laura replied.
âMake sure you donât lose track of time,â the housekeeper reminded her.
Laura nodded in agreement and went straight back to the master bedroom. Zach, still hungover from the previous nightâs socializing, hadnât woken up yet. It was clear that he didnât care about Lianaâs so-
called wedding.
Laura approached cautiously, checking to see if he had awakened before turning to leave. She entered the small study room, opened the secret compartment, and entered the hidden room. She descended the dimly lit staircase step by step. The fear from the past resurfaced, and she struggled to control her nerves as her hand trembled.
The hidden room was dimly lit and secluded, untouched for a long time. Spider webs and dust were scattered everywhere.
Laura stood in the vast basement, her gaze falling upon the various torture devices hanging on the walls. She couldnât help but shudder.
Every time she saw the devices, she would curse Zach.
âJosieâ¦â Laura called out as she walked.
Her voice echoed throughout the empty room.
âAre you here? If you are, make a sound.â
However, as Laura searched, there was no response. It seemed as though she was the only one in that place. Josie isnât here, but it makes sense. Only Mark and Claudia know about this vile and dirty place.
Thereâs no reason for anyone else to have kidnapped Josie. So where exactly is she?
âWhat are you doing here?â A venomous voice suddenly echoed from behind.
âAh!â Laura jumped in surprise, turning around to find Zach, dressed in his pajamas, standing on the stairs, watching her with a cold gaze.
Zach stared at her wide-eyed. When he looked at someone like that, it was incredibly unsettling.
Laura had seen him in that state before, and that was when he was hitting her.
She forced herself to remain calm. âIâm looking for something.â
Zach glanced at the torture instruments. âDid you come to the hidden room to search for things? It seems like youâre asking for trouble.â
âI dare you.â
âDamn it! You really think I wouldnât dare!â Zach raised his hand abruptly, his face twisted with malice.
âHit me, then.â Laura walked straight up to him, standing before him. âLiana is married to Dexter now.
Soon, the entire Olsen family will be under their control. Without me, how will you compete with them?â
As she spoke those words, a smile appeared on the corners of her mouth, like a poisonous flower blooming on the edge of a cliff.
Zach glared at her, gritting his teeth in frustration. Yet, the slap he had poised in the air never landed.
âAre you scared? Mr. Zach, I truly feel sorry for you. Despite being a son, your parents donât value you.
Youâve gained nothing. Wouldnât you say youâre worthless?â
With a fiery provocation, Laura declared, having already seen through this outwardly strong but inwardly weak young master.
At times, she even thought that it was right for Mark not to grant Zach any power. Zach truly lacks intelligence.
âShut your mouth! My father wouldnât be so foolish as to hand over the Olsen family to an outsider!â
âLetâs see if Dexter has the ability or not. Regardless, heâs more capable than you.â After provoking him, Laura walked past him and left the hidden room.
Zach followed her, grabbing her hand as if he had finally sobered up. âListen, you must help me. The Olsen family is mine. If you assist me in reclaiming it, I will grant you a divorce, giving you the freedom you desire. But if you refuse to help me, donât blame me for being heartless!â
Half submissive, half threatening, Laura responded with a cool, amused chuckle. âUnderstood. Letâs pack up. Itâs time for us to leave.â