Chapter 141 By the time Clara came to, she found herself lying on the gritty floor of a dilapidated warehouse. Her wrists and ankles were bound, and duct tape sealed her mouth shut.
Not far from her, two men sat watching. They were wellâcovered, making it impossible for Clara to discern their faces.
It was only then that she realized she had been kidnapped. She had to stay calm and think of a way to call for help.
Just then, she caught sight of one of the kidnappers dialing a number on her cell phone. Claraâs heart seized with fear. Muffled sounds of ânoâ escaped from behind the tape.
She dreaded the thought of them calling her father. A call in the dead of night with news of her abduction would be too much for his recently mended heart to bear.
As she struggled to crawl towards them, lanâs husky voice came through the phone. âClara, are you alright?â
Before Clara could react, the kidnapper spoke menacingly into the phone, âMr. Hayes, your girlfriend is in my hands. If you want her safe, prepare ten million, or Iâll take very good care of her for you.â While speaking, he leered at Clara suggestively.
There was a brief silence on the line before lanâs voice returned, cold and stern. âLet her speak!â
The kidnapper yanked the tape from Claraâs mouth and pressed the phone against her ear. There was a gun pointed at her head. âPlay nice, or I end you right here.â
Terrified, Clara nodded frantically. She trembled all over but tried to keep her composure. She knew she had to warn lan about the gun.
She was gasping for air. In a weak voice, she said, âlan, the cash is in the wooden box on the first shelf of the safe in the study.
Remember to bring it all.â
With a gun to her head, she couldnât be too obvious. She hoped lan would understand her coded message and bring a weapon.
After a pause, lan replied, âAlright, donât move. Iâm on my way with the money.â
Just as Clara began to feel a sliver of relief, Leonoraâs shrill voice pierced the phone call. âlan, where are you going? Heidiâs fighting for her life, and you canât leave her side. She was attacked over business. You canât abandon her.â
âMan, Heidi lost her chance to be a mother to save you, and now sheâs been seriously hurt for your company. You canât be so heartless, ignoring her like this.â
âMr. Hayes, Ms. Heidiâs awake. Sheâs crying and wants to see you. She says if you donât come in, she wonât go through with the surgery.â
11.30 Despite the chaos on the line, Clara understood the gravity of the situation. Heidi was injured and in critical condition, refusing surgery unless lan stayed with her. And there Clara was, still waiting for her rescue.
Her heart clenched tight. Her voice trembled so much she could barely speak. Before the phone cut off, she didnât even hear lan make a sound.
Her eyes closed helplessly, a bitter smile on her lips. Fate always seemed to play the same cruel joke on her.
She knew that between Heidi and herself, lan would always choose the former. So why kept jabbing at her already raw wounds?
She curled her cold body tightly Every second felt unbearably longer. The silent night seemed to swallow her whole.
Just as she was losing all hope, ready to fight the kidnappers in a desperate bid for freedom, she heard the sound of rapid footsteps outside.
Then, a figure, tall and commanding like a deity, emerged from the endless darkness and strode toward her.