Upon hearing that, Esther quickly asked, âCan you help me investigate this matter?â
âOf course I can,â Jasper replied.
After pondering for a moment, Jasper continued. âInitially, Mr. Anstey wanted to sue Liliane to reclaim the dowry she received. But now that heâs deceased, the lawsuit has come to a halt, and Liliane has gained full control of his wealth.â
âIâm still legally the Ansteysâ adoptive daughter. Do you think I can take over his lawsuit?â
Esther took a deep breath. In truth, she had no interest in the Ansteysâ wealth. However, she couldnât bear to see Liliane easily obtain all that money.
âI believe so, but we should consult a lawyer to be sure,â Jasper said.
Speaking in a serious tone, Jasper added, âI will call you back once I have heard from the lawyer.
Meanwhile, Esther, you must be cautious. Donât easily trust others. If anyone claims you should return to the country using my name, donât believe them.â
âWhatâs going on?â Esther asked.
She sensed Jasperâs anxiety and unease. Initially, she had thought Bradley would target Jasper now that she was gone.
âBradley has offered a substantial bounty for your return, and Iâm concerned that someone might attempt something deceitful for the prize money.â
Esther was taken aback. âWhat do you mean, a bounty?â
âSearch for Bradleyâs Twitter account, and youâll understand,â Jasper advised.
Jasper emphasized once again. âDo not trust anyone, especially those who approach you using my name. Your escape has wounded Bradleyâs pride, and I fear he may resort to harmful actions against you.â
âHe hasnât done anything to you or the Searles, has he?â Esther asked worriedly, as she didnât want Bradley to target the innocent Searle Group because of her.
âNo, he hasnât. Donât worry. The Searle Group is not the kind of company Bradley can easily dismantle.
Your focus now should be on finding Pixie. Leave the rest to me.â
Esther desperately wanted to know the details of the bounty Bradley had placed on her, but Jasper didnât intend to continue the conversation.
He ended the call after conveying all the essential information.
Esther turned on her laptop and searched for Bradleyâs name. To her surprise, news about him appeared at the top of the search results.
She was stunned when she saw the news about the bounty placed on her.
She hadnât expected Bradley, a man driven by logic, to take such a step.
âDoesnât he realize that the higher the bounty, the more danger Iâll be in?â
A cold chill ran down Estherâs spine, and she felt as though countless pairs of eyes were staring directly at her from various locations.
Anna knocked on her door. âEsther, itâs almost lunchtime. Is there any food you donât eat?â
âNo,â Esther replied.
As Esther opened the door and Anna noticed her pale complexion, she asked with concern, Are you feeling unwell, Esther?â
âNo, Iâm fine. Iâm just disgusted by someoneâs actions,â Esther weakly replied.
âWhat do you mean?â Anna inquired.
Leaning against the door, Esther spoke slowly. âBradley has offered a substantial bounty on me, hoping to force me to return.â
âIs he crazy?â Anna couldnât believe her ears.
Shaken, Anna added, âDoesnât he realize that the higher the bounty, the more danger youâll be in?â
âPerhaps he does realize but doesnât care,â Esther said with bitterness.
The love she once felt for Bradley had turned into endless fear and terror.