Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Thanks to her previous life as Mrs. Chandler, Annie had a keen understanding of the high society ladies and Betrico’s families. She mentally reviewed the Ramirez family dynamics and pressed her point. “If I recall, Mr. Mason Ramirez, you have a younger brother, right? Ten years your junior?”

Mason answered with caution, “What’s it to you?”

Annie remained composed. “Ever think about what happens when your uncle steps down from the family business, Mr. Ramirez? You’d be the rightful heir, with your brother not standing a chance. But what if you end up behind bars?”

“Behind bars?” Mason was nervous.

“For intentional homicide, even if it’s a minor case, it’s three to ten years in prison. Severe cases? Ten years to life—or worse, the death penalty. The Ramirez family might pull some strings, but after serving your time, your brother would be all grown up.”

Mason went pale, the alcohol wearing off instantly. His anger had clouded his judgment, and he’d never considered the fallout.

Seeing his silence, Annie knew she’d struck a nerve. She kept pushing, “I know you’ve got a thing for my eldest sister, Jessica. But what if you lose your power? Would she still look at you the same when you’re no longer the heir of the Ramirez family? While you’re behind bars, she might marry someone else, leading a life wealthy and cozy.”

“No way!” Mason was on edge. “I’ve done so much for her, she wouldn’t just ditch me!”

Annie’s heart raced. ‘I’d thought Mason’s motive was just revenge for the wine spill. But Jessica is in on it too? Right. Without my sister’s involvement, Mason wouldn’t have targeted me out of the blue.

Her voice was icy. “Why not? Jessica’s got her eyes on the Chandler family’s fourth son; you’re just a pawn for her. Once you’re out of the picture, you’re history.”

“You’re full of it! Jessica’s not like that!” Mason shouted, but his face told a different story. He knew how Jessica treated him compared to Jeremy Chandler…

With a mocking smile, Annie added, “I’ve said my piece, Mr. Ramirez. You decide if it’s worth risking your whole future for a woman who doesn’t love you.”

“I… I don’t know…” Mason buried his head in his hands, his thoughts a whirlwind.

Thomas lost his patience and cut in, “Don’t let her scare you. We can make this disappear. There will be no body, no trace, and certainly no evidence pointing your way–provided the price is right.”

Mason was adamant. “No way! I never signed up to kill anyone!”

Thomas continued, “But it’s too late for that. She’s already known you.”

Annie, overhearing their exchange, feared Mason might cave. Time for a bold move. She declared with conviction, “Two million!”

“What?” Thomas spun to face her.

Annie sat up straight, her tone steady. “You mentioned 1 million dollars to take a life. I’ll double that to save my own.”

Thomas rubbed his chin, a smirk playing on his face. “You’ve got guts.”

Most would have crumbled in her situation, but not Annie. Even kidnapped and bargaining for her life, she remained cool, negotiating with a steely calm that betrayed her mettle. If Mason wasn’t interested in her life, they could still make a killing, a very profitable one at that, After a moment’s thought, Thomas said, “But payment upfront before you walk.”

“Deal,” Annie agreed without a beat. “Though, it’ll have to wait.”

“For what?”

“For a friend.”

“Who?” Thomas barely got the word out when the growl of a car engine echoed outside.

With a whoosh, a fiery red sports car spun a 180 at the warehouse entrance, coming to a sleek stop at the door. Two men stepped out.

The leader moved with an elegant grace, his face so handsome it was almost otherworldly, yet his eyes were as cold as ice. His presence alone drew every eye.

The man behind him surveyed the thugs, unwrapped a lollipop, popped it into his mouth, cracked his knuckles, and asked, “Boss, how many for you and how many for me?”

Jackson’s gaze found Annie, noting she was tied but unharmed, looking as composed as ever. He couldn’t help but arch an eyebrow. It seemed he’d fretted for nothing. This woman could handle herself. With a casual flick of his wrist, he said to Donald, “They’re all yours, enjoy.”

Donald blinked in disbelief. “Huh?” That was not fair!

Annie breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Jackson’s voice. Her lingering doubts vanished. She’d been playing a hunch, unsure if he’d show. Their relationship was hardly friendly. Yet, something deep inside told her he wouldn’t leave her hanging. It seemed a woman’s intuition could be razor–sharp.

With a smile playing on her lips, Annie said, “There’s the person we’ve been waiting for. For the money, you’ll have to talk to him.”

Thomas looked at Jackson like he was a walking bank vault: With a greedy grin, he asked, “You here to pay for her?”

“Pay for what?”

“Her life.”

Jackson’s eyes narrowed, a smirk on his lips. “Now every Joe thinks they can just step up and make demands.”

Thomas’s expression darkened. “Seems like you’re not here to play nice.” As he finished, with a signal to his men, they began to encircle Jackson and Donald, weapons at the ready.

Donald cracked a smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper fight. Time to loosen up and show these guys how it’s done.”

In moments, the warehouse erupted with the sounds of a fierce fight. Donald, the center of attention, seemed to be handling it with ease.

Seeing the tide turning against him, Thomas made a move for his piece. But before his hand could reach it, the cold steel of a gun pressed against his temple.

“Thomas, long time no see,” a voice as chilling as death spoke from behind.

Thomas turned to look at the newcomer and nearly wilted in fear. “W–Warren?!”

“Good to see you still know me,” the tall man with sharp features and a piercing gaze said, like a blade about to be drawn.

Thomas managed a weak smile. “You’re pulling my leg, right? Who wouldn’t know you? What brings you here?”

Warren approached Jackson, gave a slight nod, and with a simple action, addressed him, “Boss.”

Seeing this, Thomas was left speechless and terrified. He thought in panic, ‘Dear God, I’ve really messed up… Even Warren is so respectful to this man…

It was only then that he realized Jackson had been utterly calm since entering, not a hair out of place. Even with so many around, not a single one had laid a finger on him. He knew he was in serious trouble.