Chapter 307
Anthony narrowed his eyes. “So, Theodore, anyone who’s made a mistake doesn’t deserve another chance?”
“That’s not for me to decide,” Theodore replied evenly. “But I can choose not to do business with that kind of company”
Anthony said, “Theodore, partnering with Wren Group wasn’t just my call. Most of the board agreed. We’re all in this for the same reason, profit. Why make it harder for yourself?”
Their eyes met. Theodore’s voice was calm but firm. “I just hope you don’t end up regretting it.”
Anthony gave a half–smile, then shifted his gaze toward the hospital room. “I’m going to check on Eliana.”
Inside, Jayden’s eyes brimmed with tears as he asked, “Eliana, does it hurt?”
Eliana offered a gentle lie. “Not anymore. Don’t cry, okay?”
Jayden wiped his face with the back of his hand, his nose running again. “You shouldn’t drive by yourself anymore. Ask Theodore to find you a proper driver. Then things like this won’t happen.”
Neither Jayden nor Barbara yet knew the accident had been caused by brake failure, and Eliana didn’t want to frighten them. She simply said, “Alright, I will.”
Barbara added, “It’s not good for you to keep eating out. From now on, tell me what you want each day, and I’ll have the kitchen prepare it and bring it over.”
Eliana’s heart softened. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
Just then, Anthony reentered the room. Eliana gave him a faint nod.
Anthony pressed his lips together. Normally so practiced in offering concern, now the words seemed to escape him. But silence any longer would give him away.
He cleared his throat. “Take your time recovering, Eliana. Get well soon.”
She replied politely, “Thank you. I will.”
Later that evening, as they were leaving, Barbara suddenly stopped Jayden. “Jayden, did you notice something off about Anthony tonight?”
Jayden looked puzzled. “Off how?”
“Well, normally, after hearing Eliana was hurt, he’d be fussing over her. But tonight, he barely said a word.”
Barbara knew Anthony too well. He competed with Theodore over everything, women included. It had been Alice once; now, it was Eliana. His silence didn’t add up.
Jayden ventured, “Maybe he’s just in a bad mood?”
Barbara gave him a look. “Have you ever known Anthony to be in a bad mood? Or show it? That man wears a smile like armor.”
Jayden scratched his head. “Barbara, you’re making this too.complicated. I don’t follow.”
She let out a sigh. “Forget it. Maybe I’m just overthinking. Go finish your homework.”
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Chapter 307
Three days later.
“Alas!” Samuel sighed again.
Eliana glanced at Samuel, exasperated. “Dr. Wilson, that’s the third time you’ve sighed in the last ten minutes. What’s wrong?”
Samuel crossed his arms, aggrieved. “I spent all this time getting you back to full bloom, and now you’ve gone and hurt your forehead. Do you know how much my rare herbs cost?”
Eliana gave a wry smile. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t exactly planned.”
Samuel muttered, “If I ever find out who’s behind it, I’ll gut them and stuff their regrets back inside.”
Eliana chuckled. “Alright, stop ranting. How about you help me talk to Theodore? I’d like to be discharged. I feel bad making him stay here every day.”
Samuel gave a reluctant nod. “Fine. Once Mr. Russell finishes his call, I’ll bring it up.”
Outside the hospital room, Theodore spoke into the phone, his tone clipped. “Any update on Ashton?”
“Mr. Russell, Mr. Ford has been released on bail by his attorney. That said, he’s been showing up at the station every day, assisting with the investigation…”
The officer’s words were cut short by Theodore’s sharp interjection. “Letting a suspect help with the investigation? That’s rich.”
There was a pause before the officer replied, somewhat awkwardly, “With all due respect, Mr. Russell, Mr. Ford has been more committed than some of our own men. He was the first to suggest a comprehensive sweep of everyone who appeared at the government building that
day.
“Unless he’s putting on the performance of a lifetime, he seems genuinely invested.”
Theodore was silent for a moment. “Noted. Keep eyes on him.”
“Of course, sir. We won’t let up.”
Theodore lowered his phone and turned to enter the hospital room, only to be interrupted by a call from an unfamiliar number.
A strained voice came through. “Theodore, help!”
His expression tightened. It was Barbara.
A second voice followed, cold and deliberate. “You heard her. That’s your sister. If you want her back safe, wire 300 thousand within four hours. No delays, no shortfalls, or she gets hurt.”
Theodore’s tone was low. “The account number?”
“You’ll get it shortly. Four hours. Don’t test us,
With that, the line went dead.
In a derelict warehouse, Barbara sat bound to a chair, unable to move.
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Mon, 11 Aug
Chapter 307
She stared defiantly at the six men before her, all masked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fury. “Do you even know who fam? Im Theodore’s sister. You’re making a serious mistake.”
The men burst into laughter.
“Nice try,” one of them sneered. “We’ve been watching you near your school for days. Theodore’s sister? Come on. Why would someone like that take the bus to school? A real heiress wouldn’t be anywhere near public transport.”
“You don’t know anything,” Barbara snapped. Years of judgment had taught her to keep a low profile, preferring to prove her worth through excellence rather than appearance.
The leader, Jamal Harris, stepped forward and struck her hard across the face. “What’s with the attitude?”
The blow knocked her and the chair to the floor. Gritting her teeth, Barbara managed, “There’s an ID in my backpack. Check it. The address is
there.”
One of the men grabbed the bag, unzipped it, and searched through its contents.
He froze when he found her ID. “Jamal… look at this. Her address is in Covenhill’s top–tier estate. Name’s Barbara Russell.”
Jamal snatched the ID, eyes widening. “What the hell… Janice told me she was just some nobody. That’s the only reason I agreed to this.”
One of his men muttered, “Didn’t Janice originally want us to mess up her face? You’re the one who switched to kidnapping last minute.”
“Shut your mouth!” Jamal barked.
The man hesitated, then asked, “So what now? Let her go?”
Jamal’s eyes lingered on Barbara, still on the floor. A twisted glint crossed his face. “If she really is Theodore’s sister… that just raised her price.”
AL
