Isabella lowered her gaze, blinking rapidly to hold back her panic.
She knew survival was the priority now.
Her mind raced, searching for a solution.
Soon, she lifted her head and addressed Frederick.
“Since you know I hate him and why, kidnapping me for ransom is pointless. He won’t come to save me.”
“We won’t know until we try,” Frederick replied, his small eyes scanning her beautiful face.
“You’re much more stunning than the last woman. That should make you quite valuable.”
He paused, then added, “Besides, you’re not the only one I’ve taken.”
Isabella’s brow furrowed tightly.
Not just her? Then who—
Just then, the warehouse’s metal door creaked open with a harsh, grating sound.
Two masked men shoved Julian inside, his face bruised and swollen, his hands bound.
Isabella’s eyes widened in shock.
Julian’s gaze locked onto her, his eyes blazing.
He struggled violently against his captors.
“Let me go, you bastards! Why did you take her? Damn you—”
One of the masked men drove a knee into his stomach.
Julian doubled over, his face contorted in pain, too breathless to struggle or curse anymore.
Isabella watched him, her expression tight with worry.
Frederick’s eyes shifted between Isabella and Julian, a smirk tugging at his lips.
“What’s this? An affair between in-laws?”
He had followed them to Seattle after Julian secretly brought Isabella here.
For ten days, he observed them living together, like runaways.
Isabella turned her face away, while Julian spat out a mouthful of blood.
“None of your damn business! What do you want? I can pay you—just let her go!”
Frederick stood, chuckling.
“Compared to Alexander, your money is nothing. I didn’t take this risk for pocket change.”
He approached Julian, tapping his shoulder with the gun.
“Calm down. Cooperate, and I’ll release you both once I have the money.”
The masked men dragged another chair over and bound Julian securely to it.
Julian wiped the blood from his lips and glared at Frederick.
“Don’t bother. Alexander won’t pay. We betrayed him—he won’t care what happens to us.”
A flicker of cruelty crossed Frederick’s face.
“You’re hoping he doesn’t care? If you’re worthless to him, I might as well kill you now.”
He pressed the gun to Julian’s head. Julian froze.
“Tsk, tsk,” Frederick clucked his tongue.
He lowered the gun and pulled out a phone.
“Two outcomes: either he abandons you, or he pays despite your betrayal. If it’s the latter, I might get even more than I expected.”
Isabella and Julian exchanged a tense glance. They were dealing with a ruthless killer.
Frederick dialed a number and put the call on speaker.
After two rings, a deep voice answered. “Yes?”
“It’s me.”
Alexander’s tone sharpened. “Frederick?”
Frederick laughed. “I’m honored you remember me.”
“What do you want?”
“Two years ago, you knew I was desperate for money. You used a woman as bait, let me kidnap her, and then sent men to kill me. You didn’t care if she lived or died. But I survived. Now I have your woman again—and your brother, for insurance. What will you do this time? Still refuse to pay?”
Silence stretched on the other end.
Frederick spoke first. “Don’t believe me? Listen.”
He held the phone toward Julian. “Say something to your brother.”
When Julian remained silent, Frederick glanced at Isabella. “Fine. Let your sister-in-law speak.”
Julian quickly blurted out, “Alexander, he has Isabella and me!”
Frederick smiled, satisfied, and brought the phone back to his mouth. “Convinced?”
“How much do you want?”
“Two million. Cash. Deliver it alone.”
Alexander’s voice was calm and steady. “You’ll get every cent. No police, no retaliation. Our feud ends here. But if you harm them, I will hunt you down.”
“It seems my return was worth it. Alexander Sullivan, brought to his knees. You know they’re having an affair, yet you’re still paying? You must really love this woman.”
“Give me the address. I’ll call every half hour to confirm their safety.”
“Agreed. I’ll send the location soon.”
After ending the call, Alexander pressed his fingers to his temples, eyes closed, steadying himself. Liam stood behind him, concern etched on his face. “Frederick took Julian and Isabella?”
“He wants two million in ransom.”
“But—”
“The money isn’t the issue.” Alexander looked up, his gaze grim. “I fear he never intends to let them go.” He slammed a fist against the wall. “I should have killed him myself back then.”
Liam’s expression was grave. The situation was dire. Frederick, once Alexander’s business rival, had been ruined by him. After losing everything, he descended into alcoholism and gambling, his wife and son leaving him. He blamed Alexander for all his misfortunes. He had stolen company secrets, sent women to poison Alexander, and survived multiple attempts on his life. Now, he was back, seeking revenge.
“What’s our move, Alexander? Should I prepare the money?”
Alexander narrowed his eyes. “Have it ready, but we can’t hand it over yet. The moment he gets the cash, they’re dead. We need to buy time.”
——
Later, Frederick and his men left the warehouse.
The damp, moldy space was now silent, occupied only by Isabella and Julian, bound to their chairs.
Julian coughed, wincing from his injuries. “Isabella, are you okay?”
Tears welled in Isabella’s eyes, fear for her life and for Jacob overwhelming her. “Will we… make it out of this?” she whispered.
Julian’s eyes reddened. “We will. He’ll come. I know he will.”