Chapter 254
“Listen carefully,” Henry commanded through the phone, his voice deadly serious. “If Sophia loses even a single hair on her head, you won’t get a single cent from me!”
At that moment, I could hear the unmistakable tension in Henry’s voice. He sounded genuinely worried. I still couldn’t believe it–was he actually concerned about me?
David pressed the knife deeper into my skin, making me wince in pain. He slid the blade lightly across my neck, just enough to break the skin. I couldn’t help but let out a small cry of pain.
I quickly pressed my hand against the fresh wound, feeling warm blood trickle between my fingers. I needed to say something quickly before the situation escalated further.
“Henry, it’s Sophia,” I said, keeping my voice as steady as possible. “I’ve been kidnapped. Do whatever you think is best.”
I kept it brief. The less I said, the better.
Despite Henry answering my call–something he’d never done during any crisis in our six years of marriage–I still had zero expectations. He might have picked up, but that didn’t mean he would actually come to my rescue. I had been disappointed by this man too many times over the years to suddenly start believing in him.
Surprisingly, after hearing my voice, Henry’s tone changed. He became eerily calm, as if hearing the situation firsthand had given him clarity.
“Four million in cash, right?” he said coolly. “Give me one hour. I promise you won’t be
disappointed.” His voice hardened. “But I’m warning you: if Sophia loses even a single strand of hair,
you won’t see a penny!”
Then, his voice rose slightly, clearly directing his next words to me: “Sophia, don’t be afraid. I’m working on this right now. Wait for me!”
At this moment, Henry’s mind was filled with images of me being held hostage. He paced anxiously, looking like he might explode at any second.
William immediately sensed the tension. His weathered face creased with worry as he turned to
Henry. “What’s happened to Sophia? What’s going on?”
Henry gestured for William to remain quiet, needing to focus. The old man recognized the gravity of the situation, closed his mouth, and silently watched Henry handle the call.
After hanging up, Henry hurried to William’s side and quickly explained everything. The old man’s face turned pale with concern.
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“Who would dare kidnap Sophia?” William demanded, pushing himself to his feet despite his frailty. He shoved Henry aside, his face turning an alarming shade of purple with rage. “Call the police immediately, then send out every Harding security guard we have. I want to see who dares touch a member of our family!”
William gripped Henry’s arm tightly. “Four million in cash, is it? No problem. I have two million in cash here. Have the company finance department prepare the other two million. That should be enough.” His eyes burned with intensity. “Remember, as long as Sophia is safe, the money doesn’t
matter.”
Henry nodded grimly. Seeing his genuine concern for me, William refrained from his usual scolding. Instead, he simply said, “I want both of you to return safely.”
Henry understood the gravity of the situation and knew the kidnappers were waiting. Before leaving, he turned to his grandfather one last time. “I don’t know who took Sophia to threaten me, but I promise you–I will bring her back safely.”
With that, he sprinted toward the hospital building, displaying an unprecedented determination.
Henry had hung up before I could respond, leaving me shocked. Wait for him? Since when had Henry Harding ever been someone worth waiting for?
After the call ended, David was practically giddy. Four million dollars had been secured so easily! While the knife remained pressed against my throat, his demeanor toward me softened considerably.
“Well, Sophia,” he taunted, “even though you should be calling me ‘daddy‘ but never gave me a cent, I have to admit you’re not so bad after all. Your husband clearly cares about you–did you hear his voice trembling with fear? How could he not care?” He chuckled. “Don’t worry, once I get my four million, I’ll let you lovebirds reunite.”
I kept my lips firmly sealed, refusing to engage with him. There was nothing to discuss with a man who would press a knife to someone’s throat for money.
Scarlett had heard every word of the phone conversation and immediately adopted a parental lecturing posture. “Sophia, I have to say, this man seems to care for you deeply. Why are you still pursuing a divorce? Don’t be so stubborn–you’re only hurting yourself.”
า
Four million dollars! I could practically see her salivating at the thought. Henry had agreed without hesitation, not even attempting to negotiate. Most people wouldn’t earn that much in lifetime, and
now she was about to get her hands on it. The mere thought had her practically tren.
excitement.
ig with
I didn’t even bother giving her a glance. My complete indifference didn’t trouble Scarlett in the slightest–she merely chuckled and continued her lecture.
“Dear Sophia, why cling to your pitiful job when you have such a money tree for a husband? What’s
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Chapter 254
the point of working for pennies?” She shook her head, feigning disappointment. “He’s your husband -his money is your money. You’re a married couple! Why make such distinctions? A man spending money on his woman is the natural order of things. She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a
conspiratorial whisper. “Next time Mommy asks for money, remember to get more from Henry. Why not use the ATM right in front of you?”
Finally, I’d had enough. I turned to look at her, my eyes filled with nothing but contempt.
“Like you?” I asked coldly. “Depending on men for everything? And what has that gotten you?” I shook my head. “Yes, Henry and I are married, but we’re getting divorced soon. In this life, the only person you can truly depend on is yourself. Everyone else is unreliable.*
I fixed her with a hard stare. “Just like your dependence on David. You’ve been married to him for years–what has that gotten you? He can’t even host a decent wedding for his own son. Instead, he makes you figure it out. Don’t you find that pathetic?”
My words hit their mark. Scarlett’s face contorted with anger. “You ungrateful girl! I’m only looking out for you! If you don’t listen to me, you’ll regret it sooner or later.” Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Just wait and see–soon you’ll have nothing left!”
I met her glare with an equally cold one of my own. “I don’t know if I’ll have nothing left, but at least I haven’t given my soul to a man like you have. You have no identity of your own–you’re nothing but a puppet. How is that any different from being a walking corpse?”
That was the final straw. Scarlett’s face turned an alarming shade of red as she raised her hand to
strike me.
“You little bitch!” she screamed.
Before her hand could connect with my face, someone grabbed her wrist mid–air, stopping her cold.
I blinked in disbelief as I registered who had appeared out of nowhere.
It was Henry!
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