Chapter 91
The restaurant’s lighting cast a soft glow over Damon’s normally cool profile, making his expression appear much gentler as he looked at Nyla.
The photo could easily be misinterpreted.
It was simply the angle–Damon had been speaking to her and naturally looked her way, which happened to be caught on camera.
Nyla immediately called Valarie. “What’s the deal with that photo? Who took it?”
“You’re finally up! That photo was taken by a somewhat well–known photographer who posted it on their profile. It blew up, and now everyone online is saying you and Damon are a perfect match.”
Nyla was speechless.
Although the photo only showed their profiles, anyone who knew them could easily recognize them. No wonder Clark was so furious earlier.
“It’s just the angle. Il contact Clark
uncle to sort this out,” Nyla said.
If this got any bigger, it would only cause her more trouble. She decided to call Spencer instead of contacting Damon directly.
When Spencer heard about the photo, he quickly reassured Nyla, “Ms. Jayston, we’re already in touch with the photographer to handle it. Don’t worry.
“Thanks. Let me know once it’s resolved.”
Spencer was apologetic. “Of course. I’m really sorry about this. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have asked you to watch over Mr. Sumner last night.”
Nyla pressed her lips together. “What’s done is done. Just handle it as quickly as possible.”
She hoped not too many people had seen the photo.
“Alright, I’ll get back to work now,” Spencer said.
Spencer put away his phone and turned to Damon, who was seated at his desk. “Mr. Sumner, our team is already en route to the photographer’s place. We’ve also contacted the social media platform to delete the photo, but some people might have saved it on their phones.”
Damon’s expression was icy. “Delete all you can.”
At that moment, the office door burst open.
Clark stormed in, slamming a printed copy of the photo onto the desk. “Uncle Damon, staring at my wife so openly–isn’t that too much?!”
Damon slowly looked up, meeting Clark’s furious gaze with a cold, detached expression. Despite being seated, he exuded an aura that overshadowed Clark.
“It’s just a misleading photo. Is this really worth all this fuss?” Damon asked.
Clark sneered. “Misleading? Can you honestly say you have no feelings for Nyla?”
+25 BONU
Chapter 91
Damon’s gaze remained impassive. “Whether I do or not is none of your business.”
Upon feeling the oppressive tension and seeing Damon’s icy stare, Clark’s anger flared even more. “If you don’t back off, I’ll tell Grandpa and Grandma and let them handle this.”
Damon raised an eyebrow, his demeanor turning dangerously cold. “Are you threatening me?”
Clark instinctively took a step back under Damon’s chilling gaze but quickly regained his resolve, driven by his jealousy over Nyla.
“Uncle Damon, I wouldn’t dare threaten you. I’m just reminding you that Nyla is off–limits,” Clark asserted.
Chapter 92
Chapter 92
“I don’t need you to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do,” Damon said coldly, plunging the office into silence.
The tension between him and Clark was palpable as they stared each other down, neither willing to back off.
Sensing the intensity of the situation, Spencer quickly intervened, Mr. Clark, Mr. Damon has been dealing with the photo situation since this morning. Maybe you should head back for now.”
Clark turned to Spencer, his tone icy. “Mr. Hogg, you’ve been with my uncle for a few years now. I hope you can talk some sense into him, remind him not to-”
“Clark!” Damon’s voice cut through sharply, his eyes filled with a storm of anger. “Say one more word, and you can forget about staying as the Sumner Group’s CEO.”
Clark’s hands clenched tightly at his sides, feeling both humiliated and frustrated. He knew Damon had the power to oust him from his position.
He glared at Damon, enunciating each word, “I hope you know what you’re doing, Uncle Damon.”
With that, he turned and stormed out of the office.
Even after leaving Prospectus Technology, Clark couldn’t shake off his ang……. He pulled out his phone to call Nyla. But knowing she wouldn’t pick up if she saw it was him, he decided to drive over to her place instead.
.92
+25 BONUS
Nyla had just finished breakfast and was putting on her shoes to head to work. As she opened the door, she was surprised to see Clark standing there with a cold expression.
“What are you-” she started, but Clark shoved the door open, grabbed her wrist, and pushed her against the wall.
“Nyla, I told you to stay away from my uncle. It seems you didn’t take me seriously,” he said.
He pinned her in place, his hand moving down her face, his eyes filled with a dangerous glint.
The image of Damon gazing at her with what looked like affection in that photo filled him with jealousy and rage, fueling his irrational
behavior.
His hand continued downward, hovering near her throat.
Nyla’s neck was slender and delicate, seemingly easy to snap with just a bit of force.
Feeling Clark’s gaze fixated on her neck, as if contemplating whether to strangle her, sent chills down Nyla’s spine and made her skin prickle with goosebumps.
Clark was insane!
She shoved him away, gritting her teeth. “That photo is just a matter of perspective. We were talking at the time.”
“Oh, really?” Clark, seemingly unbothered by her push, smiled mockingly. “Nyla, you know I can’t go against my uncle. So you better behave and stay away from him, or I can’t promise what I might do.”
263
Chapter 92
+25 BONUS
His tone was gentle, but it sounded more like a threat to Nyla.
She took a deep breath, locking eyes with him. “Don’t worry. I have no interest in him and will never fall in love with him.”
All she wanted now was to gather evidence for a divorce from Clark and distance herself from the Sumners forever.
Clark scrutinized her, trying to gauge the sincerity of her words.
After a moment, he smiled slowly. “Nyla, I’ll believe you this time. But if this happens again, I’ll make sure you’re properly punished.” He emphasized the word “punished” with a chilling tone.
Chapter 93
When Clark saw Nyla’s eyelashes flutter, his eyes flashed with satisfaction.
Nyla bit her lip and said coldly, “need to go to work. Can you leave now?”
Upon noticing her distant attitude, Clark’s gaze darkened. He didn’t want to push her too hard as it would only worsen their relationship.
“I’ll drive you,” he offered.
“No need.”
With that, Nyla pushed him out and closed the door behind him..
Upon arriving at the office, Nyla noticed her colleagues sneaking glances at her.
She remained expressionless, assuming they had all seen the photo online.
After placing her things at her desk, she was about to head to the lab when Sasha approached her, whispering, “Nyla, about that photo online… Is it true? Does Mr. Sumner really like you?”
Immediately, everyone around them perked up their ears.
Everyone knew about the incident where Damon protected Nyla during the lab explosion, risking his own safety. Now, with the photo circulating online, they couldn’t help but speculate about the nature of their relationship.
Seeing the curiosity in Sasha’s eyes, Nyla responded calmly. “It’s not true. It’s just the angle of the photo. We ran into each other at the restaurant entrance and exchanged greetings.”
Sasha looked puzzled. “Just that simple?”
Before she could ask more, Nyla headed to the lab with her experiment report.
On her way, she ran into Lucia coming out of the restroom.
Nyla pretended not to see Lucia and continued walking, but Lucia couldn’t resist making a snide remark.” Some people really know how to play their cards right, getting both Sumners wrapped around their fingers. I’m impressed.”
Lucia had been fuming since seeing the photo that morning. She couldn’t believe that Nyla, knowing about her interest in Damon, would be so shameless as to flirt with him.
The comments online pairing Nyla and Damon only fueled her anger.
She had tried to expose Nyla as Damon’s niece–in–law in the comments, but her comments wouldn’t go through.
Soon after, all photos and related tags were deleted, clearly a move by the Sumners.
Nyla turned to Lucia, noticing the barely concealed Jealousy in her eyes, and couldn’t help but smirk. “If you’re so jealous, why don’t you try taking a photo like that yourself? Though I doubt Mr. Sumner would give you the chance.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 93
Lucia was angered and sneered. “I wouldn’t stoop to your level. Married and still flirting with other men. Is Clark not enough for you?”
Nyla raised an eyebrow! “If you’re so concerned about our marital affairs, why don’t you install a camera at my house? Then you can satisfy your curiosity 24/7.
Lucia gritted her teeth. “Don’t get too cocky, Nyla. If you keep walking down this path, you’ll run into trouble eventually.”
“And I suggest you get your jealousy treated. Don’t come to me with your nonsense.” With that, Nyla turned and walked away, ignoring Lucia.
Lucia shot daggers at Nyla’s retreating figure, her eyes filled with rage and disgust.
She pulled out her phone and called Kenneth, her voice cold. “When are you going to make your move?!”
Chapter 94
Kenneth stood in a hospital corridor, staring at the bill with worry. Hearing Lucia’s voice, he replied seriously, “Within the next few days.”
He was completely out of money. With Mabel in police custody, his only option was to follow Lucia’s plan to get the money for medical expenses.
“I’ll be waiting for your good news then, Lucia said, hanging up with a smirk.
Once Kenneth kidnapped Nyla, she would ensure both of them perished at the scene, leaving her free of worry.
In the lab.
Nyla was preparing to continue her experiment when she received a message from Genevieve, asking her to come to her office.
When she arrived, Genevieve greeted her with a smile. “Nyla, how was the business trip to Rontana with Mr. Sumner?”
Nyla pursed her lips. “It was fi
Is there something you need?”
“Headquarters is very interested in the project you’re working on. Since it’s funded by Prospectus Technology, they’ve decided to have you work there for a while to avoid Mr. Sumner having to constantly travel back and forth to check on the progress.
Nyla was taken aback, frowning slightly. “How long will it be? And does Prospectus Technology have a lab?”
Genevieve smiled. “I’m not sure about the exact duration, but likely until the project progresses
significantly. As for the lab, Prospectus Technology bought a building next to their headquarters last year and converted it into a lab, so it’s ready for use.”
If the project’s progress was the measure, it could take at least a year or two. Drug development involved both pharmacological and clinical trials, with the former alone possibly taking years.
Seeing Nyla’s reluctance, Genevieve added, “You’ll get a daily travel allowance of 30 dollars.”
A daily allowance of 30 dollars meant an extra 600 dollars a month, a tempting offer for Nyla. Instantly, her reluctance disappeared.
“Genevieve, when do I start?” she asked.
Genevieve couldn’t help but laugh. “If possible, it would be best if you start tomorrow. You can wrap up your current experiment today and head to Prospectus Technology tomorrow to meet Mr. Hogg.”
Nyla was surprised by the urgency but figured that starting sooner would mean receiving the travel allowance sooner, which was a good thing.
“Alright, Genevieve. I’ll finish up my work today and organize my materials,” Nyla said.
“Good. If you have any problems at Prospectus Technology, feel free to contact me.
+25 BOI
Chapter 94
Returning to the lab, Nyla packed up her equipment and headed back to her desk. The day passed quickly. After gathering her materials and personal belongings, she turned off her computer and informed Sasha about her transfer to Prospectus Technology.
Sasha was initially stunned but then her eyes widened. “You’re switching jobs?”
Her voice was loud enough to catch the attention of everyone nearby, including Lucia.
Nyla shook her head. “No, the company is sending me to Prospectus Technology to complete this project before coming back.”
Since other colleagues had been sent to other companies for projects before, Sasha wasn’t too surprised. “I see. I heard Prospectus Technology has many handsome and wealthy single men. If you meet any, remember to introduce me. My family’s been nagging me about marriage nonstop,” Sasha said.
Nyla laughed, not expecting that to be her concern. “Sure. If I find anyone suitable, I’ll let you know.”
Chapter 95
Once Nyla got home, she contacted Spencer, who instructed her to come to the CEO’s office the next morning for fingerprint registration and access cards.
After hanging up, Nyla felt anxious. Clark already suspected Damon of having ulterior motives toward her. Now that she was going to work at Prospectus Technology, there could be serious trouble if Clark found
out.
For now, though, she could only take it one step at a time and deal with it when it happened.
The next morning, Nyla got up, freshened up, and drove to Prospectus Technology.
After parking her car, she went to the reception and mentioned she was there to see Spencer.
Upon confirming her identity, the receptionist led her to the elevator. “Ms. Jayston, the CEO’s office is on the top floor.”
Nyla nodded. “Thank you.”
She entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.
As it ascended, she noticed it was her first time at Prospectus Technology and had heard that all their elevators were scenic. Now, she could see it for hersell.
As the elevator rose, the city’s landscape unfolded before her, giving her a sense of openness.
Soon, the elevator reached the top floor. Nyla walked out and down a long corridor to reach the CEO’s
ice.
When her relationship with Clark was good, she had visited him at the Sumner Group’s office, but their setup was different from Prospectus Technology’s.
Prospectus Technology had several times more secretaries than the Sumner Group.
Even though it was just after 8:00a.m., all the secretaries were busy at their desks, with phones ringing
non–stop.
After searching for a while, Nyla spotted Spencer at the desk outside the CEO’s office, sorting through documents. She quickly approached his desk. “Mr. Hogg.”
Spencer looked up, saw it was Nyla, and stood up. “Ms. Jayston, you’re here. I’ll take you to complete the onboarding process.”
Although Nyla was sent by Park Pharmaceuticals, she still needed to go through the formalities.
“Thank you, Mr. Hogg,” she said.
“You’re welcome.”
After completing the onboarding process, Spencer showed Nyla where the cafeteria was before taking her to the laboratory building.
Chapter 95
+25 BONUS
The lab building was connected to the main building by a long corridor, about 400-500 meters long.
Since the lab building was newly operational and had few projects, Nyla was assigned her own office and lab. She was very pleased with the spacious and well–lit lab.
During her university days, she had had to share a lab with senior students, often coordinating time to use the equipment. Now, having her own lab, she wouldn’t have to worry about that.
“Ms. Jayston, here’s your meal card. The cafeteria is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you have any questions, feel free to call me or come to the CEO’s office.”
Nyla took the card and nodded. “Got it. Thank you, Mr. Hogg.”
Back at the CEO’s office, Spencer knocked and entered Damon’s office.
Damon was reviewing documents, bathed in the morning sunlight that streamed through the window.
He looked like he had stepped out of a painting–a sight that would undoubtedly drive his admirers wild, given his looks and aristocratic air.
“Mr. Sumner, Ms. Jayston completed her onboarding this morning. Spencer informed him.
ed. He didn’t expect Nyla to cause such a stir on her first day at Prospectus Technology.
+25 BO
Chapter 96
After thinking for a moment, he replied in the group.
Spencer. [Stop guessing. She’s a research developer sent over from Park Pharmaceuticals, and she isn’t available.]
After sending that message, Spencer closed the chat app and went back to his documents.
Back in the lab, Nyla started her afternoon experiments. As the reaction began, she sat nearby, timing and recording the experiment.
It was then that she received a message from Clark.
Clark: [I’m downstairs at Prospectus Technology. Come down immediately, or I’ll come up to find you myself.]
Nyla frowned, surprised that Clark found out about her working at Prospectus Technology so quickly. After a moment of thought, she called him,
The phone barely rang twice before he picked up, but he stayed silent.
“My transfer to Prospectus Technology was a company decision. There’s no point in you coming here,” she said.
“Then you can quit,” he rebuked.
His matter–of–fact tone made Nyla laugh in disbelief. “I’m not quitting. If you’re so worried about me and your uncle, why don’t you put a surveillance camera on me?”
With that, Nyla hung up. If Clark actually stormed into Prospectus Technology, he would only embarrass himself and potentially offend Damon, which would backfire.
In the car, Clark gripped his phone in anger, his eyes cold. He had warned Nyla, and now she dared to start working at Prospectus Technology. It seemed she needed to be taught a lesson.
That evening, Nyla was cleaning up her lab equipment when she received a call from Harrison.
The atmosphere was tense when she arrived at the hospital room.
Seeing her, Harrison spoke coldly. “Nyla, quit your job tomorrow.”
Chapter 96
Damon looked up at Spencer, his expression cool and detached. “Got it.”
Seeing Damon’s indifferent reaction, Spencer felt he might be overdoing it by bringing this up. After reminding Damon about the 10:00 am. meeting, he turned and left.
+25 BONUS
At noon, Nyla took her meal card to the cafeteria.
As soon as she walked in, she was stunned by the luxurious setup. It looked more like a five–star restaurant than a cafeteria.
e prices were
The food at each station was meticulously prepared and visually appealing. Moreover, the incredibly low, almost the same as a university cafeteria.
The cafeteria had three floors, offering a variety of cuisines.
Nyla lined up at one of the food stations, collected her meal, and found a seat in a corner.
Tasting the soup, she was surprised at how delicious it was, comparable to what she had tasted at five- star restaurants before.
She had heard people online say that Prospectus Technology’s cafeteria was like a five–star restaurant and thought it was an exaggeration. She realized it was true now.
No wonder people joked that once someone joined Prospectus Technology, dieting became a thing of the past.
Focused on her meal, Nyla didn’t notice the curious and admiring glances from those around her.
Soon, news of a new, beautiful employee spread throughout the company’s internal chat groups, along with a candid photo of Nyla’s profile taken by someone.
Everyone was curious about which department she worked in.
Unaware that she had become a hot topic among Prospectus Technology employees, Nyla returned to the lab after lunch.
It wasn’t long before someone approached Spencer to ask about her.
The chat group of the CEO’s office was buzzing with activity, with everyone tagging Spencer to inquire. about Nyla.
[Mr. Hogg, that pretty girl who joined today must have some connections, right? You personally handled her onboarding. Now everyone in the company is curious about the department she’s in.]
[Yeah, and I saw how courteous you were to her. Is she related to some high–level executive?]
1
I saw her too this morning. She’s really stunning. Even as a woman, I couldn’t help but take a second look.
Reading the messages, Spencer was a bit surprised. He didn’t expect Nyla to cause such a stir on her first day at Prospectus Technology.
Chapter 95
+25 BONUS
The lab building was connected to the main building by a long corridor, about 400-500 meters long.
Since the lab building was newly operational and had few projects, Nyla was assigned her own office and lab. She was very pleased with the spacious and well–lit lab.
During her university days, she had had to share a lab with senior students, often coordinating time to use the equipment. Now, having her own lab, she wouldn’t have to worry about that.
“Ms. Jayston, here’s your meal card. The cafeteria is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you have any questions, feel free to call me or come to the CEO’s office.”
Nyla took the card and nodded. “Got it. Thank you, Mr. Hogg.”
Back at the CEO’s office, Spencer knocked and entered Damon’s office.
Damon was reviewing documents, bathed in the morning sunlight that streamed through the window.
He looked like he had stepped out of a painting–a sight that would undoubtedly drive his admirers wild, given his looks and aristocratic air.
“Mr. Sumner, Ms. Jayston completed her onboarding this morning,” Spencer informed him.
Chapter 97
Chapter 97
Nyla’s steps faltered, and she glared at Clark. “What did you tell m, ad?!”
Before Clark could respond, Harrison shouted, “You’re questioning Clark? How could you betray him with his uncle?!”
Nyla’s fingers trembled with rage. She couldn’t believe Clark had the gall to twist the truth, and even more, she couldn’t believe her father had fallen for it.
“Dad, do you really see me as that kind of person? You didn’t even ask me, and you just believed Clark’s side of the story, thinking I betrayed him?!” she questioned.
Nyla took a deep breath, deciding not to hide Clark’s infidelity any longer. “Do you know it was he who-”
“Nyla, your dad was so upset earlier that he almost fainted. The doctor said he can’t take any more stress. Do you really want to push him to the brink?”
Clark’s loud voice drowned out Nyla’s words.
She clenched her hands at her sides, her hatred for Clark reaching a peak. “If you know my dad can’t take stress, why did you come here and tell him nonsense?!!
Clark sighed, looking helpless. “Fine. If you say there’s nothing between you and my uncle, then I’ll believe you. Just move back home and I won’t hold anything against you.”
Harrison, who had just calmed down a bit, got agitated again. “You moved out?!”
Nyla took another deep breath and spoke slowly. “Dad, I’ll explain everything to you later. Right now, you need to focus on getting better. Please don’t get involved in our issues.”
“Move back home immediately! Married couples shouldn’t live apart!” Harrison ordered.
Harrison and Nyla’s mother had divorced after sleeping in separate rooms. He didn’t want Nyla to go down the same path. Besides, if Nyla left Clark, she might be vulnerable to bullying.
Clark quickly tried to soothe Harrison. “Dad, don’t worry. I’ll talk to Nyla. I’m sure she’ll come back home.
soon.”
Seeing Clark’s seemingly conciliatory act, Nyla was furious. “Clark, can you stop pretending and making everyone sick?”
She hadn’t revealed Clark’s misdeeds out of concern for Harrison’s health. Yet, Clark had exploited that, slandering her in front of Harrison.
Harrison frowned and was about to speak when the hospital room door opened.
Wren walked in with a thermos, smiling as she saw both Nyla and Clark. “Nyla, you and Clark came to visit your dad?”
Nyla nodded briefly, then looked at Clark. “Our problems are between us. Don’t bring it up in front of the elders. Let’s settle this outside.”
With that, she turned and left the room.
Harrison called after her, but she ignored him.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 97
Wren glanced at Clark, her brows furrowing slightly. She was aware of his affair, and seeing him now filled her with disapproval and dissatisfaction.
Clark didn’t notice her gaze. He turned to Harrison and said, “Dad, today was my fault. Don’t be angry with Nyla. I’ll handle this. Please don’t worry.”
Harrison sighed. “Nyla has been spoiled by me since she was little. For my sake, please be more patient
with her.”
“Don’t worry. She’s my wife. I’ll take good care of her,” Clark assured him.
With that, Clark nodded to Wren and left the room.
As he stepped out, he saw Nyla waiting at the end of the hallway. She was clearly waiting for him.
Clark smiled and walked toward her.
As soon as he reached her, she slapped him hard across the face.
Chapter 98
Chapter 98
Instantly, a red handprint appeared on Clark’s face. His gaze toward Nyla was chilling. “How dare you hit me?!”
Nyla met his furious eyes and said slowly, “Why wouldn’t I? You’re the one who cheated, yet you have the audacity to slander me in front of my dad. Don’t you deserve to be hit?”
As soon as she finished speaking. Clark grabbed her chin and pushed her against the wall, his eyes filled with anger.
“Nyla, it’s your fault for not listening to me. If you had obeyed, I wouldn’t have had to go to your father,” he claimed.
Nyla sneered. “If you dare approach my dad again, I’ll expose your affair.”
“If you’re not afraid of aggravating his condition, go ahead,” Clark dared her
Clark’s nonchalant tone fueled Nyla’s rage, her hands clenched at her sides. “Clark, how did you become so despicable?!”
Clark leaned closer. He could see the disgust and anger in Nyla’s eyes and tightened his grip on her chin.
liu
“Nyla, I just want you back by my side and to stay away from my uncle. You’re the one provoking me,” he said.
Taking a deep breath, Nyla said, “I won’t be threatened by you, and I won’t quit my job.”
“You don’t have to quit. I’ll give you a week to move back to the villa. Nyla, this is my final concession. If you don’t comply, I’ll have to take drastic measures,” he warned.
His threatening tone made Nyla stiffen. She couldn’t believe she had once loved such a shameless man, but regretting it now was useless.
“And if I refuse? What drastic measures will you take?”
“You wouldn’t want your father to lose his place on the kidney transplant list, would you?” he threatened. Nyla looked at him in disbelief. “Clark, you’re inhuman!
He used Harrison against her, knowing he was her greatest concern!
Clark smiled slightly, whispering in her ear, “I’ll be waiting for you to come back
He then released her and left without another word.
Nyla returned home after 8:00 p.m.
She didn’t turn on the lights and walked to the couch, her mind a tangled mess, unsure of whom to confide in.
She had planned to pretend to comply with Clark, gather evidence, and then file for divorce. However, his shamelessness was beyond her expectations.
Chapter 98
+25 BONU:
Should she really give in and move back?
As Nyla was lost in thought, she heard a faint noise from the bedroom. Frowning, she wondered if she was imagining things.
She stood cautiously and walked to the door to press the light switch.
The living room lights didn’t turn on.
She glanced outside and saw the neighbor’s lights were on, feeling a surge of fear.
Reaching for the door handle, she opened the door and ran out.
As soon as the motion sensor light turned on, however, someone pushed her back into the living room.
The person who had been waiting outside walked in and shut the door, cutting off the light.
Nyla fell back heavily, her face contorted with pain, but her mind was racing.
Chapter 99
+25 BONUS
People were hiding in both the bedroom and by the door, indicating a premeditated attack.
Nyla scrambled to her feet and ran toward the kitchen. Unfortunately, she only managed a few steps before someone grabbed her arm and slammed her against the wall.
“Who are you? Why are you- Mmph!”
Before she could finish, one of her attackers pinned her down and pressed a cloth against her nose. A pungent smell filled her nostrils, and her vision began to blur.
Soon, two masked men dragged a large suitcase out of Nyla’s apartment.
Since it was just past 8:00 p.m. and most people were home from work, there weren’t many people around, so the men didn’t attract much attention.
They quickly reached the back gate of the building, where a nondescript van without a license plate was parked in the shadows.
They loaded the suitcase into the trunk and drove off toward the outskirts of the city.
Spencer hurried into the CEO’s office at Prospectus Technology with a document in hand.
“Mr. Sumner, this file was just sent back by our partner. They said there might be an issue with the experimental data, but I’m not a technical expert. As such, I can’t pinpoint the problem,” Spencer said.
Damon glanced at the file and said, “Call Nyla.”
Spencer nodded and quickly called her.
Nyla’s phone vibrated in the dark living room for a long time before stopping.
Spencer tried calling several times, but Nyla didn’t answer.
“Mr. Sumner, should I go to Ms. Jayston’s place with the document?” Spencer asked.
“Go ahead.”
When Nyla woke up, she found herself crammed into a confined space, which felt like a suitcase.
Panic and fear washed over her. Although she usually remained calm, this was her first time experiencing a kidnapping, and she knew she was in constant danger.
Her captors could decide to kill her at any moment.
After taking a deep breath to calm herself, she noticed that she was moving, likely in a vehicle. Where were they taking her?
She gave it some thought. She wasn’t staying somewhere affluent and hadn’t offended anyone. Besides,
captors had clearly planned it based on how they had abducted her.
her
After considering everyone she had interacted with, she concluded that the most likely person behind her
+25 BONUS
Chapter 99
kidnapping was Lucia.
Suddenly, the car stopped.
Nyla heard the trunk open and quickly closed her eyes. Moments later, she felt the suitcase being lifted. and roughly dropped to the ground.
Pain shot through her body as if every bone had been shattered, but she bit her lip hard to keep from making any noise.
If they realized she was awake, there was no telling what they might do. For now, it was safer to pretend
to be unconscious.
She heard voices outside.
“I brought her here for you. Now give me the money you promised.”
There was a brief silence before a familiar male voice responded.
“Wait, I don’t have the money yet. Once I get it, I’ll pay you immediately.”
The first man’s voice rose in anger. “Kenneth, are you playing me? I agreed to help you kidnap her, not to get involved in extortion. Give me my money now, or I’ll spill everything about what you made me do. Don’t blame me for what happens next!”
Chapter 100
Chapter 100
“Even if you spill the beans, I don’t have any money now. And if this gets out, you’ll be going to jail too!” Kenneth responded.
As the argument grew more intense, Nyla finally recognized the man who had kidnapped her–Mabel’s father, Kenneth.
She had only met him once. How did he know where she lived? How had he gotten into her home?
This wasn’t something a regular farm worker could come up with. Someone must have been behind it, and that person was obviously Lucia.
Gradually, the argument outside died down, followed by the sound of a car starting.
Soon, everything was silent.
Nyla held her breath, not daring to make a sound.
Suddenly, she felt the suitcase being moved and heard the wheels rolling on the ground. She realized she was being dragged somewhere, and her mind raced as she considered how to escape.
Nyla cautiously unzipped the top of the suitcase a little, but the outside was pitch black except for the flashlight held by the person dragging her.
Unable to see her surroundings, Nyla knew she couldn’t make a rash move.
After about ten minutes, the person brought her to an abandoned building and started dragging her upstairs. Each step made her body slam painfully against the stairs, but she bit her lip to keep from making a sound.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the man stopped
Kenneth put down the suitcase and called Lucia. “I’ve got her. What’s next?”
Lucia, who had been waiting nearby, said, “I’ll be there soon.
When Lucia arrived, she opened the suitcase right away and reprimanded Kenneth, “You idiot! Why didn’t you tie her up? What if she escapes?”
“I was in a hurry and forgot…”
“Moron!” Lucia cursed, realizing it was too late to fix it.
Seeing Nyla was still unconscious, she smirked and slapped Nyla hard twice, waking her up.
you want?”
Nyla slowly opened her eyes, pretending to be groggy and terrified. “L–Lucia, what do Seeing the fear on Nyla’s face, Lucia felt a surge of satisfaction. “Nyla, didn’t expect this, did you?” “Are you crazy? Kidnapping is a crimel” Nyla tried to talk while assessing her surroundings. Everything was dark except for the small area lit by the flashlight. To escape, she’d need that flashlight.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 100
Lucia sneered. “Since I’m daring enough to kidnap you, I have a way out.”
With that, she signaled to Kenneth.
A knife was pressed against Nyla’s throat. “Nyla, I’ll give you a chance. Call Clark and ask for help. If he’s willing to pay, I’ll let you go. How about that?”
Nyla frowned, wary of Lucia’s intentions. Something felt off. If Lucia only wanted money, she wouldn’t be showing herself because she knew Nyla would tell Clark everything if she survived.
Lucia had no intention of letting her go alive!
From Kenneth’s earlier conversation with the other man, Nyla deduced that Kenneth was in this for the money. Lucia, however, wanted her dead but didn’t want to be implicated, so she had Kenneth do the dirty work.
Once Nyla was dead, Kenneth would take the fall. Lucia likely didn’t plan to let Kenneth live either, ensuring no loose ends.
Noticing Nyla’s hesitation, Lucia smirked. “If you don’t call, you’ll die now.”
Nyla knew calling Clark was her only chance. If he came with help, she might survive. “Okay, I’ll call him.”
“Give me the number, and I’ll dial it. Think carefully about what to say,” Lucia warned.
Lucia dialed Clark’s number and put it on speaker.
After a few rings, a soft, feminine voice answered instead of Clark.
