Chapter 256

"Sir..." Joe tried to advise again.

Juan cut him off. "Nothing is more important than Debra's life. Do you understand?"

Joe swallowed hard. "Yes, sir."

He swiftly ordered their men to unload bundles of cash from the trunk. Aboard the boat, one of the kidnappers pressed a knife against Debra's neck. They climbed to the highest deck, and one of them shouted, "Bring all the money up here. Don't try anything foolish, or we'll kill her."

Joe instructed the bodyguards, saying, "Get all the money up there."

The bodyguards sprang into action, carrying bundle after bundle of cash onto the boat. Debra watched coldly.

Once the last bundle was on board, Joe used a megaphone to declare, "You've got the money. Let her go."

The kidnappers tore open the bundles, their eyes widening at the sight of the crisp bills.

"Alright, let her go," instructed the leader with a grin.

Hidden in a secluded corner of the shore, Shelia watched with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Suddenly, the boat's eng