Albert made a welcoming gesture in a very polite manner. Grace nodded slightly and walked in.The difference in treatment was worlds apart!Jessica wasn't able to stomach getting the cold shoulder. She hurried forward and stopped Albert in his tracks. "Mr. Barnes, Landon Group is sincere about this opportunity. If we can establish a collaboration with your company, we can give you 50% of the profits. I hope you'll give us a chance."50% of profits?That was no small sum!Albert was a businessman, so Jessica didn't believe he would give up such a huge chunk of profits.Albert's lip curved into a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He paused to scrutinize Jessica seriously. He said, "Do you think I lack money?"When Jessica heard that, she had a bad feeling. She immediately explained, "Mr. Barnes, please don't get the wrong idea. I'm just expressing how genuine I am about working together. I didn't mean anything else by it."Albert snorted coldly. "Working together? I'm sorr
"You're teasing me, Mr. Barnes. Let's get back to business."Albert nodded, and both of them dove into the topic.…Meanwhile, because of the necklace incident with Kayla, Lydia was busy drafting some new designs. After pulling an all-nighter, she finally came up with a design that she was satisfied with.She looked out the window and stretched. Just as she was about to go to her bedroom to get some rest, the doorbell rang.She found it strange.People rarely showed up on her doorstep. Who could be there so early in the morning?As she walked out of the study, she called out, "Who is it?"There was no answer.She opened the doorbell camera, but she didn't see anyone standing at the door. Just as she turned around to leave, someone rang the doorbell again.This time, a man's voice sounded out of the blue. "We're here to check the water meter. Please open the door."Lydia didn't think too much of it and opened the door. However, in the next second, a few buff men barged in, gi
Grace said apologetically, "Sorry, Mr. Barnes. Something urgent came up, and I need to handle it. Let's stop the discussion here today. We'll keep in touch in case something crops up."With that, she left in a hurry while talking on the phone. Albert stared at her retreating figure in doubt. He ran after her and said, "Ms. Lewis, you seem really worried right now. Did something happen? You can tell me. I might even be able to help you.""Thanks for your kindness, Mr. Barnes. I don't need any help right now."The elevator doors opened, and Grace rushed in. Then, she gave the bank a call. 50 million dollars was doable for her, but it might be difficult to get it in cash.Thanks to Grace's special status, the bank readily agreed. However, they needed an hour to prepare the cash.…At the same time, Caleb also received a text.He was in the middle of a shoot for a magazine cover. As soon as he finished reading the text, he stopped the shoot.He dialed Lydia's number, but the call
Grace was already certain that it was Lydia on the other end. She knew her friend well. In such circumstances, Lydia would absolutely refuse to bring her any trouble. Hence, she hadn't said a word."If you want money, I can give you any amount you want, so long as you don't hurt her. But if anything happens to her, don't even think about getting a single penny."This seemed to persuade the man. He put his hand down and stood up to look down at Lydia.He snorted coldly. "Alright, then deliver the money to the time and place we previously agreed on. If you're late, I won't spare her.""Okay."Grace met Xander's eyes. The latter gave her the thumbs-up sign, and Grace nodded in return. She continued, "Lydia, I know you're there. Don't be afraid. We'll rescue you very soon. Trust me!"When Lydia heard this, she couldn't hold back her emotions anymore. Tears poured down her face. "Gracie, I-I'm so sorry for dragging you into this.""Don't be silly. What's there to be sorry for? I ju
"She should've asked what Kay's uncle did for a living before she did what she did!" Troy's eyes flashed with hatred.He had two reasons for kidnapping Lydia. Firstly, it was for money. Secondly, he wanted to teach Lydia a lesson and give her a taste of what it felt like to get trampled on."Not to mention, she was the one who extorted 30 million dollars from Kay first. All I asked for was 50 million dollars. It's not that much."Troy smirked, looking like a thug. "This woman is quite the looker. Maybe we could have a good time later."A few of them understood what he meant, but they didn't dare act rashly."Troy, we'll let you have first dibs on such a fine specimen. The rest of us will just bask in your good fortune.""Sure! You're all so loyal. Once we get the money, each of you will get five million dollars to splurge," Troy said in agreement."Thanks, Troy!""Troy, you're the best!""Are the cars ready?""Rest assured, Troy. We'll escape in different directions. They won
Just then, Troy's phone rang in his pocket, catching him off guard. Feeling annoyed, he didn't bother with the call. "Fuck!" he shouted, tossing the phone aside. But the phone didn't stop ringing, making him extremely annoyed. He grumbled out loud. He then stood up reluctantly and picked up the phone, leaving Lydia aside. He answered the call after looking at the number."Who's this?" On the other end of the call, Caleb was anxious and infuriated. After his call was answered, he said in a cold voice, "The money is ready. I've sent it to the location you requested. Where is she?" Troy looked at the time and complained, "So fast?"Caleb lost his patience. The veins on his forehead bulged. He said sternly, "Stop your nonsense. Where is she?" Troy glanced at Lydia on the ground and said coldly, "Why such a hurry? I'll let her go when I get the money." Caleb paced back and forth on the spot. He looked around, but there was nothing there. He gritted his teeth and said, "Y
Lydia froze, unable to react. She helplessly watched as the stick came toward her. Just as it was about to hit her, a figure came out of nowhere and kicked Troy. The impact was so strong that Troy stumbled and fell to the ground. "Caleb …" Lydia stared blankly at Caleb. Her eyes were full of disbelief. Caleb quickly walked up to her, took her hand, and asked, "Are you okay?" Lydia shook her head slowly.Seeing that Lydia wasn't hurt, Caleb heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank God you're fine!" With his back turned, Caleb didn't notice that Troy had silently stood up from the ground. He picked up the stick and swung it hard toward Caleb. "Watch out!" Lydia pushed Caleb away and took the blow for him. A large thud rang through the room. The stick had struck Lydia right on the head. Her vision immediately went dark, and she collapsed. "Lydia!" Caleb shouted.He quickly stepped forward to catch her. He got so angry that he kicked Troy fiercely, throwing him aside without
Meanwhile, over at the hospital, Lydia had already woken up. She had taken a strong blow to the head, resulting in a moderate concussion. Her wounds had been treated and stitched up. Grace pushed the door open and entered the ward. She asked with concern, "Lydia, how are you feeling? Are you okay?" Lydia pursed her lips. She apologized, "Gracie, I'm sorry for causing trouble for you." Grace had always disliked how formal Lydia was and the distance she created between them.She walked up and took Lydia's hand. "Can you stop being so formal with me?" Lydia's expression changed. She lowered her eyes slightly.She knew Grace had always treated her sincerely, like they were sisters. She felt the same way, but her background and upbringing had always been her weak points. The difference between her and Grace was substantial. "Gracie, how is he?" The "he" Lydia had mentioned naturally referred to Caleb. For so many years, there was no one else she had cared about so deeply,