Chandler's question made the four hackers look at each other. Then, they all nodded unanimously.However, the leader of the hackers added, "But all those are just our speculations so far. What if we're all wrong? No one can say for sure.""Focus all investigations on Jack and Tessa. I'll keep in touch with Osborn on my end," Chandler instructed and closed the computer screen. He needed some time to cool off.If it was really Tessa who instructed Jack to do everything, the two long years Jack spent working for him while secretly being undercover was done so well it was terrifying. Chandler couldn't even imagine its full implication.He hesitated as he looked at his phone absentmindedly. It was the first time he'd ever felt so panicked and helpless in his life. The overwhelming feeling of exhaustion made his nerves tense, and a strong sense of suffocation hit him. He felt like he was going mad!No matter how much he wanted to sleep, his exasperation and annoyance made it impossible
The woman's voice that came out of nowhere startled Erin greatly. She anxiously looked around, trying to find the source of the voice.Tessa lazily sat in a chair with a pair of black headphones over her ears. She chuckled and said, "Take a close look at the deer head hanging on the wall. The deer's eyes are actually surveillance cameras."Her hint immediately drew Erin's attention to the deer head. She stood up and took a few steps forward, carefully staring at the eyes of the deer head. Indeed, there were cameras as the female voice had said."Who the hell are you? Why did you lock me up here? This is kidnapping and illegal imprisonment!" Erin angrily shouted at the eyes of the deer head.Tessa burst into raucous laughter. She said amusedly, "You're a prisoner at my mercy, so whether you live or die is completely up to me. Are you sure you want to lecture me about legalities under such a circumstance?"Hearing how smug she sounded, Erin took a deep breath to calm herself down. S
Tessa's hostile way of asking such a derogatory question made Erin feel repulsed. She couldn't understand how her relationship with Chandler had anything to do with Tessa."Who are you to Chandler?" Erin maintained a nonchalant expression. Tessa mentioning Chandler for a second time didn't sit well with Erin. Her dislike for the woman before her deepened when she thought of the fact that Tessa was the one who caused her misery by capturing and imprisoning her.Although Tessa could be considered pretty, she had a scar that marred the middle of her forehead, making her appear somewhat savage and terrifying. At the same time, it elicited a sense of pity for her as well.Tessa didn't bother to conceal anything as a slight smirk appeared on her lips. "I'm not anyone significant to him. I just can't stand seeing him happy! Over the years, he casually sought out women, but each time, he swiftly got rid of them without any lingering attachments by using money to send them away. Why did he
Tessa's expression changed all of a sudden, and she said with a hint of pride, "I didn't need to lay a hand on those women who had been with him only once. But there was one woman I killed."Her eyes showed a deep sense of disgust and disdain. "That bitch even looked like me. I warned her not to bother Chandler, but she didn't listen. Even after getting a boyfriend, she still harassed Chandler incessantly. A fucking shameless whore like her shouldn't exist in this world!"Ignoring Erin's horrified expression, Tessa felt increasingly satisfied in her heart. This method, which didn't require any physical torture but only exerted psychological pressure, had the most impactful effect that she wanted. It made Tessa feel accomplished.In Tessa's view, this was the highest form of torture as it imbued profound horror within people. While doing that, she felt like she was the master of the universe, controlling others' life and death. She'd finally metamorphosized from a victim to an abuser
Erin finally understood the full gravity of the precarious situation that she was currently in.She'd been captured by two psychopathic killers, and if she didn't comply with their demands, not only would she be unable to protect the child in her womb, but she might also be unable to escape from there. No matter what, she had to hold on to her will to live. She had to do that for her child as a mother."My baby, I'll persevere until the end! I'll definitely hold out until your father comes to save us!" Erin vowed wordlessly."If there's anything I need, can I ask you?" Erin no longer made futile attempts of resistance and chose to reluctantly go with the flow.Jack replied, "Sure, you can ask. We'll fulfill it as long as it's within our means. Let me remind you of one thing—Tessa has a bad temper. Sometimes she needs tranquilizers to calm down. It's best if you don't mention anything about leaving again. We've planned this for so long, so we won't let you escape easily by chance.
In the blink of an eye, an agonizing month had passed.At 5 am in the president's office of the towering Frost Building, Chandler stood by the window wall, having spent the entire night there. He'd hardly slept at all that whole month. A faint shade of blue tinged the area under his eyes. It was clearly a result of prolonged sleep deprivation.Chandler's perfect features appeared even more gaunt and pronounced, as he'd lost a staggering twenty pounds. Throughout this month, he'd developed gastritis due to not eating properly. The sole purpose of his meals each day was to maintain basic energy levels.The cigarette between his fingers had burned all the way to his flesh before he flicked the butt to the floor with delayed movements. The premium gray carpet was littered with countless cigarette butts.Lately, his addiction to smoking had grown worse. Unconsciously, he would smoke two packs a day.He drank obsessively to drown his sorrows every night, unable to sleep at night and rel
Another month had passed.Ian drove a jeep with two bodyguards toward a village near the borders. He was going to meet an old village chief there. This village was located in a remote area with a sparse population. Most of the villagers there lived an isolated life. The total population of the entire village was not more than five hundred people.Just half a month ago, the only college student in this village organized a photography exhibition in a small city. As an unknown student photographer, he took some pictures depicting the local customs of his hometown. It wouldn't have attracted much attention, but Ian, who happened to be in the city for business, went to take a look at the exhibition accompanied by a local business tycoon.The reason was that the tycoon's own son had also taken some alternative and seemingly artsy photos. The tycoon wanted to show off his talented and artistic son, and a photography exhibition naturally served as a good publicity stunt. The collaboration p
Right after he gave the instructions, Lamar stood up and walked toward his room.As soon as Lamar left, Zinka immediately approached Ian and whispered, "Mr. Sloan, you're really lucky! In the past three days, there have been at least ten men who came to meet Mr. Dempsey, but you're the first one he allowed to see Yvette. It seems looks do count. Haha! I'll go and bring Yvette out now."Zinka had just taken a few steps when she hurriedly turned back and advised, "By the way, I must remind you, if Yvette doesn't like you, even if you have a mountain of silver, it won't matter. Mr. Dempsey dotes on his only daughter the most. So, be prepared. If Yvette doesn't take a liking to you, you should leave the house before Mr. Dempsey wakes up from his nap."Ian remained polite and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Zinka. I understand."He respectfully watched Zinka leave.Lamar, who had been peeking from behind the curtain of his room, nodded and then quietly left. Once he was gone, so did