7
In the interrogation room, Celeste was helpless.
No matter her explanations, the detective remained unmoved, locking her in pretrial detention.
The moment she entered the cellblock, all eyes turned to her.
A short–haired woman, chewing on a toothpick, barked, “Newbie, grovel to the boss.”
The boss,‘ a woman with a buzz cut and a fierce gaze, sat on a bunk.
Before Celeste could speak, the short–haired woman kicked her to her knees.
“Slowpoke, you want to die?” The boss then grabbed Celeste’s hair. “So you’re the one fighting my sister for a man? You’re pretty, I’ll give you that.”
Celeste understood instantly.“Vivian told you? She’s the real homewrecker.”
“Slap!” A stinging blow.
My sister said it: the unloved one’s the homewrecker. Mr. Sinclair wouldn’t have sent you here otherwise.”
Celeste’s mind reeled. This was Xavier’s doing?
The tears she’d held back all day finally flowed.
The ‘boss‘ woman patted her face. Three days. Let them ‘teach‘ you manners.”
The next three days were a nightmare.
Sand and pebbles in her food on day one..
Day two, she was hung from a bed frame, beaten like a punching bag.
Day three, she was stripped and brutally assaulted.
When bailed out, she was dazed, unaware she was getting into a shady car.
The lawyer, supposedly Xavier’s, was actually working for a business rival.
Xavier, to force a settlement, had pressured the rival into bankruptcy.
Now, the rival was fighting back.
Not only Celeste, but Vivian was also kidnapped.
The car bounced for what felt like forever before stopping at an abandoned dock.
Celeste recognized the man instantly.
Mr. Whitaker?!” Her heart sank.“Don’t do this. We can talk.”
Graham Whitaker sneered, hatred in his eyes. Talk? Xavier wouldn’t have gone this far if we could talk.*
“You leaked the secrets first, then backed me into a corner. Since you want a fight, let’s die together!”
He called Xavier.“Your two women are mine. One hour.$100 million cash, or I kill one and drown the other.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
A pause,
Xavier’s cold voice.“If anything happens to them, I’ll make sure you wish you were dead.” Graham laughed. Mr. Sinclair, you’re not in a position to threaten me. One hour. I’m waiting.” They were tied up. Celeste suspended over the water, Vivian held hostage, gasoline nearby. Less than an hour later, Xavier arrived.
His gaze swept over the women, then Graham.“Graham, let them go.”
Graham sneered. Mr. Sinclair, things have changed. You’ll listen to me. Where’s the money?” He tightened his grip on Vivian’s neck. Xavier, without hesitation, shoved a black box towards him.“$100 million. Release them.”
Graham had it opened, confirmed it was genuine, then smirked.“I’ve changed my mind. You can choose one. One lives, one dies.”
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