Chapter 57 Nora's Abduction
After a week at home, Nora's wounds had healed completely, leaving only a half-inch scar.
The doctor prescribed a scar removal cream, but Nora paid little mind to it.
Even with daily application, the scar would remain until her dying day.
During that week, Steve was by her side, taking care of her.
He cooked every meal and took on all household chores.
In the evenings, he tenderly bathed her.
Their affection grew warmer after a week together.
Nora felt her heart flutter for Steve.
Perhaps she could truly fall for Steve and forget Isaac.
After her wounds had sufficiently healed, Steve resumed his daytime work schedule.
Nora, eager to return to the studio, faced the challenge of completing her latest commission—a set of five paintings within a two-week timeframe. With the deadline approaching, she felt the urgency to immerse herself in her artistic process.
Failing to deliver on time would not only entail potential refunds but also jeopardize the trust and standing the studio had cultivated over the years.
Her own life expectancy didn't concern her much.
But the studio she managed with Sophia mattered; Sophia had a long future ahead and relied on the studio for her livelihood.
So, for Sophia's sake, Nora had to ensure the business and its reputation thrived.
Nora arrived at the studio door.
She took out her keys and unlocked it.
A figure clad in black, with a cap snugly on his head and a mask concealing his face, stealthily approached Nora from behind.
Swiftly, he extracted a handkerchief and, with force, covered Nora's mouth and nose, catching her completely off guard.
Instinctively, Nora struggled.
A foul odor emanated from the handkerchief, invading her nostrils.
Suddenly, her head spun as her vision darkened, and her strength faded.
In the next moment, darkness overtook her, and she lost consciousness.
Nora was thrown to the ground with brutal force.
A wave of excruciating pain jolted her awake.
Blinking her eyes open, she scanned her surroundings and realized she was in the middle of nowhere.
Towering weeds surrounded Nora, surpassing the height of any man.
Distantly, the trees rose high into the sky.
Next to her, three menacing men were busy digging a hole with their shovels.
A profound sense of dread settled heavily in Nora's heart. The sinister question lingered—were these individuals plotting to bury her alive?
She twitched, only to find her wrists and ankles tied up tight.
Escape was not an option.
Despair gripped her as she lay there, bound and helpless in the wild, far from any soul that could come to her rescue.
"What have I ever done to you? Why kidnap me?" Nora demanded, her voice steady but deep with concern.
The kidnappers stopped digging at the sound of her voice and turned to look at her in unison.
One of them gave a smug chuckle, "You get paid to make someone's problems go away."
Another added, "We're just doing a job for the money. The one who wants you dead isn't us. Remember, if you're looking for revenge from beyond the grave, don't come after us."
Nora's expression darkened.
Who could be behind this hit on her life?
She didn't have time to ponder on that - she needed to find a way out.
"How much did the person who wants me dead pay you?" she asked, her voice firm.
The mention of money sparked excitement in one of the kidnappers, and a greedy smile spread across his face.
"You're quite the high-value target. We got paid a cool million for this job."
His words were cut short as he received a kick from another, drawing a scowl.
Daniel, the apparent leader, glared at him, warning, "You're the dumb one, always chattering. Don't give her too much information; it could mean trouble later on."
Jack rubbed his head, clearly annoyed, and muttered, "She's going to be dead soon anyway; what's the harm in talking?"
Daniel, seemingly persuaded by the logic, didn't press the issue. Instead, he urged, "Cut the talk and keep digging. Once we bury her, we're going out for a big meal to celebrate."
The men resumed their task, shovels slicing into the earth once again.
"I've got a proposition for you!" Nora suddenly bellowed.
The kidnappers jumped at her unexpected outburst, then burst into mocking laughter.
"What kind of deal could you possibly offer us when you're about to die?"
Nora replied calmly, "You don't have any personal grudge against me. You're doing this for money. I'm willing to pay you more if you let me go. And I give you my word, once I'm free, I won't call the cops on you."
On the contrary, if you kill me, my friends and family will definitely alert the authorities and look for me. You'll spend your days hiding in the shadows, living a life you can't bring into the light."
"Besides, the amount I can offer you will far exceed whatever you'd get from killing me!"
"How much are we talking?" Daniel inquired.
Without hesitation, Nora stated, "Ten million dollars."
The kidnappers were initially taken aback by the figure.
But the next second, they burst into mocking laughter.
"You've got quite the audacity, boasting about coughing up ten million. Just take a good look at yourself; do you even appear capable of such a feat?"
"Considering those plain clothes you're donned in, they don't seem to add up to even five hundred bucks. I've never witnessed someone supposedly worth ten million dressed so modestly!"
"Let's quit this nonsense and just bury her now," one of them sneered.
None of them believed Nora's claim.
All three kidnappers were convinced she couldn't produce ten million.
"Not all wealthy people flaunt designer labels. My modest attire doesn't mean I lack funds." Nora asserted firmly.
"Moreover, ten million is just pocket change for me. I get that much every month for my personal expenses. Spare me, and I can provide you a monthly payment."
She added the last part hastily, hoping to dissuade them from the idea of an immediate execution.
Jack sneered, "Ten million a month for pocket money? Dream on."
"What is it, ten million in Zimbabwean dollars?"
Nora remained unflustered and calmly replied, "You think it's impossible because poverty has narrowed your imagination. You can't fathom the lifestyle of the wealthy."
"If you don't believe me, I can prove it with a live transfer. Then you'll know if I'm bluffing or not."
The kidnappers exchanged glances.
Was this woman serious?
Could she really be that rich?
"Don't tell me you're too scared to let me touch my phone?" Nora taunted.
"Daniel, she's mocking you!" Jack complained furiously.
Daniel scoffed, "Fine, I'll let you try. But don't try anything clever. This place is remote. Even if you manage to send a signal, we can dispose of you in pieces before help arrives!"
"You can watch every step of the process. If you see me signaling for help, you can stop me any time," Nora spoke coolly.
The gang leader observed her for a moment.
Then, with a wave of his hand, he signaled to Noe and Jack to untie her.
After being released, Daniel handed her the phone.
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