Chapter 342 Thirty Seconds Left
At this moment, George and his twelve guards had already infiltrated the factory, getting closer and closer to the location Joshua had sent.
"Lucas, hang tight, I'm coming!"
Emma's ears were filled with the ticking of the countdown, each tick like a heavy hammer pounding on her heart. Her body trembled slightly, almost unable to stand. Mia stepped forward to support her, her eyes full of concern. "Emma, stay strong!"
"What do I do? What do I do?" Emma muttered to herself.
On the screen, Joseph seemed to relish her agony. "Thirty seconds left, Emma."
"No, please, take me instead of them!"
Time had never felt so long, yet so fleeting.
At this critical moment, a commotion erupted inside the factory. George and his twelve guards were now just a wall away from Joseph!
Joseph seemed to sense something. His voice became urgent. "Emma, time's up! Make your choice!"
Before he could finish, the factory's iron door was kicked open with a deafening crash. George charged in first, his gaze sharply fixed on Joseph and Phoenix.
Phoenix's legs nearly gave out when she saw George. "How are you still alive? This can't be!"
A flicker of shock crossed Joseph's face, quickly replaced by anger and hatred. He gritted his teeth. "George! You survived!"
George stared coldly at them. "Joseph, let the kids go. This is your last chance."
Joseph let out a maniacal laugh. "Let them go? In your dreams!"
He grabbed Lucas and Seraphine, dragging them to the narrow window ledge.
The two kids dangled in mid-air, forty feet above the ground. Seraphine shut her eyes tightly, clutching the window frame. "Mommy, I'm scared."
Lucas, pale with fear, tried to stay calm, whispering to Seraphine. "Don't be scared, Seraphine. I'm here."
Joseph's grip tightened on the children. "George, take one more step, and I'll push them off! Let's see if you dare to gamble!"
George froze, raising his hands to show he wouldn't make any sudden moves. "Joseph, don't do anything rash. We can talk about what you want."
"Talk? There's nothing to talk about! You destroyed my Anna. She loved you, and you sent her to her death! I have nothing left. You think I'll spare your kids? Dream on!"
Phoenix, however, seemed swayed and tried to reason with Joseph. "We can't escape. Let them go."
Joseph glared at her. "Shut up! You useless fool! If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be in this mess!"
Phoenix recoiled from his outburst.
Downstairs, Emma and Mia spotted them on the ledge. Emma's heart pounded. "Lucas, Seraphine, don't move. Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Seraphine's tears flowed at the sound of Emma's voice.
Lucas clung to the window frame, trying to be brave. "Mom, don't worry. We'll be okay."
George's eyes never left Joseph. "Joseph, our grudge has nothing to do with the kids. Let them go, and you can do whatever you want with me."
"You think I'll believe you? George, you faked your death. I won't fall for your tricks!"
Joseph's hand tightened, causing the two kids to tilt further out. Emma's heart nearly stopped. She screamed, "No! Don't hurt them!"
Everything inside the factory was being broadcast live on a big screen. Everyone saw George and his twelve guards. Emma's eyes locked onto George's figure.
George was alive.
The realization hit Emma like a tidal wave, overwhelming her emotions. But she quickly forced herself to stay calm. Her complicated feelings for George couldn't distract her now.
If George was alive and here, they could work together. Their inside-outside collaboration could save the kids.
Emma and Mia exchanged a quick, understanding glance.
With a plan forming, Emma continued to act desperate, stalling for time. "Joseph, I'll give you anything you want. Just let them go!"
Joseph sneered, "What do I want? I want all of you to pay! Especially you, Emma!"
Emma felt a glimmer of hope.
As long as Joseph was willing to talk, it would buy Mia and Ethan more time, increasing their chances of rescuing the kids.
Emma's voice trembled as she asked, "Joseph, you hate me? Why? What did I do to make you hate me so much?"
Joseph's eyes were filled with venom. He roared, "Why? You destroyed everything! Anna was my beacon of hope, and you killed her. I have no reason to live! Stop pretending to be innocent!"
Emma fought the urge to lash out, continuing to play the victim. "Joseph, that was between Anna and me. She hurt me too. Do you know how much I've suffered? She took my child, my husband, my life! I was the real victim!"
As she spoke, Emma's own memories brought tears to her eyes.
"You're lying!" Joseph's emotions flared.
Emma quickly stopped crying. She needed to keep Joseph talking, not provoke him.
She glanced at Ethan's direction, seeing that he and Mia were no longer there, guessing they had started their move. She felt a bit more at ease.
Emma changed her tactic, calmly trying to soothe Joseph. "Yes, I lied. I admit it. I was jealous of Anna, so I targeted her! Joseph, you hate me, right? Then why not come down and kill me?"
Joseph's eyes gleamed with a calm madness. "After I deal with these kids, you won't live either!"
Suddenly, Joseph laughed, looking knowingly at Emma. "I get it. You're stalling for time, right? Emma, show me all your tricks!"
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