CHAPTER 263
The madman’s eyes burned with desperation as he growled,
“Yeah, I know him. He’s filthy rich.”
“That’s right,” Arianna took a careful step closer. “Xander King is very wealthy. And I’m his wife. His fortune? It’s mine too. That means I have access to more money than you can imagine.”
The madman narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her from head to toe. Scepticism flashed across his face. He wasn’t someone who kept up with news or gossip, and he certainly didn’t waste time on the lives of the rich and famous. Still, there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. He wasn’t sure if she was telling the truth.
Arianna could see the gears turning in his head. Without hesitation, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone, quickly pulling up an article that featured Xander Kings’ public announcement about their marriage. She held the screen out toward him, keeping her movements slow and steady, ensuring she didn’t provoke him.
“See this?” she said, keeping her voice calm but firm. “That’s me. I am Xander’s wife. You can believe it.”
The madman’s eyes darted from the phone to Arianna, and back again. The woman in the photo was undeniably her. He hadn’t expected that the woman standing before him, seemingly a small-time anchor, was married to someone as powerful as the CEO of King Enterprises.
“All you want is money, right? I can give you that,” Arianna pressed on, sensing his hesitation.
“Just tell me your bank account number. I’ll transfer more than enough to solve your problems right now. Just don’t hurt the child.”
The knife remained dangerously close to the child’s neck, but the madman’s hand trembled slightly. His voice was hoarse as he rasped,
“You’re willing to give me the money? Just like that?”
Arianna’s heart pounded, but she forced herself to smile.
“Of course. My husband has more money than he could ever spend in a lifetime. Helping you out? That’s nothing to him. Consider it a gesture of kindness.”
The madman’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, and Arianna seized the moment. She reached into her purse and pulled out a sleek black card, holding it up in front of him.
“Do you know what this is?” she asked, her voice steady.
“This is a black card. It’s reserved for the wealthiest clients, people who can access unlimited funds. All I need to do is make one phone call, and I can transfer as much money as you need. Right now.”
The madman’s breath quickened, and Arianna could tell he recognized the card. He had dealt with enough financial systems to know what a black card meant: limitless wealth. His grip on the knife loosened just a fraction, the promise of money starting to crack his resolve.
Arianna knew she was walking a razor-thin line, but it was working. She just needed to keep him talking, keep his focus on her, and buy more time for the police to act.
The madman’s eyes lit up with greed as Arianna spoke, her words painting a picture of hope and wealth that he couldn’t resist.
“People like you can have any transaction approved with just a phone call, right?” he said, his voice trembling with a mix of anticipation and desperation.
Arianna nodded calmly, keeping her voice steady.
“That’s right. You’re still young, only in your forties. You’ve got so many years ahead of you. Think about it—you can pay off your debts, and maybe even get your wife and child back. You’ll have a chance to rebuild your life. Why throw everything away now?”
His eyes widened, the thought of having everything he lost suddenly so close. Money could solve all his problems, he thought, and those who mocked him would be forced to respect him again.
The madman’s grip on the knife relaxed a little more as her words started to sink in. He didn’t want to die—not yet. Not when there was still a chance.
But he wasn’t a fool. He wanted proof before he let his guard down completely.
“Call them right now,” he demanded, his voice sharp and full of urgency. “I want ten million! Transfer it to me now!”
Arianna didn’t hesitate. “Okay, ten million,” she said, reaching for her phone. “I’ll make the call right now.”
She quickly dialled the exclusive number on her black card, knowing that every second mattered. The call was answered almost immediately by a customer service representative.
“Mr. King, how may I assist you?” came the polite voice on the other end.
Arianna pressed the phone to her ear and pretended to frown, her brow furrowing as if she couldn’t quite hear them.
“Hello? Can you hear me? Hello?”
The madman’s eyes narrowed, his suspicion quickly growing.
“What’s going on?” he snapped, his voice edged with paranoia.
Arianna looked at him apologetically and bit her lip slightly, trying to appear frustrated.
“It’s the reception,” she explained, forcing a small smile.
“I can’t hear them properly. I think it’s the signal in here.”
The madman glared at her, his hand tightening around the knife.
“Fix it!” he barked.
“I don’t have time for this!”
“Of course,” Arianna said, keeping her tone calm.
“Can I walk over to the window? The signal should be better there.”
He hesitated for a moment before nodding, his face dark with warning.
“Fine, go. But no tricks. If you try anything, I swear I’ll kill you both.”
Arianna nodded quickly, her heart racing beneath her calm exterior.
“No tricks,” she promised, inching toward the window.
Every step felt like a gamble, but she knew it was the only way to keep both herself and the child alive.
