Chapter 434 Seduction
"Paloma's missing? How could she just vanish?" Pearl's heart sank.
Ricardo said, "I don't know. She went hunting in the mountains and never came back."
"What was she hunting for?"
"She said there wasn't much meat at home and wanted to bring back something tasty for you. Ms. Harris, what do we do? Where can we find her?" Ricardo started crying harder.
Pearl, trying to stay calm, asked, "Where are Antonio and Leticia?"
"They went into the mountains to look for her and haven't returned."
"Then we should go too," Pearl said. "We need more help."
"Ms. Harris," Ricardo added, "I saw Mr. Brown take some people out. Is it too late now?"
Pearl went outside and saw most of the village's vehicles were gone. She had no idea what Oscar was up to either.
Worried about Paloma, Pearl thought, 'How could she just disappear? She should've avoided danger unless she fell off a cliff, but she wouldn't take that risk.'
Pearl couldn't wait any longer. "Let's go find her. Send a message to Oscar. If he comes back, he can join us."
They had tasks to complete and couldn't afford delays. Oscar had already told her he couldn't stay with her because of his mission.
"Okay," Ricardo said, wiping his tears.
Pearl took Ricardo's hand, and they headed up the mountain. Some villagers were already searching, and about a dozen had gathered at the foot of the mountain.
The mountain was huge, and it would take a day for a dozen people to search.
"Let's split up and meet back here," Pearl organized the group.
"Okay."
They set off in different directions. The paths were rugged, and they had to watch out for snakes and insects, so they paired up.
Pearl had no experience. Her partner was a man skilled at catching snakes and insects. She felt safe with him.
They called out, "Paloma!" but got no response. They kept calling, but only heard birds and insects.
"Ms. Harris, there are two paths here. To save time, we should split up. If you're scared, we can stay together."
Pearl, used to the environment, wasn't too afraid. "It's okay, let's split up. This path is shorter."
"Okay, if anything happens, just shout. I'll hear you."
"Okay."
They went their separate ways. Paloma was a sweet, cheerful girl who always gave the best to those she liked. She went hunting to make Pearl happy, so Pearl had to find her. She wouldn't go back without her.
Suddenly, she sensed someone nearby.
"Who's there?" Pearl called out, scanning the trees but seeing nothing.
Her face darkened. Instead of retreating, she stepped forward and said coldly, "Come out, I know you're there!"
Paloma emerged from behind a tree, hands tied, face pale, struggling with tears in her eyes. Then Jorge appeared, saying, "I've been waiting for you. If you want to save her, come quietly."
Pearl laughed. "You went through all this trouble to catch me? You could've just asked."
"It's not easy to catch you in the village. I had to use some tricks," Jorge replied.
He had failed to assassinate her before. If he went to the village and couldn't find Pearl, he'd be swarmed. He timed Oscar's departure perfectly and knew Paloma was close to Pearl. Now, he could take Pearl away.
"Was it you who tried to assassinate me?" Pearl asked.
"Stop talking!" Jorge snapped, holding a knife to Paloma's throat. "Get over here now!"
"Okay, be careful with the knife. Don't hurt her!" Pearl raised her hands and walked over slowly.
Paloma shook her head frantically, tears streaming as she saw Pearl approaching. She struggled violently, emotions high.
Jorge pulled the cloth from her mouth, and Paloma cried, "Don't come over! They're after you. I'm fine!"
"If I don't come over, you'll be dead," Pearl said calmly. "Paloma, I'm fine. Don't cry. Just get home safely and don't worry Antonio and Leticia."
"Let her go," Pearl told Jorge. "I'm the one you want. Don't hurt her!"
Jorge let Paloma go and grabbed Pearl, tying her up securely.
Paloma, regretful, said, "I'm sorry. If I hadn't come here, you wouldn't have been caught. If anything happens to you, how will I explain to Mr. Brown? I have to go with you."
"Listen," Pearl said sternly. "Go home now. If you don't, everyone will worry!"
Paloma hesitated but knew she had to get help. She stopped crying and ran back without looking back.
Jorge sneered, "People are all afraid of death, no matter how brave they talk."
Pearl didn't struggle. After Paloma left, she felt relieved. "Why did you try to assassinate me? Now that you've caught me, where are you taking me? You don't want to kill me anymore?"
Jorge, annoyed, said, "You talk too much!"
Pearl laughed. "Who's behind you? Is it Carol? Louis's sister?"
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