Chapter 105 A Battle of Wits
Lauren strained her ears, trying to catch any sound from Richard's end of the call. Although she couldn't hear Wendy’s words, it was clear from Richard’s growing frustration that they were arguing.
Seizing the moment, Lauren, voice trembling and eyes glistening with tears, spoke up, "Gentlemen, if it's money you need, consider my proposal. My friend is extremely wealthy. A few million dollars is nothing to him. I can see your job isn’t easy. As long as you let me go, that money can be your compensation. I promise I won’t call the police."
David, considering her words, turned to Richard. "Why don’t we give it a try? Wendy has always looked down on us. Now she’s forcing us to kill. Her money isn’t worth it. We might as well get it directly from Lauren’s friend."
Richard weighed the suggestion. Wendy’s offer was indeed insufficient, and extorting Lauren’s wealthy friend could yield a better payout. "Fine, but don’t even think about deceiving us. If we don’t get the money, you won’t leave here alive," he warned Lauren, still wary.
Lauren nodded, trying to look both frightened and earnest. "I wouldn’t dare. My phone has his contact information. You can call him. His name is Ethan. He runs a company."
Richard retrieved Lauren’s phone and saw several missed calls from Ethan. "Are you really that close with your friend?" he asked suspiciously.
"Yes, we grew up together. He treats me like a sister," Lauren replied carefully.
Richard believed her and dialed Ethan’s number. When Ethan answered, relief flooded his voice. "Lauren, where have you been? I couldn’t reach you."
But it was Richard who responded. "Your friend is with us. Bring five million dollars to the building at 19 Lakeview Park within two hours, and we’ll make the exchange."
Ethan’s heart pounded, but he kept his voice steady. "How is she? I want to talk to her."
Richard handed the phone to Lauren with a stern look, warning her not to try anything foolish. Lauren took a deep breath and spoke, her voice cracking, "Listen to them and bring the money to save me. Please don’t call the police. My safety and the baby’s safety are the most important. I’m fine currently. Don’t worry."
Ethan felt a surge of relief hearing her voice. "Lauren, don’t worry. I will save you," he said gently.
Richard snatched the phone back. "Get the money ready and call this number when you arrive," he said, hanging up.
The two kidnappers eagerly awaited Ethan’s arrival with the money. Lauren, however, felt a gnawing unease. Would they release her once they had the money? Would they harm Ethan? She could only hope they would keep their word.
Ethan wasted no time gathering the cash and drove directly to the agreed location. Upon arrival, he called Lauren’s phone.
David answered, pleased. "Richard, this is great. We’re about to get the money."
Richard looked at Lauren with a sinister grin. "Your friend is here. To ensure everything goes smoothly, I’m afraid you’ll have to take a little nap."
Before Lauren could react, a towel soaked in chloroform covered her mouth and nose. She struggled briefly before losing consciousness.
"Ethan, put the money in the trash can under building 19, then go to the parking lot by building 25," Richard instructed. Unbeknownst to Ethan, Richard and David watched his every move from above. Once they confirmed he hadn’t called the police, they would call him.
Ethan, suspecting a trap, parked elsewhere and quietly observed the building. He needed to ensure Lauren’s safety without tipping off the kidnappers.
Richard left the unconscious Lauren alone and went to retrieve the money. As he approached the trash can, a group of people suddenly appeared.
"Mr. Davis, what brings you here?" Richard stammered, his voice trembling.
Joseph, the Dark Hand’s manager, glared at him. "I hear you’re undertaking a big job. Mind if I join?"
Richard and David froze in terror, realizing the Dark Hand had caught wind of their scheme. They were finished.
Quentin, who had followed Joseph, stepped forward. "Tell me where Lauren is," he demanded coldly. If anything had happened to her, there would be no mercy.
Richard, understanding the severity, quickly told him where Lauren was. Quentin and Ethan rushed upstairs, hearts pounding with urgency.
They found Lauren unconscious, tied to the bed. Quentin’s heart ached at the sight of her pale face. He hurriedly untied her, shifting her into a more comfortable position.
As Lauren lay there, freed from her restraints, Quentin vowed never to let anything happen to her again. He watched over her, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. She had suffered because of him, and he would do everything in his power to make it right.
