Chapter 398 My Life for Yours
Antonio was momentarily seized by the suspicion that his concussion had been severe enough to induce hallucinations. He shook his head, as if to clear the cobwebs of confusion, and cautiously opened his eyes. To his disbelief, he was still seeing double - two Ethans!
Bewilderment gripped Antonio, yet he managed to maintain a facade of calm, akin to a parent checking for injuries on a child after a minor fall. However, beneath this veneer of tranquility, his heart was fracturing. His son, Brian, was bound and gagged, his eyes urgently blinking a silent plea, "Save Mom first, then I'll explain everything!"
"Mr. Valencia is indeed fortunate. All three of your children are remarkably clever," Jason commented, signaling his men to bring forth a chair. "Why don't we sit and discuss matters?"
Antonio's focus snapped back to the present. He couldn't afford the luxury of contemplation; lives were at stake. "Mr. Alan, whatever your demands are, let's discuss them. There's no need to involve my wife and children. What can't I provide for you?"
Jason smiled, visibly impressed by Antonio's composure. Alone and surrounded, Antonio still managed to remain calm. "I wonder if Mr. Valencia noticed the little trinkets adorning the children?"
Antonio's attention had been riveted on the two Ethans, leaving him oblivious to any details concerning the children. But upon closer inspection, his blood ran cold. They were strapped with explosives!
Sarah, also bound and seated beside the children, locked eyes with Antonio. No words were exchanged, but their silence was a mutual acceptance of their impending fate. Their only conviction was that they would sacrifice themselves to ensure the safety of the children.
A faint smile graced Antonio's lips as he regarded Sarah. "My dear, sit tight and wait for me."
Sarah nodded, her anxiety momentarily quelled.
"Jason, why have you brought me here? Let's cut to the chase," Antonio proposed, settling into the chair and meeting his gaze.
"To be frank, it's a trivial matter. It all boils down to Victor," Jason began. Antonio and Sarah instantly understood that was the catalyst for their predicament.
Jason casually brandished the remote control for the explosives. "He never repays his debts, and even his daughter hasn't shown any signs of assistance. Running a casino of my size requires capital, and in the absence of alternatives, I had to invite the children over for a little game."
"I've given him plenty of money," Antonio interjected, his brows subtly furrowing at the sight of the ominous remote control.
"Is that so? His debt is not insignificant," Jason mused, stroking his chin. "But money is no longer the solution. I've had a change of heart; I'd rather enjoy a fireworks display."
Jason's words were a clear threat to Antonio.
"Jason, we can negotiate the money. Name your price, and I'll have it delivered immediately. Would you prefer a card, a check, or unmarked bills?" Antonio maintained his composure, his primary concern being the safety of Sarah and the children.
Jason was not to be provoked. His words betrayed a dangerously antisocial personality. He could detonate the explosives without a second thought, regardless of his proximity to the blast. "As I said, it's not about the money anymore. Where have you been all this time?"
Jason toyed with the remote control nonchalantly, as if he could trigger it at any moment. Antonio squinted his eyes and replied, "It seems that Wang Ge enjoys games, and coincidentally, so do I."
"Oh?" Jason paused, his interest piqued. "I wonder how Mr. Valencia proposes we play?"
"Any game will do," Antonio responded, glancing around. "Jason runs this casino, so his luck must be good. How about we gamble with something the casino offers?"
Jason sneered. This was the first time anyone had suggested gambling with him. He had spent his life in the casino, and no one had ever bested him. Antonio was audacious to propose such a challenge.
"This is a casino, and if you want to play, you must wager something," Jason stated, placing the remote control beside him.
Antonio exhaled a silent sigh of relief. "Of course, a wager is necessary. If I lose, Valencia Inc. is yours. However, you must release my wife and children, and take my life instead."
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