Chapter 582: Richard is in Trouble
"Still got a tail?" Betty asked, cool as a cucumber.
Richard, just as chill, peeked in the rearview. "Yeah, dude's on me like white on rice, quick as a cat."
Betty paused. "Got your location. My crew's two hours out. Can you hang tight?"
"I'll give it a shot." Richard's hands were slick with sweat. He hadn't mentioned the three cars on his tail, not just one.
In his rush to meet Betty, he skipped the gas station. Planned to fill up on the highway, but now it was too late.
The gas gauge was dropping fast, and the car was dragging. The goons knew they were spotted and would close in soon.
Betty took a deep breath. "Richard, you're our kid's dad. You can't let anything happen to you."
Richard glanced at the car's charm, a photo of Betty she’d hung there. She always said, "A married man should have his wife's pic in the car for luck."
With a helpless grin, Richard rubbed the photo, his voice cracking. "Betty."
"I'm here," Betty said, trying to keep it together.
"I love you."
On the other end, Betty went quiet.
She knew Richard sucked at showing feelings. Him saying "I love you" meant he wasn't sure he'd make it.
"Richard, if you die, they'll call me a jinx and laugh at me. Can you handle that?" Betty's voice broke, trying to joke through her tears.
Richard swerved, breathing hard to dodge the car ramming him from behind. "Betty, wait for me."
"Richard, I'm telling you, if you die, I'll remarry and our kid will call someone else 'Daddy'," Betty yelled, panic in her voice as she heard the chaos.
A loud crash, the car behind slammed into Richard's ride. He swerved, smashing into the guardrail. The airbag blew, and his vision blurred.
"Richard!" Betty screamed his name, over and over, until the phone shattered and went dead.
"Honey." Richard lay on the airbag, blood trickling from his mouth, clutching Betty's photo tight. "I won't leave you again."
The car door was yanked open, and someone tried to drag Richard out.
Richard mustered his strength and threw a punch, knocking the guy out cold.
The others reacted, but Richard had already climbed over the guardrail, running towards the crowd.
Betty had called the cops, and Richard had reported it when he got off the highway. He just needed to hold on for thirty minutes; the cops would be there.
But he was hurt, his shoulder likely torn, and his collarbone busted from the airbag.
The goons caught up and cornered Richard.
Richard glared at them, ready to fight, but a needle was already coming at him.
Soon, Richard blacked out.
But at least he knew they weren't trying to kill him.
He could still make it back.
Clutching Betty's photo tight, Richard's breathing grew weaker.
Richard thought, 'Honey, wait for me. I can't die. Our baby isn't born yet.'
In Silverlight City, the doc didn't want to discharge Betty, but she couldn't wait—she had to find Richard.
"Don't worry, Betty. Richard will be fine." Ryder had already gone with the bodyguards, leaving some to protect Betty.
This was Richard's plan. No matter what went down, they had to stick with Betty.
Betty clenched her fists, heart pounding, but kept her cool. "Richard's not in mortal danger. They won't kill him; he's worth more alive. So, no freaking out."
The bodyguard nodded.
But even though she said not to panic, she was still scared, her palms sweaty.
The phone rang; it was Ryder.
Betty answered, nerves on edge. "What's the scoop?"
"The cops showed up, checked the car, but no cameras. Witnesses said Richard got snatched. He's not in mortal danger. The cops are on it and want you to stay sharp for any calls in case it's a kidnapping."
Betty took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "It's more than just a kidnapping. I'm heading over. You keep digging."
Cordelia picked up the phone while lounging on the couch.
"Ma'am, Richard's been found unconscious at Suburban Hospital in Capital City. Sophia's there too. He was dumped by the roadside three hours after being taken. Doc says he's got a head injury with a hematoma."
Cordelia's face darkened. She had a hunch Sophia would mess with Richard. "Stay there and keep an eye on him. We're on our way."
Hanging up, Cordelia called Nolan. "Nolan, Richard's in trouble at Suburban Hospital in Capital City."
"Mom, got it. I'll alert Edward and the crew and head over." Nolan knew Sophia's goons had gone after Richard.
To Cordelia, Richard was family now, and no one messed with her family.
Cordelia was fiercely protective. Sophia dared to touch Richard; she wouldn't let it slide.
"Hello," Cordelia called Arnold, who sounded like he was sleeping. How could he sleep at a time like this?
"Arnold! Your son's in trouble, and you're still snoozing!" Cordelia was livid.
Arnold cleared his throat, feeling wronged. "I have a cold, not sleeping."
Cordelia rubbed her temples. "Richard's in trouble at Suburban. You got ten minutes to get to my place. We're going together."
Arnold sighed. "Come out. I'm already outside your door."
Cordelia was stunned, peeked outside, and sure enough, Arnold was there.
At Suburban Hospital in Capital City, Betty, with her bodyguards, tried to see Richard but got blocked by Sophia's crew.
"I'm Richard's mother. He needs rest now. No one..." Sophia arrogantly blocked them.
Wrong move.
Before she could finish, Betty slapped her, knocking her aside.
She wasn't putting up with any crap.
Sophia's bodyguards stepped up, but so did Betty's.
But none had Betty's presence.
Betty pointed a finger at Sophia's lead bodyguard, her gaze icy. "Step forward, and I promise you won't know what hit you."
That guy was spooked by Betty's vibe.
This woman was no joke.
"You dare hit me?" Sophia clutched her face, screaming.
"Get lost." Betty pointed at Sophia and stormed into the ward.
Sophia wanted to say more but was stopped by Aleah. "Sophia, don't mess with her. She can fight. Let's wait for Richard to wake up."
Aleah whispered, "I asked the doc. Richard's brain hematoma might press on his nerves, causing amnesia."
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