Ch. 2051..2060
Chapter 2051
He had witnessed how heartless people could be, but he never thought women would be as ruthless as
men.
“How did you know she killed her own child? Rune, this isn’t a joking matter.” Nancy lowered her voice.
I’m not joking! Forget it. No one will believe me, anyway. Rune lowered his gaze and didn’t explain
further. If he wasn’t friends with Nancy, he wouldn’t have revealed his deepest and darkest secret to
her.
As he remained silent, Nancy gasped in horror. “Seriously? You were telling the truth?” She wanted
confirmation from him as Larry was watching and hearing everything from afar.
“Yes, I’m telling the truth. I know you won’t believe me,” came Rune’s meek reply.
“Are you a fool? Why didn’t you stop her? That’s your child, too!”
“I had no idea she was planning this. If she hadn’t entered the hospital, I wouldn’t even know about it.
When I went to visit her at the hospital, she kept asking me to alter the surveillance footage to frame
her miscarriage on a woman she despised. She doesn’t care about our child.”
Nancy trembled involuntarily upon hearing what he had to say.
She couldn’t believe Gabriella was cruel enough to kill her own child.
“So? Did you alter the surveillance footage for real?” she pressed on.
“Yes, I did. I loved her too much to lose her though our child is gone.” Rune fidgeted nervously.
“Rune Lindell, you’re the most foolish man I’ve ever come across! Have you ever stopped to think that
you’re actually bringing harm to her? You think you’re helping her, but you’re actually abetting her
crimes.”
Nancy grew increasingly emotional out of a sudden. Perhaps it was because she was pregnant, or
perhaps she just didn’t want to lose this friend.
“I asked her about it, but she insisted she was in love with someone else.” Rune seemed lost.
He was actually berating himself for indulging in her every request, including those illegal ones.
Nevertheless, it was useless even though he had thrown his pride away. Perhaps she’s right. I might
even end up in jail.
“Is she worth your efforts? Don’t forget your parents and everyone else who loves you. You don’t have
to waste your time on the wrong person.” Nancy patted his shoulder to comfort him.
She couldn’t bear to watch him go down the wrong path. Rune had led a tough life. He still had some
savings from his business, but life and reality treated him harshly. It was pointless to bet everything on
someone who would never reciprocate his feelings.
“What else can I do? I’ve already done it. I can’t dump her now, can I?” Rune mumbled. He didn’t know
what to do except vent his frustrations to a friend.
Nancy had never liked Gabriella. In the very beginning, she learned about Joan, Larry, and Gabriella’s
relationship. Yet, she didn’t expect Gabriella to be such a b*tch.
If it wasn’t for Rune, she couldn’t have cared less even if Gabriella ended up dead.
“Rune, I have an idea. Why don’t you persuade her to stop going against the law? Otherwise, we both
know what will happen to her. Why can’t she lead a happy life instead? Is it fun to drown herself in
hatred? Will you be happy with that?” Nancy continued.
Chapter 2052
Indeed, Gabriella was rarely happy. He hardly ever saw her smile. Still, he knew how stubborn she
was. She would never give in.
“No, she won’t listen to me. She’s too headstrong for that.”
“Then, are you going to do nothing as she commits more crimes? Maybe you should leave her,” she
suggested. “Rune, I know you’re a nice man. You might be hot-tempered, but you’re actually kind. If
you weren’t involved, I would never give any advice.”
A warm, fuzzy feeling spread in Rune’s heart.
Human nature wasn’t that complicated, but as one got to experience unfortunate events in life, one
would gradually lose trust in others.
Rune and Nancy were like-minded people. They felt a slight regret for not meeting each other earlier.
“Don’t listen to her nonsense!” Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out.
Shit. I’m doomed. Nancy rose to her feet hastily as her face clouded over.
Why is she here out of a sudden? What is she trying to do? Don’t tell me she overheard our entire
conversation Nancy bit her fingers nervously.
It was clear that Gabriella wouldn’t let this slide.
She’ll definitely target me as well.
“Gabriella, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be resting at home?” Rune stood up and went to her
anxiously.
Gabriella glanced at him before her gaze landed on Nancy. She snickered out loud.
What a small world. Why are Joan’s friends everywhere? I wonder why Nancy is here. Is she here to
sound him out? Gabriella refused to believe that Nancy knew nothing.
“Nancy? What a coincidence,” Gabriella greeted her icily.
“Yes, fancy running into you here. Are you here to shop, too?” Nancy forced herself to calm down.
She was racking her brains to figure her next best course of action to no avail.
“Do you know each other?” Rune asked suspiciously.
Is such a coincidence even possible? She’s Gabriella’s friend! Rune felt a sudden flare of joy.
What a fool. If I hadn’t arrived in time, he must’ve revealed everything to her. Gabriella scoffed silently.
In fact, Rune had already told Nancy everything he knew.
“Since you’re busy, I’ll leave now with the clothes. Bye, Rune!” With that, Nancy turned to leave the
store.
Gabriella stepped forward and blocked her exit without warning.
Is she going to threaten me now?
“Ms. Barrymore, why are you in a hurry to leave? Did you steal something here?”
Is she crazy? Nancy was not amused. I am a Barrymore, and I’m also married to Jory Synder. I can’t
even finish spending the money I have in this lifetime. How dare she suspect me of being a thief?
“Ms. Ward, please make way. I’m sure Mr. Lindell knows what kind of person I am. You can ask him
about me. I really need to go.”
“Oh, no. Ms. Barrymore, we’ve just met. Why are you in a rush to leave? Are you feeling guilty?”
Gabriella inched nearer to her and forced her to a corner.
Feeling guilty? I have a clear conscience!
“Gabriella, you’ve misunderstood her. Ms. Barrymore is a returning customer of mine. She isn’t that
bad,” Rune hurriedly interjected.
“Shut up! You don’t even know you’re being fooled!” yelled Gabriella.
What the heck? Who is fooling me?
“Gabriella, what are you talking about?”
Chapter 2053
Ha! This fool doesn’t even know he’s being used.
“I mean, you were fooled by this woman who goes by the name of Nancy Barrymore!” Gabriella
enunciated each and every word carefully.
Rune came to a stop in front of Nancy before studying her in puzzlement.
“You don’t know who she is, right? Her name is Nancy Barrymore, and she’s Joan Watts and Larry
Norton’s best friend. She’s also married to Jory Synder. Do you get it now?” explained Gabriella.
Realization finally dawned on Rune.
“You’ve been using me all the time?” Rune pointed at her furiously.
“No!” refuted Nancy loudly.
She treated Rune as a friend, but there was no way she could sit back and do nothing when Gabriella
harmed her friend.
“Nancy, I’ve always respected you. Why did you lie to me? Is it funny to use someone blatantly?” Rune
closed in on her. An icy glint flashed across his gaze as though he were about to kill her.
Rune hated people who had betrayed or lied to him.
“Rune, listen. I really wanted to be friends with you. I’ve never thought of using you. But Joan is my
best friend. I can’t allow her to be framed by others…”
“Shut the f*ck up!” Hearing the man’s roar, Nancy trembled involuntarily.
Is he going to hurt me?
“Rune, is this your so-called friend? You definitely need glasses. I can’t believe you allowed her to
come to your store,” Gabriella declared, adding fuel to fire.
“Gabriella, stop talking nonsense! Rune and I are friends. I’m not that despicable!” Nancy argued.
How innocent. She looks quite unyielding. I can’t believe she’s this silly. Gabriella snorted with disdain.
She won’t get to leave this place today. Gabriella felt lucky for she was smart enough to send her men
to keep watch on Rune. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know that Nancy was a friend of Rune.
“How are you going to handle this?” she demanded.
Let’s see how Rune will deal with Nancy.
“Get out. I don’t want to see you again.” With that, Rune turned and trudged away.
What? Is he crazy? How could he let her leave just like that? She knows my secret!
“No, you can’t leave!” she hollered out of a sudden.
“Why not? Gabriella, you have no right to force me to stay. I’m only a customer,” Nancy retaliated.
So what? The customer is always right?
Gabriella wasn’t having any of it.
Meanwhile, gloom had veiled Rune’s face as he slumped dejectedly.
“Enough, Gabriella. She hasn’t said anything. Besides, she doesn’t even have proof. Let her leave,” he
muttered.
Yet, Gabriella refused to let Nancy leave just like that. As Nancy was Joan’s friend, Gabriella viewed
her as an enemy, too.
“Sure, no problem. But first, I’ll have to search you to see if you hid anything secretly.” There was a hint
of shrewdness in Gabriella’s eyes.
What the heck? She doesn’t have the right to search me!
Wait, this is suspicious.
Damn it, I have a recorder in my pocket. If the b*tch discovers it, my efforts will be in vain.
Luckily the recorder has been recording our entire exchange. They must’ve heard everything, right? A
glint of hope appeared in Nancy’s gaze.
“No, I have to go to her. She’s in danger!” Jory rose to his feet anxiously.
“Hey, wait a minute!” Larry remained cautious.
Heading over right now would be too rash an act. They had to come up with a plan or risk wasting their
previous efforts.
Chapter 2054
“Get someone to enter the fashion boutique and pretend to be a customer. Calm down. We can’t act
recklessly,” reminded Larry.
There was no way Jory could calm down for his wife was in danger. He immediately glared at Larry,
clearly irritated.
After all, Nancy wouldn’t have gone to the fashion boutique to fish for information if Joan hadn’t gone
missing. Now that Gabriella was there, she wouldn’t let Nancy leave easily.
“Larry, that’s my wife!” Jory grabbed his phone and strode out.
In the fashion boutique, Nancy’s phone kept ringing in her bag. Yet, she dared not answer it.
“Ms. Barrymore, your phone has been ringing incessantly. Didn’t you hear it?” Gabriella pointed it out
on purpose.
She wanted to see how Nancy would react under the circumstances.
“Hello, Jory.”
“Stay right there. I’ll be there soon. Don’t be afraid and stall for time. I’m on my way,” uttered Jory.
Clearly, it was Jory who had called her.
“Alright, got it. But they only sell women’s clothes here. I’ll head to the mall to get your clothes later,”
replied Nancy deliberately.
“Nancy, what are you talking about? I’m serious. Stop talking nonsense. I’m worried about you!”
exclaimed Jory.
“Hey, stop it. Can you be more serious? I’ll buy your clothes later,” Nancy continued.
It finally dawned on Jory that she was doing it on purpose. Someone’s watching her!
They chatted briefly before cutting the line.
It seemed like a simple phone conversation, but Gabriella knew something was up. Nancy didn’t just
talk to someone on the phone. Hmm, I should get prepared.
“This way, Ms. Barrymore.” Gabriella shoved her into the changing room.
“What are you doing? Stop it, Gabriella! What are you going to do to me?” Nancy struggled and
retorted furiously.
Alas, her struggles were futile. She was no match for the strong Gabriella. Shortly after, her clothes
were removed.
“Gabriella Ward!” Nancy roared.
“Ms. Barrymore, wait a minute. I’ll return your clothes to you in a minute.” Gabriella threw the clothes
she had inspected into the changing room.
Huh? I couldn’t find anything. That’s impossible. She must’ve come to fish for information. Where is her
tool?
Thump!
Suddenly, a pen fell on the ground and caught her attention.
What’s this? A pen? From what Gabriella recalled, Nancy wasn’t someone who liked to study. There
was no reason for her to keep a pen in her pocket.
Could it be… Immediately, Gabriella threw the recorder to Rune warily.
“Hurry, find out what pen is this.”
“Oh, you can buy this online. It’s a recorder. Where did you find it? I don’t have one.” Rune shot her a
curious glance.
Oh, I see! Gabriella’s gaze turned menacing. I was right. Nancy did come here for something else.
“Your friend recorded your conversation.” Gabriella gestured at the changing room.
“Look, Rune. I told you Nancy was just using you. What is going on in that mind of yours?” Gabriella
went up to him before knocking on his head.
Rune couldn’t believe how Nancy plotted against him.
He wished it wasn’t true, but the recorder was proof.
“Rune, listen to me. It’s not what you think,” Nancy exclaimed as she hurriedly put on her clothes in the
changing room.
Chapter 2055
What else could it be? There’s no need to hear her explanation. Rune scowled angrily.
Nancy Barrymore, I can’t believe you’re this despicable.
“No, you’ve gotten it wrong. Listen to me.” Nancy ran out and grabbed his arm uneasily.
“What else could it be?” Rune shoved her away forcefully.
That b*tch!
“I didn’t lie to you, right? The recorder is proof.” Gabriella seemed proud of herself.
Nancy promptly retorted, “Gabriella, you’ve gone too far. You know I didn’t do it on purpose! Stop
exaggerating things!”
What a joke. I have a thousand ways to make you suffer.
Meanwhile, there was a black vehicle speeding down the street. It had already run several red lights.
His heart tight with worry, Jory called Nancy again.
Yet, Nancy couldn’t answer her phone right now.
“Who is it? Larry? Or Joan?” Rune demanded.
“Someone on their side, obviously. You should deal with her now as Larry had already heard our
conversation,” said Gabriella mockingly.
There was a tiny spy camera in the recorder which was hidden inside the cap of the pen. None of them
knew Gabriella was smart enough to discover it.
“Do you think I won’t look further after discovering the recorder? Ha!” With that, Gabriella crushed the
spy camera without hesitation.
She’s so cruel!
“Nancy Barrymore, I didn’t harm you or yell at you today. Our friendship is over. This is the last time
we’ll ever meet. Scram! Get out of my sight!” Rune declared vehemently.
That’s it? Gabriella’s curious gaze landed on Rune.
Indeed, that was all Rune had in mind. There was nothing else he could do. Rune and Nancy were just
friends, so she didn’t actually betray him.
He could only stop being friends with her.
“Rune, what the heck? She lied to you! Shouldn’t you take revenge? Why did you choose to forgive her
and let her leave? You’re such a coward!” Gabriella felt rage pulsing through her veins.
I’ve never seen someone as sissy as him! What the heck? How could he choose to forgive her?
“What do you want, Gabriella?” Nancy held her stomach and queried weakly. She seemed to be in
pain.
“What’s wrong?” Rune knelt down and gazed at her worriedly.
He knew how painful it was to lose one’s child. Nancy did something wrong, but he didn’t want her to
suffer from the same agony.
“My stomach hurts. Rune, send me to the hospital, can you? It hurts,” Nancy pleaded, her expression
contorting in anguish.
It was hurting too much for her to speak out loud, hence her soft whisper.
“Alright. Come on, I’ll bring you there.” Rune stretched his hands out to help her up.
“Hey, what are you doing? You’ve never treated me this way. Do you really believe her stomach is
hurting? Rune, are you a fool? Why do you trust her? I feel unwell, too. Do you believe me?” Gabriella
pushed his arms away from Nancy.
Rune stood still as Nancy was pregnant. Besides, her due date was close.
“She is clearly in pain,” Rune explained.
Good riddance! Let her suffer. Disdain flashed across Gabriella’s eyes.
Chapter 2056
She deserves it for being friends with that b*tch, Joan! They are all b*tches!
“Rune, my stomach is hurting for real. I need to go to the hospital,” moaned Nancy.
Soon, she slumped to the ground as the color drained from her face.
“I need to send her—”
“No need to trouble you. I can do it!” Gabriella pulled Nancy to her feet.
How troublesome! I was also pregnant previously, but I wasn’t as fussy as her!
“Hey, are you alright?” Gabriella slapped Nancy’s shoulder forcefully.
All she wanted to do was to throw Nancy into the river. Still, as this was Rune’s fashion boutique which
he had opened with her money, she hesitated. No matter what, Nancy had to leave this store.
“It hurts…”
Ugh, she’s still putting on an act!
“I’ll help you out and hail a cab for you to take you to the hospital!” Gabriella proceeded to help Nancy
out of the boutique.
She wasn’t that kind or free to bring Nancy to the hospital.
They were about to exit the fashion boutique when her phone rang.
Oh, that’s fast. He’s getting impatient, huh? What a shame.
“I need to take this.” Gabriella took out her phone and headed to the washroom.
“Gabriella, keep your hands off Nancy. Otherwise, there’ll be hell to pay!” Jory warned.
What did he say? I have proof, though. Gabriella never thought of harming Nancy. It was Nancy who
came to her.
“Mr. Synder, what did you say? What can I do? I did nothing,” came her deliberate reply.
“That had better be the truth. I don’t care about your rivalry with others. You can do whatever you want,
but you can’t harm Nancy!”
Gabriella thought he was being manly, but Nancy had gotten herself involved.
There was no way she’d let Nancy off easily.
“Mr. Synder, I’ve always respected you. I had no intention to be your enemy. Yet, Mrs. Synder seems to
think otherwise.”
Gabriella twiddled her fingers as fury flashed across her gaze.
How dare you order me around? She then hung up and stalked out.
“Help her out and hail a cab for her. Send her off and don’t get yourself into trouble,” she ordered Rune
in a low voice.
Rune thought she was going to let Nancy go, so he immediately helped Nancy out.
After Nancy entered a cab safely, she was wondering why Gabriella allowed her to leave when the cab
suddenly slowed down and stopped.
“What’s wrong?” Nancy demanded restlessly.
“Miss, I think they are here for you.” The cabbie’s voice was trembling in fear.
What is going on?
Nancy gazed out of the window in shock. Indeed, a bunch of men had alighted from the vehicle in front
of them and were marching over threateningly.
Who are they? What are they going to do to me? Instantly, terror appeared in her gaze. She caressed
her belly slowly as an ominous feeling overwhelmed her.
“Get down!” The men came to the cab and knocked on the window.
The cabbie hurriedly wound his window down carefully.
“Hello, can I help you?”
“Didn’t you hear me? Get down! If you don’t want to die, get down now.”
Ah, forget it. My life is more important than this cab.
The cabbie hurriedly got off his cab and stood aside silently with his head hung low.
The men got into the cab, seemingly annoyed.
“What are you doing?” Nancy inquired in a low voice.
Isn’t it obvious what we’re going to do? The men exchanged glances and guffawed out loud.
“Ms. Barrymore, what do you think we will do?” The man in the passenger’s seat turned at his shoulder
and gazed at her in amusement.
Chapter 2057
“Do you know who I am?” Upon hearing her question, the men’s gazes grew cold.
There was no way they would mistake their target for someone else.
“Who sent you? Is it Gabriella Ward?” Nancy tried guessing.
She couldn’t think of any other person who would dare to abduct her in public.
“Ms. Barrymore, stop guessing. No one sent us here. We happened to run into you and wanted to have
some fun with you, that’s all.”
Damn it! Do they think I’m a fool? Nancy hadn’t really worked in her life, but she wasn’t a fool. She
refused to believe that they were here to cause trouble without a reason.
Everyone in this city knew who her father was. Still, these men had the guts to kidnap her. It was
evident that they were merely following orders.
“I want to get off the car!” She made to leave.
“Miss, stay put. We’re not that kind or patient for your antics.” After that announcement, the car sped
ahead.
Nancy nearly toppled from her seat. She hurriedly sat back and forced herself to calm down.
Soon, the car rolled to a stop in front of a hotel.
Nancy was blindfolded, so she couldn’t see anything.
“Ah!” she yelled as the men threw her in a corner.
“Who is it?” Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out.
Isn’t that Joan? Why is she here?
“Are you Joan?” Nancy asked hesitantly.
Joan immediately stood up as she had also recognized Nancy’s voice.
The room was pitch black, so they couldn’t see anything.
“It’s me, Nancy. Where are you?” Joan called out anxiously.
It’s Joan! Tears welled up in Nancy’s gaze immediately. I’m not alone here!
“Joan!” she cried out as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Joan fumbled in the dark and made her way to Nancy using her cries as a guide. Once she reached
Nancy’s side, she gave the latter a tight hug.
“Hey, stop crying. Why are you here, Nancy? What happened?” Joan patted Nancy’s back gently to
comfort her.
“Joan, you’ve been missing for days. Larry was terribly distressed. You told me about Rune Lindell,
remember? The one who owns the fashion boutique…”
She proceeded to explain everything to Joan.
Both women cowered in a corner and hugged each other for warmth. Joan knew Nancy was more
sensitive and easily terrified for she was pregnant.
“Nancy, I’m sorry. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be kidnapped,” Joan apologized. There was a hint of
guilt in her voice.
She had already dragged loads of people down—Larry, Delilah, Lucius, Dustin, and others—causing
them to worry about her. Now, even Nancy was in danger because of her.
“Joan, don’t say that. I believe we will be alright. Larry and Jory are looking for us now. We need to
trust them,” Nancy mumbled.
The place was too scary for her as she couldn’t even see Joan’s face clearly.
A person’s fate could affect the people surrounding him or her. Likewise, a person’s character could
also change accordingly. Joan lowered her head as her eyes reddened.
Never mind if she died, but Nancy and her child were both innocent!
Thud!
The door of the room was kicked open. Light immediately flooded into the room, causing them both to
squint.
“Oh, look at you hugging each other lovingly.” It was a familiar voice to them. Yet, the owner refused to
admit it was her.
Chapter 2058
“Gabriella, what exactly do you want?” Nancy forced herself to open her eyes.
The woman who had just came in was still wearing a cap and a mask in an effort to disguise herself.
“Ms. Barrymore, mind your words. Before confirming someone else’s identity, don’t shout any name at
will. Otherwise, you will suffer from the consequences!” sneered Gabriella.
“Ha! Gabriella Ward, do you seriously think I can’t recognize you? Not everyone is as insane as you.
Let me tell you. Even if you…”
Before she could finish her sentence, fury overcame Gabriella. The latter stalked to her and kicked her
forcefully.
“Ah!”
“Nancy!” Joan hurriedly pulled her back to protect her.
“Who are you calling insane? You’re the one who is insane. Crazy woman!” Gabriella kicked Joan
repeatedly and cursed.
Finally, she stopped out of exhaustion and stormed out of the room.
“Joan!” Nancy flung her arms around Joan and burst out crying.
She sniffled and quietened down fearfully.
The room was still enclosed in darkness.
“Hmm? Did I hear someone crying?” In the hallway, a young man questioned doubtfully.
“I think I heard it too,” said his friend.
They followed the sound of the sobs and soon arrived at a door.
It was the room where Joan and Nancy were held captive.
“Is anyone in there?” The young man knocked on the door politely.
They both were startled by the sudden knock, but Joan quickly regained her senses and came to the
door.
“Hello, can you open the door for us?” asked Joan softly.
It was a stranger’s voice, so clearly Gabriella’s men weren’t here yet.
“Don’t you have a key?” the young man returned.
“I lost it. Can you ask for the receptionist’s help?” Joan pleaded.
She didn’t want to lose the chance to be saved for Nancy was still here.
“Alright. Wait a minute.” The young man dashed away.
“Hey, Caiden, what are you doing? This is none of your business,” his friend declared unhappily.
He had just returned from abroad, and there was no need for him to interfere in someone else’s
business.
“Are you a fool? That woman sounded really distressed. Didn’t you realize something was wrong?” the
young man tapped his friend’s head.
“Hear that, Joan? They won’t bother if it doesn’t concern them.” Nancy coughed tiredly.
“Nancy, don’t worry. Help will be here soon. Just hold on for a moment longer, alright?” Joan caressed
her hair gently in assurance.
Nancy narrowed her gaze and scoffed silently.
What a fool. They wouldn’t save us for no reason.
“Joan, I’m blessed to have met you in my life. It’s fine. I don’t have any regrets for we are spending our
last moments together. I can’t bear to part with Dad, though. I’m his only daughter. I’m gonna die before
I can fulfill my duties as a filial daughter,” wailed Nancy.
Joan couldn’t help but smile at Nancy’s silly reaction. It isn’t that serious. Gabriella might be ruthless,
but she would still think twice before going against the law. Besides, Nancy was innocent.
“Joan, I’m scared. I haven’t given birth to my child. I didn’t say goodbye to Jory yet. I still…”
Bang! The door opened before she could finish.
Chapter 2059
She cowered back in fear, but instead of seeing Gabriella, the young man’s voice rang out.
“Alright, thanks for your help.”
“It’s fine. You can ask for my help anytime,” the receptionist answered happily.
Hearing the unfamiliar voice, they gave a start. If this isn’t Gabriella, could it be that…
Joan tried to open her eyes to see who it was, but her eyes were hurting too much, causing her vision
to remain blurry.
“Get up. You shouldn’t stay here for long. Let’s go out.” The young man and his friend helped them up.
“Caiden, if your guess is right, I don’t think we should leave the hotel now. Let’s go to another room lest
we run into their kidnappers.”
The women were wounded, and one of them was pregnant. Hence, it was best to be safe.
“Alright. Let’s do that.”
The room was still intact, and the door was locked once again. Yet, the women were no longer in the
room.
“Keep on guard here until I return. No matter how much they beg or cry for help, don’t open the door or
feed them anything,” Gabriella reminded the thugs.
“Got it!” they replied unanimously.
Ha! Let’s see how long you can hold on. Perhaps you might die before I even take action! Gabriella
took one last look at the door before stalking away on her heels.
“Who are they? This is kinda complicated.”
“I don’t know. Anyway, we’re being paid to keep an eye on them. It doesn’t matter who they are.”
The men were chattering in front of the door.
Meanwhile, Joan and Nancy were brought to another room in the same hotel.
“Water. I want to drink water,” muttered Nancy.
“Please hurry and give her some water.” Joan pointed at Nancy.
“Why were you locked up, though? Look how disheveled you are right now.” One of the young men in
his twenties laughed.
“Shut up!” Caiden Owens glared at his friend.
His friend was rendered speechless by how rude he was. We don’t even know who they are, but saved
them anyway. I’m already kind enough to them!
“Joan, are you alright? Does it hurt?” Caiden inquired, concern evident in his voice.
Huh? Does he know me?
“W-What did you just say? Do you know me?” Joan panted.
Caiden promptly replied, “Yes, we studied at the same college. I’m one year younger than you.”
Wow, seriously? The other young man immediately scurried over.
“So you’re the senior that Caiden couldn’t get over?”
Caiden flushed in embarrassment at his friend’s sudden declaration.
“Go take care of the pregnant lady.” He hurriedly shooed his nosy friend away.
How could he blurt everything out right now?
“I’m sorry. I’m really exhausted and need to rest.” With that, Joan shut her eyes, she was worn out from
the fear and worried over the past few days.
Apart from her disheveled hair, weary expression, and chapped lips, there was blood at the corner of
her lips and a cut on her arm. Caiden felt his heart clenched painfully at the sight.
What happened to her? Why is she so depressed? I can’t believe someone tried to harm her.
Nancy had fallen into a deep slumber.
“Jaden, find out who did this to them.” Caiden’s gaze flashed with indignation.
“Who else? Their love rival, no doubt,” came Jaden Ford’s reply.
“Stop it. Find out who’s behind this.” With that, Caiden stalked out of the room.
Chapter 2060
“Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going? How can you leave them both to me? That Joan is your
friend. How could you leave now?” grumbled Jaden instantly.
Shortly after, when he saw Caiden returning with a bag, his eyes widened in surprise. “Seriously? Why
did you buy so much stuff? Are you going to keep them here forever?”
He couldn’t believe how generous Caiden was. They had always split the bill whenever they ate
together. Now, Caiden was willing to spend so much for Joan.
“Wow, you even bought the necessities for them.”
“Well, they need to wash up, don’t they?’
“Ugh…”
“Joan, you’re awake?” Caiden quickly helped her to sit up.
“Where am I?” Joan glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
“You’re in my room. Don’t worry, you’re alright now.” Caiden patted her head affectionately.
They hadn’t met in years, so he was wondering if she was married or had a boyfriend. He gazed at her
earnestly.
I thought I wouldn’t get to see her again. I never thought we would meet again under such
circumstances.
Caiden had a crush on Joan for three whole years in college, but he didn’t have the courage to confess
his feelings to her. Later, she graduated, and they never met again.
“Do you know me?” Joan asked curiously.
“Yes. You were my senior in college, one year older than me. I went abroad after that and lost contact
with you,” Caiden explained.
Huh? I don’t remember him at all.
Ah, I was head over heels in love with Larry back then. No wonder I don’t remember his face.
“Thank you for your help.” Joan flashed a smile and thanked him sincerely.
“You’re welcome. There are some wounds on your body. Do you want me to help you apply some
ointment?”
Instantly, Joan hesitated.
He was of the opposite sex, and she was married. It wouldn’t be a good idea to let him do that.
“I can do it myself.” She struggled to stand up before realizing she couldn’t even muster her energy to
rise to her feet, let alone apply ointment to her wounds.
Meanwhile, Jaden was stunned after overhearing their conversation. Did Caiden seriously offer to help
her to apply medicine on her wounds? Wow, he’s good at this. Taking advantage of the situation is a
great idea.
Jaden sighed, for the woman beside him was pregnant.
Why didn’t God give me a pretty single lady to take care of?
“Let me do it. Don’t worry, I promise I won’t do anything else,” Caiden tapped his chest and vowed.
He might be in love with her, but still, he had total control of himself. Caiden didn’t want Joan to think of
him as a dissolute person or a hypocrite.
After all, he was a gentleman.
“Joan, don’t worry. Caiden isn’t interested in girls. Besides, you can’t see your wounds on your back,
right?” Jaden chimed in.
Joan tried to turn at her shoulder and confirmed she couldn’t see the wounds on her back. Gabriella
had kicked her repeatedly a while ago, so her wounds might leave scars if they weren’t treated on time.
“Alright, Caiden. Thank you,” she answered softly.
That’s a good girl. A wide grin flitted across Jaden’s lips.
“Uh, I’ll leave to take care of the other lady.” Jaden stepped out and immediately shut the door.
They are alone now. Something might happen, right? Caiden Owens, I’ve created an opportunity for
you. Be sure to grab it. Jaden rubbed his hands gleefully and strode toward the living room.