Ch. 431..440

Chapter 431

"Humans can be even more terrifying than beasts when they lose their sanity." Nathan sighed.

Sensing Nathan's gloominess and recalling how Lucas had betrayed him, Cole stepped forward and pledged, "General Morrison, I'll never betray you for money like that scoundrel, Lucas. You can trust me completely. I'm fully devoted to you, without any doubt.”

Nathan felt a twinge of gratitude as he responded, "I trust you." “Thank you, General Morrison," Cole responded solemnly.

As the night deepened, the lights in the military base office continued to glow, burning through the darkness.

When Mila woke up the next day, her eyes were red and swollen from crying. She had a rough night's sleep, and her face was still puffy. After freshening up, she put on a simple dress, slung a black shoulder bag over her shoulder, tied her hair into a ponytail, and went downstairs. Phoebe and Simon were having breakfast. Phoebe got up, but before she could say anything, Mila spoke first, “I need to go to the Morrison residence. Phoebe, come with me."

Phoebe looked confused while Simon nervously stood up and said, "Wanda, we're flying back this afternoon. Why do you need to go anywhere else?"

Mila stopped in her tracks and spoke sincerely, “I'm planning to convince Dan to join us to Sunterland for treatment.”

"Why?" Phoebe asked.

"The traditional medicine there has proven to cure many illnesses that can't be treated here. I've been doing a lot of research online lately, and I've found cases where acupuncture and physiotherapy have helped terminally ill people recover," Mila explained.

Phoebe was impressed. "That sounds promising. I'll come along to help persuade him."

“I'll join you guys as well," Simon added.

The three of them walked out of Hoffis Manor together. After Phoebe went to get the car, Simon glanced at Mila a few times and said, "We must leave on time even if we can't convince him. We can't miss the flight.”

"We won't. If he disagrees, I'll quietly knock him out with Sienna and take him back to Sunterland for treatment.”

Simon chuckled. He knew that someone knocked out and unconscious wouldn't pass airport security.

When Phoebe's car arrived, they got in and drove off. Leaving Hoffis Manor behind, they sped off down the road.

Shortly after, Phoebe grew tense as she checked the rearview mirrors and said, "Mila, take a look behind us. Two cars are tailing us.”

Mila and Simon immediately glanced around with concern.

"Who could they be?" Simon asked.

Mila breathed a sigh of relief after recognizing them. She calmly explained, "They're from the military base."

Phoebe suddenly recalled yesterday's phone call and said, "Mila, General Morrison called me yesterday."

"Nathan?" Mila leaned forward, her voice tinged with concern as she continued, "Why did he call you? Is something wrong?"

"He warned us to stay alert. Oliver and Lucas risked their lives sneaking into Norvania yesterday, so they must be planning something.”

Those names sent a shiver down Mila's spine and filled her with a sense of foreboding.

Chapter 432

Chapter 432

After Mila and the others reached the Morrison residence, she discussed her plan to take Daniel overseas for treatment with Gary and Florence. Both of them showed their support for the idea. They were willing to give it a shot as long as there was a chance to save Daniel. However, convincing Daniel to go along with treatment in Sunterland was proving to be difficult. Gary and Florence left the decision- making entirely to Mila.

When Mila went to see Daniel at Maple Abode, she noticed a significant transformation. He had shaved his face and trimmed his hair short. He looked rejuvenated and fresh in his casual white outfit. Although his appearance had changed, his physique remained frail and lifeless, as if devoid of soul.

Sienna wheeled Daniel out onto the balcony so he could soak up the sunlight. He sat there quietly with his eyes shut, not reacting even when Mila said hello.

Mila introduced Simon to Sienna. Then, they all gathered on the couch and enjoyed some coffee while Mila explained the reason for their visit. When Mila suggested sending Dan to Sunterland for treatment right away, Sienna was surprised. She asked, "Take him there today? What's the hurry?"

Mila sighed and explained, "I'm sorry, Sienna. It's a sudden decision. I want to take Dan overseas for treatment. Can you join us?"

"Sure, no problem,” Sienna agreed, but she hesitated before adding, "But convincing him won't be easy.”

Mila glanced back at Daniel, who sat in the sunlight. He looked fragile and desolate like a withered tree. She left the living room and approached him. She crouched down next to him, gripped his cold hand, and studied his gaunt face.

"Dan, would you be willing to come with me to another country for treatment? Your legs can be healed, and your blindness is only due to a head injury. It's not permanent. Please don't lose hope in yourself,

Dan. Is there truly nothing left in this world that holds meaning for you? “Your family cares deeply about you. They all want to witness your recovery. Would you still want to live if your legs and eyes were healed?" Mila asked.

Daniel remained silent.

Sienna stepped forward and calmly said, "Wanda, there's no need to waste your breath. I've already told him these things countless times every day, and I've even tried reading him self-help books, but it hasn't made any difference.”

Concerned, Mila glanced at Sienna and asked, "So, what do we do now?"

Sienna helped Mila to her feet before she approached Daniel. She placed her hands on the handles of his wheelchair and leaned in close to him.

Staring at his closed eyes, Sienna stressed each word. "I want to announce that I've decided to take you abroad for treatment. Whether you agree with it or not, I'm going to give it a try."

Then, she straightened up and turned to Mila with a warm smile. "There you go. He agreed.”

Mila looked at Sienna with surprise, then turned her gaze to Daniel, who remained stoic.

“I'm going upstairs to pack my bags. You guys stay here," Sienna said as she went upstairs.

Phoebe walked over to Mila. She glanced at Sienna, then at Daniel before whispering, "Mila, have you noticed anything strange about Mr. Morrison?"

"What do you mean?" Mila asked.

"Well, he's been nasty to us during our recent visits. He even threw bottles at us to get us to leave. But now, he seems totally different, like he's lost all his energy,” Phoebe explained.

Mila leaned in and whispered to Phoebe, “I think Sienna might have calmed him down."

"It seems more like she's taken control of the situation.”

Mila was surprised. "Sienna? Taking control of him?"

Phoebe pursed her lips and nodded decisively.

Chapter 433

Chapter 433

Mila shifted her gaze to Daniel. Despite his gaunt appearance, she believed he still had the strength to manage Sienna, given his towering six-and-a-half-foot frame and years of training.

"I trust Sienna. She surely knows how to care for Dan in her own way," Mila said softly.

Shortly after, they spotted Sienna hauling two large suitcases down the stairs. Simon and Phoebe hurried to lend a hand. Meanwhile, Mila wheeled Daniel outside.

After everyone had settled into the car, they left the Morrison residence and headed toward Hoffis Manor. Mila occupied the passenger seat. Her eyes were fixed on the passing scenery as she became lost in her own thoughts.

After some time, Daniel's hoarse voice came from the backseat of the car. Firmly, he uttered, "Take me back."

"We're going to Hoffis Manor with Wanda and the others to retrieve their luggage. Then, we're heading to the airport. I've brought your passport as well. We're taking you abroad to get treatment,” Sienna explained.

"Take me back," Daniel repeated through gritted teeth.

"We're taking you abroad to get treatment,” Sienna reiterated indifferently.

"Don't make me kill you," Daniel warned.

Sienna crossed her arms, leaned back in her seat, and haughtily replied, "Oh really? How would you manage that? You need help with eating and showering, and you rely on pills to sleep.

"You don't even have the strength to strangle me, yet you're talking about killing me? Honestly, you're just a coward who can't deal with the truth. You're completely worthless.”

Everyone in the car was stunned. Nobody expected such words from Sienna, a caregiver who was being paid 40 thousand dollars a month. "Stop pushing me, Sienna," Daniel cautioned.

Sienna scoffed. "Pushing you? You're not even worth the effort.”

Mila couldn't take it anymore. Baffled by Sienna's disrespectful behavior toward Daniel, she turned to Sienna. Before Mila could say anything, Daniel erupted in anger and lunged at Sienna, who was seated by the window like a wild beast.

Sienna acted swiftly. As he lunged, she straddled his thighs and pinned his hands against the seatback.

Meanwhile, Simon, who was seated in the back of the car, was terrified and huddled in the corner.

"Sienna, Sienna, don't hurt Dan!" Mila shouted. She was worried as she watched Daniel being easily overpowered by Sienna.

Sienna was using all her strength to control Daniel. She didn't care even that their position looked awkward. She had long forsaken her modesty for money's sake. She bathed Daniel daily and was intimately familiar with every inch of his body.

Whenever he attempted to resist, she would overpower him, as she was doing now. Her goal was to incite some form of defiance in him. She didn't even mind if he harbored thoughts of killing her as long as it gave him a reason to continue living.

Sienna caught her breath and smirked before she mocked, "You're pathetic. You can't even beat me, yet you're considering killing me?" "Sienna, could you please stop tearing down Dan's confidence with your words?" Mila interjected. She felt for Daniel.

"No," Sienna responded firmly.

Mila sighed and immediately lapsed into silence. She couldn't bear to see Daniel, whom she held in high regard, being demeaned. She peered out the window, puzzled by Sienna's treatment of Daniel. Yet, she decided not to intervene out of respect for Sienna.

Daniel tried to break free from Sienna’s grasp several times, but he couldn't manage it. Then, unexpectedly, he burst into laughter. His laughter was tinged with bitterness and despair as he mocked himself, "Yeah, I'm pathetic. I can't walk or see."

Everyone present couldn't help but feel pity for him upon hearing the sorrow in his voice.

Yet, Sienna continued to add fuel to the fire. "Listen up. Your parents shell out 40 thousand every month for me to look after you. So, I'll do my job right. It's up to you whether you want to receive treatment.

"If you don't, you'll stay in that wheelchair indefinitely. As long as they keep paying me 40 grand each month, I'm willing to care for you for as long as necessary."

Chapter 434

Chapter 434

“If you refuse to eat, I'll treat you like livestock and force-feed you using a funnel. If you refuse to sleep, I'll give you sleeping pills. Regardless, I'l keep a close eye on you and prevent any suicide attempts. You're my cash cow for life," Sienna declared.

Her words angered everyone in the car.

"Wanda, fire her!" Daniel yelled with frustration.

This marked the first instance he had addressed Mila by her name since his injury. Mila spun around eagerly, tears already welling in her eyes. Even though she disagreed with Sienna's approaches, they appeared to be effective.

"Dan, I can't fire her. If you're unhappy with her, figure out a way to handle it yourself,” Mila said with a hint of happiness.

Daniel took a deep breath and stopped struggling. He slumped down and fell silent. Sienna slowly got off him and returned to her seat. She glanced at him before calming herself and quietly catching her breath. The fierceness she had displayed was all an act. Her hands trembled incessantly.

As their car pulled up to Hoffis Manor, the iron gate swung open, granting them entry. Mila couldn't shake the feeling of unease when she noticed the unfamiliar guard at the gate. Slowly, the vehicle made its way along the garden path until it stopped before the villa.

"Mila, we're here. Something feels off about home," Phoebe remarked, voicing what Mila had already sensed.

Mila swiftly stepped out of the car and glanced toward the gate. The security guard stood with hands on hips while glaring at them with an air of arrogance and menace.

Shifting her gaze toward the villa, Mila found two imposing, burly men guarding the entrance. Their hands rested on their waists, suggesting there might be handguns beneath their clothes.

"Who are they?" Simon asked nervously after getting out of the car. Mila remained on high alert. She shook her head in response.

Right then, a familiar silhouette emerged from the entrance. Phoebe quickly moved to protect Mila by standing in front of her.

"Oliver?" Mila said in astonishment.

Oliver seemed composed, but darkness was lurking in his eyes, and his smile carried an ominous undertone that sent a chill down Mila's spine. "Wanda, it's been a while," Oliver greeted.

Mila felt her heart tighten, and she demanded angrily, "Where are my grandparents?"

"They're at home. Come inside," Oliver replied.

Sienna felt a sense of danger. She quietly pulled out her phone, intending to call the police.

However, Oliver's serious tone stopped her. "The lady at the back. I suggest you don't call the cops. I'll activate the remote if they arrive.” He held up the remote confidently and added, "I've planted enough explosives in this house to destroy everything."

Sienna nervously swallowed and quickly put her phone away.

Mila tightened her fists and asked, "Oliver, what do you want?"

Oliver gestured toward the backyard and said, "Look over there." Everyone turned to see a helicopter in the distance.

“I'll be leaving when the cops arrive. In the meantime, all of you will be blown to bits," Oliver stated calmly.

“Unbelievable,” Phoebe muttered in anger.

“Let's get indoors," Oliver said as he led the way into the house.

“I'm sorry, Sienna. It's my fault to put you and Dan in danger,” Mila said guiltily.

"Why are you blaming yourself? It's not your fault. That guy's the one to blame. He's our enemy now," Sienna replied.

Mila was still overwhelmed with guilt even though Sienna tried to reassure her.

They helped Daniel out of the car and into the wheelchair before wheeling him into the villa together.

Roughly a dozen menacing, burly men stood in the expansive living room of the villa. Each of them gripped a gun that added to their intimidating presence.

Chapter 435

Chapter 435

Zach and Loretta sat on the couch, tied up with ropes and with tape covering their mouths. Bombs were strapped to their bodies and they looked extremely terrified.

Upon spotting Mila, their fear heightened. Tears welled in their eyes as they wriggled and protested against their restraint. Their muffled cries attempted to break through the layers of tape covering their mouths. It was as if they were desperately signaling Mila to flee.

"Grandma, Grandpa..." Mila's face paled with fear. Worried about Zach's and Loretta's safety, she yelled angrily, "Oliver, what do you want?"

Oliver lounged at the opposite end of the couch, legs crossed, and replied casually, "Isn't it obvious?"

At that moment, a man armed with a gun approached them and demanded they hand over all their phones and watches.

Sienna lowered her head, leaned toward Daniel's ear, and whispered, "We're being held hostage. There are loads of men, loads of guns, and tons of explosives here. One wrong move and we'll be blown to bits. Lucky you, huh? You'll die soon. Are you happy?"

Daniel remained impassive.

"And isn't it just fantastic that so many people get to share your fate?" Sienna added.

Daniel slowly closed his eyes. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth in anger, wishing he could strangle her with his bare hands. Even as death loomed, she persisted in mocking him. He wasn't deaf. He didn't need her incessant chatter to grasp that things were gravely wrong.

When Oliver noticed Daniel, his expression darkened. He approached and asked solemnly, "What's happened to Dan?"

Daniel had been his close friend since childhood. Yet now, he sat in a wheelchair, weak and dejected. Oliver could scarcely believe this was the same Daniel from their youth.

Mila positioned herself in front of Oliver. Summoning her bravery, she said, "Since I'm the one you want, release them."

With a stern expression, Oliver repeated, "What's wrong with Dan?" "He served as an undercover narcotics agent but his cover was blown. It led to brutal torture that left him blind, paralyzed in the legs, and severely battered and bruised."

After a short pause of sadness, Oliver collected himself and commented, "Every job carries its risks. We're all just trying to make our way through life, aren't we? I'm not exactly in great shape myself." Ignoring Daniel's injuries, he lounged on the couch and casually continued, "Now, I'm a fugitive in Norvania, and there's no hope of me inheriting the Hoffis family fortune. So—"

With a cunning smile, Oliver narrowed his eyes and declared, "Dad, the destiny of quite a few of you is in my control now. I might consider letting everyone off the hook if the offer is tempting enough.”

"How much are you asking for?" Mila questioned angrily.

"50 billion,” Oliver replied calmly while holding up five fingers.

Zach was left stunned.

Mila scoffed. "Do you even realize how much 50 billion is? You're just throwing numbers around.”

Oliver reclined lazily while spreading his hands across the couch. He crossed his legs and said, "For the richest person in Norvania, 50 billion is doable. You guys could sell shares of companies, sell real estate at a discount, or transfer all of the Hoffis family's liquid assets to my offshore bank accounts.”

"But how can we move that much money out of Norvania in such a short time?" Mila asked.

Oliver smirked cunningly. "Seven days. I want to see 50 billion in my offshore accounts within seven days, or else..."

His expression turned ominous as he toyed with the remote control.

Chapter 436

Chapter 436

Compared to Zach’s massive 500 billion wealth, Oliver’s request for 50 billion was quite manageable for him.

“Alright, I agree,” Mila said sincerely. She gestured toward Zach and Loretta and added, you need to get rid of the bomb on them and set them free.”

“But

Oliver smirked as he signaled to his men. A burly, armed man approached. He untied Zach and Loretta and removed the bombs from them.

Zach and Loretta had been frightened and pale since the ordeal began. Zach removed the cloth gagging his mouth and snapped, “Oliver, let Wanda go right now. Forget about 50 billion. I’ll hand over all of my 500 billion.”

Oliver shot Zach a hostile look and retorted, “Why didn’t you offer that from the start? I’m a fugitive in Norvania now, and there’s no way I can inherit your wealth.”

Zach rose in fury and declared, “I’ll give you any amount of money you want. Just free everyone here.”

11

smile. “You don’t have the right to negotiate with me anymore,” Oliver said with a smug Your beloved granddaughter is in my grasp. So, you’ll follow my commands whether you like it or not.‘

Loretta clutched Zach’s arm with her trembling hand and whispered in panic, “Zach, please, be quiet. This heartless ingrate might harm you.”

“Get a laptop for this old geezer to transfer funds and keep a close watch on him. If he tries to alert the cops, eliminate him immediately,” Oliver instructed his men.

“Understood.”

Everyone present was terrified by Oliver’s threats. Without delay, two armed men forced Zach and Loretta into the study.

Meanwhile, Oliver reclined on the couch with his eyes locked on Mila. He gestured toward the study with a smile and remarked, “There are numerous explosives in there. If you wish to spare your grandparents from a horrific fate, you’d best comply and heed my instructions.” Mila collected herself. She recalled Oliver’s prominent status in the medical field. He had pursued medicine in Sunterland for numerous years and possessed exceptional expertise. With a calm expression, she softly addressed, “Uncle Oliver.”

Oliver was stunned. It had been ages since he heard her address him with such warmth. The unfamiliar sensation left him feeling a bit disoriented.

“I remember you’re skilled in neurosurgery and acupuncture. Could you help Dan with his treatment?”

Phoebe and Sienna were confused. They couldn’t understand why Mila would allow a

notorious villain to treat Daniel’s illness.

Oliver’s gaze slowly shifted to Daniel. He had grown up with the Morrison brothers, as close as if they were siblings themselves.

Although he had gone astray and held bitterness toward Nathan because of Wanda, his brotherly connection with Daniel remained. Daniel’s current condition troubled him deeply as well.

After a moment of thought, Oliver approached Daniel and knelt beside him. He reached out to touch Daniel’s legs.

Worried that Oliver might harm Daniel, Sienna tried to intervene, but Mila stopped her before she could.

“But… he…” Sienna was concerned.

“He’s trustworthy when it comes to medical skills,” Mila whispered reassuringly.

Oliver conducted a thorough examination while Daniel remained impassive as he asked, “Your dream was to become a doctor. You once aimed to be a leader in the medical field. How did you end up like this?”

With a wistful smile, Oliver responded, “And what about you? You once aspired to be a significant figure serving the country and its people. How did you end up here?!!

Daniel fell silent, his expression heavy with sadness!

After finishing the examination, Oliver said, “I need to see his most recent X–rays and MRI scans.”

“We have them. They’re in the suitcase,” Sienna said before rushing to retrieve them. Oliver’s armed men trailed closely behind her.

What started as a hostage situation took an unexpected turn into a medical assessment.

Amidst the previous fear and tension of a dangerous scenario, everyone’s attention suddenly shifted to Daniel’s well–being.

Chapter 437

Chapter 437

After Oliver examined Daniel’s medical records and scans, a look of concern crossed his face. Mila approached him and softly grasped his arm.

Oliver froze. His focus shifted to her hand, then to her gaze, which held a gentleness and sympathy as if she had a sincere request.

“Uncle Oliver,” Mila addressed him affectionately, then mouthed, “Please give him hope.”

Oliver grasped Mila’s plea. He cleared his throat before he announced, “Dan, the nerves in your legs are still active. With acupuncture and physiotherapy, you could be standing within a year. Regarding your eyes, it’s likely due to pressure from a brain hematoma.

“The hematoma’s location is perilous. You’ve likely been told by many doctors about it. The craniotomy to remove it has less than a one percent survival rate. However, this surgery isn’t overly challenging for me, and there’s at least a ten percent chance of safely removing the clot.

Sienna’s excitement was palpable. She hurried over and grasped Oliver’s hand, momentarily forgetting his status as a captor. “Dr. Hoffis, is what you’re saying true? Can he truly regain his sight? And stand up, too?”

Oliver wasn’t entirely certain himself. He had only promised Mila to instill hope in Daniel. ” Yes, he absolutely can.”

Tears of joy welled up in Sienna’s eyes as she beamed. She rushed over to Daniel, knelt beside him, and caressed his hand. “Daniel, did you hear that? This incredibly skilled doctor, the one who was once close to you, says your eyes and legs can be healed. You mustn’t lose hope!” Daniel furrowed his

brows and kept his eyes shut. In a firm tone, he asked, “Wouldn’t your cash cow be gone if I were to recover? Why are you so happy?”

Sienna was at a loss for words. After a moment of silence, she sarcastically responded, “You’re right. I can’t have you recovering. You being blind and crippled is how I keep my job.”

Daniel scoffed and brushed off her hand.

Without warning, a deafening crash reverberated through the living room as the front door was violently kicked open. All eyes snapped to the entrance where Lucas, wearing a stern expression and flanked by armed guards, stormed in toward Oliver.

He angrily snatched the medical report from Oliver’s hand and flung it on the ground. With his teeth tightly clenched, he yelled, “Are you so caught up in your feelings for her that you can’t think straight? You’re still seeing patients at a time like this?”

Mila was furious when she saw Lucas. She thought of him as a despicable person who almost caused Nathan’s death. She was determined to get back at him eventually.

Oliver understood he was at fault and couldn’t defend himself.

“Separate them and take turns guarding them,” ordered Lucas.

“We can’t split up. He’s blind and crippled. Besides, he needs someone to look after him,” Sienna shouted.

Lucas glanced back at Sienna before shifting his gaze to Daniel. His cold stare softened immediately. Despite his ruthlessness, he couldn’t bring himself to harm the former esteemed narcotics agent.

“You two stay together,” commanded Lucas.

“I want to be with Mila, too!” Phoebe shouted, but Lucas ignored her. Soon after, several armed men separated them and locked them in different rooms.

After wheeling Daniel into the room, Sienna flopped onto the bed and let out a heavy sigh while gazing up at the ceiling.

“I’ve been alive for 25 years, and my life hasn’t been good at all. And now, I’m going to die surrounded by explosives. I just can’t accept it. I’ve never been in love or even had sex. No marriage, no kids–I haven’t even had the chance to try anything yet,” Sienna lamented as her sadness grew.

She tossed and turned on the bed while clutching the blanket. “I haven’t even tasted king crab. I refuse to die this way!”

Chapter 438

Chapter 438

Sienna shouted out of frustration, her voice filled with sadness. She muttered, “What are we going to do?”

Daniel’s expression soured as he desperately wished to escape from her presence. He longed for solitude and wished to peacefully depart from this world alone.

He viewed Sienna as a constant source of trouble. Not only had she stopped him from dying, but she had also made his life a living nightmare. He had to endure her constant presence day and night, even sharing a room with her.

She found solace in talking to herself and would often shout to release her inner turmoil.

“See if there’s any communication device in the room,” Daniel instructed.

Sienna sat up suddenly, blinking in surprise as she looked at Daniel. “Are you talking to me?”

Daniel sighed. “Who else is here? Am I talking to ghosts?”

Sienna chuckled and shook her head. “No, you’re talking to me.”

“Search for it,” Daniel commanded.

Sienna leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Should we find a phone and call the police?”

Daniel recoiled from her while scratching his ear uncomfortably. “We’ll be blown to bits if you call the police.”

“Then, who should we turn to for help?”

“Nathan.”

“General Morrison from the military base?”

Daniel fell silent in response.

Sienna leaned her elbow on the armrest of Daniel’s wheelchair, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at him closely. She asked, “Wouldn’t we get blown to bits if we asked him to help us?”

Daniel was speechless.

Sienna sighed. She gently traced the lines of Daniel’s face with her finger as she admired his features. “You have very unique features. You must have been quite handsome before, huh? But you’re so thin now, almost like a skeleton, and it’s a little unsettling.”

Daniel furrowed his brows in frustration as he emphasized his words. “Find a phone.”

“There isn’t one.”

“You haven’t even checked.”

“The room is spotless and looks like a guest room. How could there be a phone?”

Daniel sighed in frustration. “Just look for it.”

Sienna shook her head. “There’s definitely nothing here. I don’t want to waste my energy

searching.”

“But you haven’t even tried. How can you be sure there isn’t one? What if there is? There’s no chance at all if you don’t even try.”

Sienna nodded earnestly and said, “Exactly. Why do you give up on yourself so quickly if you understand this reasoning? Why not try to recover?”

Daniel was close to losing his temper.

Mila was stuck alone in a guest room. She acted fast, locking the door and shutting all the curtains to keep the room pitch dark.

Outside her door, an armed guard stood

tch while men patrolled the area below. Even the

surveillance room at Hoffis Manor was being closely monitored. Escape seemed almost impossible.

Mila couldn’t risk calling the police as she feared the situation would worsen. Nobody would survive if Oliver decided to blow up the house. After considering her options, she decided to seek help from Nathan.

She went into the bathroom, closed the door, and pulled the curtains. Sitting on the floor with her back against the wall, she took out a necklace hidden under her collar. The pendant on the necklace was a black crystal shaped like a four–leaf clover.

When she pressed one end of the clover–shaped pendant, a ray of light shot out from the crystal’s center and projected a virtual computer screen on the floor. Mila skillfully navigated through the virtual interface to open a chat window and message Nathan.

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Chapter 439

“Nate, it’s Wanda. Lucas and Oliver, along with a group of armed thugs, have forcibly entered my home and planted explosives throughout the house. My grandparents, Phoebe, Simon, Dan, and Sienna are also here with me. We’re being held hostage.

“They’re demanding 50 billion and have threatened to detonate the explosives if we call the police. They’ve arranged for a helicopter in the backyard for their escape.”

After sending the message, Mila quickly switched off the virtual computer screen and hid the necklace under her shirt collar. Seeing nothing unusual outside, she left the bathroom and returned to her room.

She wasn’t certain if Nathan would receive the message or what action he might take whether he would notify the authorities or organize a rescue mission. Everything was uncertain.

As time passed, Mila’s anxiety mounted as she remained unsure about the situation with the others. She paced in her room. Suddenly, she heard the sounds of scuffling and the curses of men coming from the room next door.

In a panic, Mila hurried to open the door, only to find a man standing guard aiming his gun at her. His expression threatening as he commanded, “Get back inside.”

Milá cautiously peered outside and asked, “What’s happening? Who’s fighting?”

A chorus of aggressive male voices erupted from the nearby room. “I like feisty ones like you. Come on, fight me. I’ll fuck you to death.”

Then, Phoebe’s furious scream pierced through the chaos. “Don’t you dare touch me! You disgusting scum!”

Mila’s heart clenched. She ignored the man aiming a gun at her head and pushed her way out. She couldn’t bear the sounds of Phoebe being hit, her struggles, and her screams of pain. It felt like her heart was being ripped apart.

At that moment, Mila didn’t care about her own safety anymore. If anyone dared to hurt Phoebe, Mila would immediately seek revenge, even if it meant sacrificing herself.

“Go ahead. Shoot me if you dare,” Mila spat out as she glared at the man holding the gun. Tears brimmed in her eyes. She pushed him away forcefully and dashed to the next room, which was unguarded.

As she flung the door open, her heart sank at the sight of two men hurting Phoebe. Phoebe lay on the ground, battered and bleeding, her clothes torn.

The two shirtless men were struggling to undo their pants when they were startled by Mila’s sudden appearance. In a flash, their expressions shifted to cold and malicious.

Mila trembled as fury surged through her like scorching lava which seared her heart. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

Worried about Mila’s safety, Phoebe fought and shouted, “Mila, don’t worry about me. Get out of here!”

Mila’s

ary eyes o

hardened as she slammed the door closed.

The two menacing men moved closer to Mila while licking their lips. One of them remarked, Seems like we’ve found ourselves another pretty one.”

Mila strode toward the men with confidence. Her hand reached for the pen gun cunningly disguised as a hairpin in her hair. With swift movements, she lunged at one of the men and pressed the

pen gun against his chest.

A suppressed gunshot resounded, and the first man crumpled to the ground instantly. The other man stood frozen. He was shocked by his partner’s sudden collapse.

Shortly after, another shot rang out. The second man dropped to the ground with a thud louder than the gunshot itself.

Phoebe watched in astonishment. Mila seemed strangely unfamiliar to her at that moment.

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Chapter 440

After dealing with the two men, Mila rushed over to help Phoebe up and check her injuries. ” Phoebe, where does it hurt? Tell me. Where’s the blood coming from?”

Phoebe shook her head. “I’m fine. I just coughed up some blood from getting kicked in the chest and abdomen. No visible wounds, so it’s probably internal.”

“Those jerks,” Mila cursed.

Phoebe managed a weak smile.

Mila gave her a stern look and asked disapprovingly, “You’re a black belt in taekwondo. Plus, you’re skilled in judo and boxing, too, right? How did you end up so vulnerable? Couldn’t you handle just those two guys?”

“You think I didn’t want to fight back?”

“Why didn’t you, then?”

“If I resisted, they would have targeted you.”

Tears welled up in Mila’s eyes instantly. Her heart ached at the sight of Phoebe battered and bruised. Overwhelmed with emotion, she hugged Phoebe tightly. Phoebe was undoubtedly strong. Her vulnerability didn’t stem from herself but from her love for Mila.

“Mila, I’m truly okay. But right now, we need to figure out what to do with these two bodies.” Phoebe gently patted Mila’s back to reassure her.

Mila let go of Phoebe and glanced at the men lying on the ground. She stuttered, “Phoebe, I–1 killed someone.”

“Don’t fret. This isn’t Sunterland. It’s Norvania.”

Mila wasn’t well–versed in Norvania’s laws. She asked, “Did I commit a crime?”

“No. If you kill someone who’s holding you captive in self–defense, the Norvanian government might even reward you for it.”

“Seriously?” Mila breathed a sigh of relief.

“In Norvania, it’s legal to defend yourself against intruders in your home.”

Mila helped Phoebe stand up and whispered, “So, that means I can defend myself against all these people.”

Phoebe clutched her stomach in pain and nervously eyed the door as she asked, “Mila, how many bullets do you have left?”

“Just one,” Mila replied.

“We’re in big trouble, then.”

Mila leaned in and covered Phoebe’s ear as she whispered, “Phoebe, I sent a distress signal to Nathan using the virtual computer. It’ll take about three hours for help to arrive from the military base to Phoenicia.”

Phoebe’s expression turned worried. “But they’ve planted bombs all around. They’ll trigger them for sure if General Morrison and his team come to rescue us.”

Mila fell silent.

Suddenly, there was a deafening crash as someone kicked the door open. Mila and Phoebe trembled with fear, huddling together as they stepped back.

Several burly, tough–looking men pointed their guns into the room as Lucas entered with a few of his men. His eyes were steely, and he looked grim. When he noticed the two bodies on the floor, his fists tightened in fury so much that they trembled.

Without hesitating, Lucas lunged at Mila and snatched the pen gun from her hand. Through gritted teeth, he growled, “This gun again. You got away last time because of it.”

Mila looked at him warily while shielding Phoebe behind her. She maintained a calm façade and remarked, “Your men may demand money, but targeting women leads to deaths.”

It was then that Lucas noticed Phoebe’s disheveled appearance and realized that his men had acted excessively.