Chapter 1043:

Mabel had no choice; the bomb strapped to her compelled her to follow Theo’s commands. Each time Hyde called, she ended the call. After a dozen attempts, Hyde ceased calling. Mabel stared at her phone, feeling discontent. He had given up after only a dozen calls? That night, she had called him nearly a hundred times. Was this the extent of his patience? This realization made Mabel’s heart ache even more.

She then went to see Theo, as he had instructed. Theo glanced at Kaelyn, who was on the brink of losing consciousness, and smiled. “What do you need?”

Mabel looked at Kaelyn and replied truthfully, “Hyde called me, and I didn’t answer.”

Upon hearing Hyde’s name, Kaelyn’s eyes suddenly opened wide, filled with joy, yearning, and excitement. Her eyes were alive with a determination to survive.

“Why didn’t you answer? Next time he calls, invite him over. I’d like to have a little chat with your boyfriend,” Theo suggested, lightly tapping Mabel’s head in a condescending way.

Kaelyn thought that if Theo invited Hyde over, she might find a chance to escape. She felt the pain in her body diminish. No matter how much she suffered under Theo’s control, she believed she could withstand it.

Theo saw through Kaelyn’s thoughts, which was precisely what he desired. In his eyes, these three were all reckless and morally questionable. He was keen to see the chaos that would ensue when they confronted each other.

Hyde’s next call came at noon that day, and this time, Mabel picked up. On the other end, Hyde launched a barrage of accusations at Mabel, demeaning her as utterly worthless.

In the past, Mabel might have concurred, believing he was right and that she truly was ineffectual. However, having seen him and Kaelyn together in an intimate moment, she recognized their special bond. Armed with this insight, Mabel found Hyde’s criticisms almost amusing.

For once, she remained composed and asked clearly and deliberately, “Where were you that night? Why didn’t you answer my calls? I’ve been trying to reach you for days. Why did you only decide to contact me today? It was clearly your fault. Why are you blaming me?” Mabel’s direct questions effectively silenced Hyde. After a significant pause, he responded, “I can explain everything. Where are you? I’ll come to you.”

Mabel replied dejectedly, “I don’t want to see you.”

“No, it’s my fault for upsetting you. Please, give me a chance to make amends,” Hyde implored with feigned sincerity.

. . .