Chapter 990:

Elyse was equally surprised to see Theo. Curiosity sparked within her as she asked, “How are you feeling? Why haven’t you gone home yet?”

Theo smiled, replying, “I’m recovered, but I’m still here to finish some business.”

Elyse looked puzzled. “Are you working? Have you rejoined the Ward Group? Did your mother change her mind?”

“No, this is something I’ve chosen to pursue independently. I’m here to meet someone for a discussion,” Theo explained.

He glanced at Louise, his expression momentarily shifting before he quickly masked his surprise. “I was about to grab a coffee. Would you like to join me?”

Elyse glanced at Louise, waiting for her response.

Louise sulked slightly. “I’d like some coffee too.”

Theo nodded. “Of course, you can choose whatever you’d like.”

The trio headed to a nearby café, where Louise opted for a table beside them, waiting for their coffee.

Turning back to Theo, Elyse inquired, “What was it you wanted to discuss?”

Theo’s forehead creased as he began, “Lately, in my dealings, I’ve connected with some shady figures. Just yesterday, I stumbled upon a troubling piece of information.”

Elyse tensed, uncertain of his motives for bringing this up. “How does this relate to me?” she asked.

Theo responded calmly, “There’s an eight-million-dollar bounty on kidnapping you.”

Elyse was taken aback, disbelief washing over her. “Eight million dollars? Are they purchasing my life? Is my worth really that high?”

Theo shook his head, clarifying, “No, the requirement is to deliver you unharmed to the client. Given it’s not overly challenging, many in the underworld are eager to attempt it. By the time I learned of it, it was already well-known.”

Elyse’s mind raced. “Who would be so idle as to place such a bounty?”

Theo answered, “Do you suspect it’s a joke? In the underworld, deals involve actual cash. For high bounties like yours, half is usually paid upfront to ensure the buyer doesn’t back out once the job is done.”

Elyse’s discomfort deepened. “So, someone is actually paying to have me captured? Who would go to such lengths?”

Theo’s gaze held a mix of sympathy and concern as he faced Elyse. “I’ll do what I can to protect you, but my abilities are limited.”

Elyse sensed something amiss in Theo’s tone, feeling as though her life hung in the balance. After a moment of reflection, she pressed, “What more can you tell me? I need to be ready.”