Chapter 154

Landon had Maisie placed in a Kingsley Group hotel. As the pampered heiress of the Zuckerberg family, one might expect her to have a dramatic meltdown – crying, causing a scene, or even threatening suicide. However, she did none of that. After being escorted out of Landon’s office, she composed herself.

She wiped away her tears, touched up her makeup, and acted as if it were nothing. Only when they arrived at the hotel did she make a single demand: the presidential suite. A hostage asking for such luxury was unheard of.

“If your boss can’t even fulfill this small request, then this entire trip has been a waste of my time,” Maisie snorted defiantly. She wouldn’t give in without staying in the presidential suite.

Aaron stared at her in disbelief. “Did you get yourself kidnapped on purpose?”

Maisie rolled her eyes at him and said with disdain, “What else? A house full of fools – none of you understand me.”

Aaron hurried to share the news with Landon. Landon’s expression changed slightly as he murmured, “So, that’s how it is… I underestimated her."

“She did this for Daniel…” Amelia was taken aback, and then a wave of guilt washed over her. She had believed that Maisie was trying to entice her to Lunova, but in reality, Maisie had come to Norava of her own free will – and had played her part flawlessly.

“As long as she doesn’t try to run, give her whatever she wants,” Landon said, eyes narrowing. With Maisie as their hidden ace, it was only a matter of time before Joanna brought them Velmira. “Be extra careful when you go out or come back,” he added. “Never go anywhere alone.”

“Okay,” Amelia sighed. Maisie did it for Daniel, and Daniel did it for Amelia. All of this was to win over Velmira. As the most vulnerable link between Daniel and Landon, Amelia believed she had to protect herself at all costs.

Joanna had indeed planned to make a move on Amelia, but Amelia either kept out of sight or was always with Landon. After two days of waiting, Joanna still found no opportunity.

Meanwhile, Landon’s threats intensified each day. “Mrs. Zuckerberg, if you don’t provide the medicine, your daughter may never come back.”

Joanna was anxious. “Don’t you dare touch my daughter!” Joanna was at her wits’ end. Torn between her family’s interests and her daughter, she ultimately chose Maisie.

Landon said, “Delaying won’t solve anything. Every day you wait, Maisie suffers.”

Joanna conceded, “I’ll bring the medicine tomorrow!”

“Alright, it’s a deal then,” Landon replied.

The next day, Joanna hurried to Norava with Velmira in hand and stormed straight into Kingsley Manor. “Landon Kingsley! Come out immediately!” Joanna shouted.

“And just who do you think you are?” Gloria demanded, regarding the stranger with suspicion. Sensing trouble from this unfamiliar woman, Gloria quickly called for her bodyguards. Both sides had ample backup ready – just a single spark could trigger a confrontation.

Amelia arrived slightly late, pushing Landon’s wheelchair. “Hello, Mrs. Zuckerberg,” she greeted.

Joanna recognized her immediately, her expression darkening. “So, you’re Amelia Edwards!” she thought. ‘That face, that aura – she is the spitting image of Catherine.‘

“Mrs. Zuckerberg, where is the medicine?” Landon asked.

Joanna retorted, “Where is Maisie?”

Amelia fixed her gaze on Joanna, a surge of hatred swelling within her. She’s fine for now. 'Whether she lives or dies is up to Mrs. Zuckerberg,' Amelia thought.

This is the woman who shattered my mother’s family, drove her to madness, left her wandering in Pinecrest, and ultimately led her to her fate, Amelia seethed inwardly.

“You’re even more ruthless than your mother,” Joanna sneered as she pulled out a small, ornate box, about the size of a palm, with a delicate and antique appearance. She opened it to reveal a single pill wrapped in gold foil.

“Here is your precious Velmira! Now let Maisie go!” Joanna shouted.

Gloria looked completely bewildered and leaned in to whisper, “What exactly is this medicine about, Amy?”

“That medicine can cure my illness,” Amelia replied.

Gloria’s face brightened with joy. “Oh, that’s wonderful – truly wonderful!”

Joanna observed the seemingly perfect family with a grimace of disdain. “What are you waiting for? Come and get your precious medicine,” Joanna snapped.

Amelia released her grip on the wheelchair and stepped forward to retrieve the medicine, while a glint of cunning flashed in Joanna’s eyes.

Amelia slowly approached and then stopped abruptly just before reaching Joanna. “You refer to this as Velmira – how can you prove that?”

“Proof?” Joanna let out a sharp laugh. “Amelia, this is Velmira – a relic that has been passed down for a hundred years. There’s only one in the world. Do you expect me to swallow it to prove it’s not poison?”

“No. But I don’t trust you.” Amelia fixed her gaze on Joanna. “You schemed your way into the role of mistress. Then, you pretended to be the ‘kind stepmother‘ to control the Zuckerbergs. Someone like you does not give in easily.”

Joanna’s pupils dilated briefly; she hadn’t anticipated that Amelia would be this sharp. ‘Looks like I’ll need to alter my plan for today,’ Joanna thought.

She replied calmly, “The past is irrelevant. Do you want the pill or not?”

“Yes, but it still needs testing.” Landon had already arranged for Wesley to be on standby at Kingsley Manor. Yet now, as the moment arrived, Wesley was nowhere to be found. Landon called again, only to discover the phone had been switched off. Without Wesley, there was no one left to carry out the test.

A cold smile slipped across Joanna’s face as she glanced at her bodyguard. He gave a subtle nod, indicating that Wesley had already been dealt with – he wouldn’t be coming.

Joanna exhaled in relief and raised her voice, saying, “What a hassle! If you don’t believe me, I’ll take a bite to prove it.”

“No way!” Gloria immediately objected. “If you take a bite, the medicine won’t work as well!”

“Then what do you want me to do?” Joanna snapped impatiently. “I’ve already been more than cooperative! You’re the ones who are too afraid to accept the medicine.”

“We’ll accept the medicine, but we won’t release the hostage just yet,” Landon said after a moment of consideration. “Once my wife takes it and confirms its authenticity, then we’ll let her go.”

“Landon Kingsley, you’re playing dirty!” Joanna’s expression darkened, her chest rising and falling sharply with anger.

“Necessary precautions, Mrs. Zuckerberg. Given your questionable character, trust is not an option.” His voice was chilling. “But rest assured – if the medicine is authentic, your daughter will be safe.” Landon maneuvered his wheelchair forward to retrieve the medicine.

Joanna’s eyes darkened with swirling schemes. ‘If I can’t take Amelia down, subduing Landon will suffice!’ she thought. Just as Landon reached for the medicine, Joanna struck – her practiced shoulder throw nearly yanking him from his wheelchair.

“Landon!” Gloria exclaimed. Bodyguards on both sides sprang into action, each unwilling to retreat.

Chapter 154

“Alright, it’s over,” Landon said casually. With those simple words, the standoff came to an end before anyone could react.

Landon remained in his wheelchair while Joanna lay on the ground, groaning in pain. “What did you do to me?”

“You’ve been poisoned,” Landon replied coolly. “This toxin will leave you completely paralyzed for the next 24 hours.”

“You bastard!” Joanna shouted in frustration. She was confident that if she could quickly pull Landon out of his weapon-rigged wheelchair, victory would be within her grasp. To her astonishment, Landon moved even faster – she hadn’t seen his move coming at all.

“First, we’ll test the medicine. If it’s genuine, you and Maisie will be freed immediately. If it’s fake, well, you’ll deeply regret your choice.” Landon’s voice was icy, with every word laced with menace.

Those who knew him well could see the signs – Landon was about to unleash chaos.