Chapter 259

Clarissa’s acting was unconvincing. Her eyes darted nervously. Juan frowned. “Is this her?” he asked, turning to Joe.

Joe nodded. “Yes, she colluded with the kidnappers.”

Juan’s gaze returned to Clarissa, who trembled. “Don’t you know who I am?”

“No, your people brought me here. This is illegal! I’m calling the police. I’m going to report this.”

“Okay, give her a phone. Let her call the police.”

Juan’s words silenced Clarissa; her bravado vanished. “You can tell them how you colluded with the kidnappers to abduct Debra.”

Clarissa crumpled to the ground, speechless.

A nearby guard said, “Sir, we caught her trying to buy a train ticket to Booton. Her hometown must be there.”

“No,” Clarissa weakly denied. “My hometown isn’t Booton. I was just traveling, not running away.”

Juan asked sternly, “Why kidnap Debra? Who are you?” He had no recollection of ever seeing Clarissa, and given his status, it was unlikely their paths had crossed.

Clarissa remained silent, and Juan’s expression hardened. “If you won’t talk, I can find out myself. Until then, you’re going to the police station.”

Clarissa’s heart pounded, yet a strange lack of genuine fear was evident. Being taken to the station wasn’t the worst outcome; she merely needed to avoid admitting guilt. Once she became Mrs. Nichols, she would be safe.

Juan noticed her peculiar reaction and narrowed his eyes. Joe stepped forward. “Take her to the police station.”

“Wait,” Juan stopped him. “That’s unnecessary.”

Clarissa’s heart skipped a beat. She wondered what he meant.

Juan sneered, “It will take the police a long time to interrogate her. My approach will be much faster.”

Dread washed over Clarissa as Juan turned to Joe. “Lock her in the black box. She can come out when she talks.”

Joe understood and nodded. “Will do.”

Clarissa shivered. “W–What’s a black box?”

Juan replied, “The black box is a pitch-black, windowless small room. It’s like a dog cage, with no water or food. I don’t know what’s inside—maybe rats, spiders, or snakes.”

Clarissa panicked. “No. I don’t want that. This is illegal. You’re…”

Juan struck her hard in the chest. “I’m giving you one last chance. If you don’t talk, you’ll suffer like hell. I guarantee it will be worse than anything you can imagine.”