"Right this way," Shawn led the way confidently, a trace of satisfaction finally gracing his face. He couldn't resist a self-congratulatory pat on the back for his cunning plan.
Earlier that afternoon, he'd nearly been caught by Arnold while dealing with Felicia, but his quick thinking had saved him. However, Kayla's relentless pestering and threats to reveal his Alverton hideout to his creditors had pushed him to act. The thought of Lance's ruthlessness sent a chill down his spine. He couldn't afford to wait. Spotting Lucas after descending the mountain, a brilliant idea struck him: kidnapping the boy would create the perfect distraction, luring Felicia into a false sense of security.
His plan worked flawlessly. A wide grin spread across Shawn's face. Once he disposed of Felicia—by throwing her off a cliff or burying her on the spot—the money would be his. Then, he could systematically acquire the rest of the Fuller fortune. Sooner or later, it would all be his.
But as he turned to face Felicia, his grin vanished, replaced by feigned concern. "Felicia, you and I grew up in Alverton. You know how dangerous this mountain can be at night. Wolves might be around."
Felicia snickered. "There's one right in front of me, isn't there? A greedy and foolish wolf."
Shawn's face stiffened, his malice briefly flashing through his mask before he composed himself. "Always so quick with the insults, huh? Fine. I'll let it slide for old times' sake. I won't stoop to arguing with a girl like you."
They reached the mountain's back. Felicia remembered childhood tales of wolves attacking the village, until Charles's hunt had thinned their numbers. While the wolves were largely gone, the deep mountain still held many dangers. Leaving Lucas tied up here would be incredibly risky for the child.
That's precisely why Felicia, despite knowing Shawn's intentions, had come without hesitation.
Reaching the dense forest, Felicia dropped her pretense. "Where's Lucas?" she demanded coldly.
Shawn yawned and gestured vaguely. "There. See?"
Felicia shone her flashlight in the indicated direction, discerning what appeared to be a person tied to a large tree, partially obscured by vegetation. The darkness and the tree partially blocked her view; she only saw a section of rope.
Seeing this, Felicia hurried over, failing to notice the camouflaged pit trap beneath her feet. The flashlight's beam focused her attention ahead, concealing the danger. She took two steps.
Just as she was about to fall, Shawn drew a knife. A triumphant grin stretched his face as he prepared to strike.
But Felicia stopped, just a step from the pit.
Shawn faltered, momentarily confused, but years of facing Felicia allowed him to quickly react. Recognizing Felicia's awareness of the trap, he lunged forward. In the moonlight, his blade gleamed as it sliced toward her waist. But Felicia, as if with eyes in the back of her head, moved aside. Shawn, unable to check his momentum, let out a startled yell as he plunged headfirst into his own trap.