Chapter 513: Conspiracy (6) Injured
Inside the room, only faint breathing could be heard. Tension filled the air. Hannah, rigid with fear, heard footsteps approaching. Her heart pounded as a pair of black boots stopped nearby; a slight shift and they would touch her. She dared not move, her body trembling. The threat of death hung heavy; the memory of being stabbed by Charles in her past life resurfaced, surpassing even the terrifying gun threats she'd faced since her rebirth. This constant fear, she knew, would one day drive her mad.
The clock ticked. The gang, apparently finding nothing in the darkness, would not leave empty-handed. Then, a deep voice commanded, "Find the switch." The light would reveal her, separated from her companions, sealing her fate. Biting her lip, she fought to control her racing heart, desperately seeking escape.
Suddenly, a sharp crash shattered the silence—a fallen vase. The four men rushed towards the sound, creating an opening. A figure sprinted from the room, pursued by the men. Before Hannah could breathe a sigh of relief, she felt herself being pulled away.
"It's me, Jimmy," he said quickly. "Mr. Wold is creating a diversion. I'll get you out, but this might be a short-lived trick." He dragged her from the room, leaving behind her shoes and coat on that freezing winter night. The elevator was too risky; they fled down the stairs, a frantic escape from the fourteenth floor. Reaching the garage, they dove into the waiting car—part of their prearranged plan, a vehicle waiting in River Town. The car sped away.
While driving, Jimmy called Theodore. "Mr. Wold, I got Mrs. Wells out. No tail yet. How about you?"
"I'm on my way to shake them off. Don't worry. Meet at the old place." Theodore hung up.
Jimmy, without hesitation, followed instructions. Hannah, though unaware of their destination, trusted it was a safe haven. The car pulled up before a lavish nightclub. A new driver took the wheel to avoid pursuit. Following Jimmy, Hannah entered the bustling hall, guided by a staff member to a private room. There, a sofa was moved to reveal a secret door and another room within the wall. Hannah, expecting only a VIP room, was surprised. Concealing her astonishment, she followed. The door closed, leaving them in an enclosed space. A sense of unease settled over her.
Jimmy, sensing her apprehension, reassured her, "Don't worry. Every nightclub in Northfield is under the Wolds' control. We're safe." Hannah nodded, though trust wasn't the issue; her involvement only deepened the shocking secrets she uncovered.
Silence fell. Then the door opened again, revealing Theodore, his breathing labored; he looked unwell. He collapsed onto a lounge, visibly suffering.
"What's wrong?" Hannah asked, approaching him. The scent of blood reached her, and she saw a bullet wound in his trousers.
"Jimmy, get the medical kit and help me remove the bullet," Theodore instructed, gritting his teeth against the pain.
Jimmy quickly returned with the kit and began the emergency procedure. Hannah watched, unable to look away from Theodore's contorted face.
"Turn around," Theodore said.
Hannah hesitated, surprised he'd perceived her fear. Was it so obvious? But her turning wasn't born of fear, but respect for his private struggle, his desire to maintain a composed image. She heard him softly groan.
Hannah pondered their lifestyle, so different from other playboys. Why did Oscar and Theodore choose this path?
After about half an hour, the bullet was removed and the wound dressed. Theodore, eyes closed, lay still, exhausted from the pain.
"There are rooms upstairs," he murmured without opening his eyes, "Get some rest, Hannah."
"Shouldn't you sleep?" she asked.
"I need a few more minutes. Don't worry, there's plenty of room." He misunderstood her concern, believing she worried about sleeping arrangements. Hannah had already assessed the space—a well-equipped hidden house with living room, kitchen, bathroom downstairs, and three or four bedrooms upstairs.
"If you're not sleeping, I'd like to talk," Hannah suggested, sitting beside him.
He glanced at her, dismissing her request. "I don't have the answers. Ask Oscar when he's free."
"No questions," Hannah said, surprised by his defensive response. He was more cautious than he appeared.
"I just want to talk about Oscar's case."
He nodded, granting her permission.
"The assassination attempt started as soon as we arrived. It proves Oscar was set up. They feared we'd find evidence, so they acted quickly," Hannah stated directly.
"Of course," Theodore scoffed. "My brother's a wealthy man. Fifty million is nothing to him. He doesn't need to be corrupt. He spends far more on women."