Chapter 550 Cut Your Face

Cecilia saw Jonathan’s small body, bound with ropes, hanging precariously from the bridge, seemingly moments from falling into the river. She was instantly speechless.

“Ms. Smith,” the client said, “if you leave Tudela, we’ll release the boy.”

Cecilia didn’t hesitate. “Fine, I’ll leave. Just let him go.”

Scarface, however, didn't release Jonathan. Following Cassandra’s instructions, he added, “I don’t believe you.”

As Cecilia sped toward the river in her car, she asked, “Then what do you want me to do?”

“Do you have a knife?”

Cecilia looked around. “No.”

“Then find something sharp and cut your face.”

Scarface, despite working for Queenie for half his life, had never before used a child to force a woman's self-mutilation. He sighed inwardly. He’d expected resistance, but the next moment, he heard a shriek from the other end of the line.

Cecilia removed her earring and harshly scratched her right cheek, drawing profuse blood. “I—I’ve done it. Please, let my son go. I’m begging you!”

She didn't know what these people wanted, only that Jonathan’s life was paramount. She’d willingly disfigure herself, even sacrifice her own life, for her son. It was a mother’s instinct; for her child, she feared nothing.

“How do I know you really cut your face? Send me a video.”

Cecilia, still driving, managed to send the video. Seeing her resolute act, Scarface found himself admiring her.

Cassandra, upon seeing the video, was overjoyed. “Mom, with a scar like that, how’s she ever going to seduce Nicholas again?”

Queenie glanced at it briefly, her heart inexplicably tightening. Perhaps it evoked a memory from her own past.

“Okay, Cassandra, that’s enough. Let’s end this.”

But Cassandra wasn't satisfied. “Her left cheek is still fine. Scorpius, make her cut her left cheek too.”

Scarface found Cassandra spoiled and unbearable. He couldn't bear to witness the mother’s suffering again. Noticing help arriving at the bridge to rescue the child, he said, “No, I can’t. The Sinclair and Rainsworth families are here.”

Cassandra was disappointed. “Fine then, let the boy die.” To her, life held little value; she dispensed death with a mere command.

Scarface hesitated, receiving the order. Jonathan, sensing his imminent demise, looked toward Scarface’s hiding place, making a last attempt. “Mister, how did you get the scar on your face? It must’ve hurt a lot, right?”

His words struck Scarface deeply, silencing him. He was about to order his men to cut the rope when Cecilia called again.

“I did what you asked. When will you let my son go? Please, I’m begging you. I’ll do anything, just let him go. You must have children too, right? I’m begging you, please…”

Scarface’s resolve further crumbled. Meanwhile, the event streamed online, captivating netizens nationwide. Comments poured in: “Who could be so cruel to a child?”; “He’s such a sweet-looking kid. Please don’t let anything happen to him.”; “He’s so cute and calm. He hasn’t even cried.”