Chapter 52

Asher let out a cold laugh. “Blackmail? You dare?”

In high school, Vanessa Miller had confessed her affections, which he politely declined. But she clung to him relentlessly, following him everywhere. Her pursuit became notorious. Thoroughly annoyed, he leveraged his family's influence to force her transfer. He finally found peace—until university. She somehow discovered he was attending Oxford and gained admission as well. Daily, she brought him breakfast, attended his lectures, and showered him with letters and gifts. Her relentless pursuit made her infamous again.

Now, she sobbed desperately. “Asher, do you really not care if I live or die? Why are you so heartless? Is my life worth less than your engagement ceremony?”

Asher remained perfectly calm. His voice was utterly cold. “That tactic might work on others, but not on me.”

Vanessa tried to speak further, but Asher cut her off. He ended the call and immediately dispatched security to find her, ensuring the engagement ceremony would proceed. It wasn't that he cared about Vanessa, but her disruption—or worse—would be catastrophic. A death at his engagement would traumatize Thalia and potentially derail their marriage.

In a room on the estate, Vanessa froze for several seconds after Asher hung up. Then, in a fit of rage, she hurled her phone against the wall, launching into a full-blown tantrum.

Grace watched with cold detachment. “Miss Miller, why the impatience?”

Exhausted, Vanessa collapsed, muttering despondently, “He truly doesn’t care if I live or die. How can he not care about me at all?”

Grace laughed contemptuously, lighting a cigarette with disdainful eyes. A sharp knock sounded. A bodyguard answered.

“Miss Bennett, security surrounded her; we couldn't reach her. But we did catch this one,” the tall bodyguard reported, holding Lucy like a rag doll. Lucy’s hands were tied, her legs kicking wildly. Black tape covered her mouth; her eyes were wide with terror.

Grace took a leisurely drag, exhaling smoke. “Useless,” she murmured. The bodyguard bowed his head. Grace checked her watch. “Time. Let’s go.”

She looked down at the weeping Vanessa with contempt, her eyes narrowing. Her smile—technically a smile—sent chills down the spine.

“Miss Miller, I suggest you compose yourself and adhere to our plan. Any complications, and I won’t pay a penny towards your father’s medical bills.”

Without waiting for a response, Grace left. Vanessa wiped away her tears, rising to follow with a hollow, defeated expression.

Twenty minutes until the engagement ceremony, Lucy vanished. Victoria was near tears. “She wanted to play in the preparation room, so I let her go. Now I can’t find her.”

Lady Blackwood reassured her: “Don’t worry. Everyone’s a guest. Lucy’s safe. Children wander—she’s probably exploring. The estate is enormous. We should check security footage.”

“Father’s already reviewing it,” Thalia said. “Let’s search and send more people.”

A collective gasp arose. They turned, paling with horror. The engagement slideshow screen showed Lucy, bound and crying hysterically.

“Daddy, Mummy, Thalia, where are you?” she sobbed. “I want my mummy! Let me go! A bad man took me! Please come save me!”

Lucy was tied to a chair, crying and struggling. Victoria nearly fainted; Thalia caught her. “Victoria—”

“Thalia, Lucy? Do something…” Victoria sobbed. “How could she be… kidnapped… I…”

Her sobs were heartbreaking. “If anything happens to Lucy, I don’t want to live…”

“How could this happen? Everyone’s a guest,” Lady Blackwood said, bewildered.

An eerie, distorted voice echoed through the speakers: “Thalia Winters, if you want your sister to live, come to the rooftop.”

Thalia froze, then sprinted toward the elevators. Asher caught her. “Lia, don’t go! It’s too dangerous!”

Thalia struggled. “I have to! They’re targeting me. If I don’t go, Lucy will be in danger.”

“Call the police first,” Asher said calmly.

“Go ahead, but don’t stop me! Every second risks Lucy’s life! She was kidnapped because of me. I can’t watch her get hurt!” Thalia was near tears.

Asher’s grip tightened. “So you’re willing to risk your own life instead?”

A man ran up. “Sir, we’ve found Miss Lucy. She’s on the roof.”

“Call the police,” Asher ordered.

“Done, sir. They’re en route,” the man replied.

Asher remained calm, his mind racing. “Lia, they lured you. Don’t fall for it. I’m sending every guard to the roof. Stay calm, alright?”

Thalia’s hands shook. “I…”

Screams erupted. Thalia looked up sharply. A knife was held to Lucy’s throat. A masked figure pressed the blade against her neck. “Thalia Winters, five minutes. If you don’t come, your sister dies in your place!”

In the split second Asher was distracted, Thalia broke free and ran.