fanqie novel
88
In the darkness of night, Shadow drove her car with caution, constantly checking her rearview mirror for any sign of Jason and his companions. The night was filled with the howling wind and the eerie silence of the forest.
As she approached the desolate garage, her heart raced. The sharp turn sent a shiver down her spine, anticipation mingling with fear. But when she rounded the corner, she realized she had lost Jason and his car in the labyrinth of shadows.This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.
Parking her car at the entrance of the abandoned garage, a sense of foreboding engulfed her. The rusted shutter door creaked open, revealing a tall figure emerging from the darkness. Masked and imposing, he glared at Shadow with disdain.
“You must be Shadow,” he growled, his voice as deep as a wolf’s howl.
She nodded, her eyes fixed on him. “Did you bring the money?”
A calmness washed over her as she replied, “I want to see my mother first!”
The man surveyed their surroundings, ensuring they were alone. With a solemn nod, he turned and led her into the warehouse.
Inside, the decrepit walls bore witness to forgotten secrets. Dust-covered remnants of the past were scattered across the floor, offering glimpses of forgotten treasures.
Following closely behind, Shadow’s eyes locked onto Lisa, who was bound to a chair in the distance. The once pristine beauty now wore the markings of time, her face reflecting weariness and despair.
As their eyes met, Lisa’s voice cracked with relief, “Shadow, you’ve finally come!”
Concern masked Shadow’s face as she approached, her expression devoid of emotion. “Are you alright?”
Lisa managed a weak smile, shaking her head. “I’ll be fine as long as you give them the money. They just want money!”
Meanwhile, the masked man intervened, blocking Shadow’s path. “Alright, where’s the money?”
Realizing there wasn’t enough time to gather the cash, a thought crossed Shadow’s mind. “You’ve given me little time. But as the Young Madam of the Lance family, I have a global limited black card. Can I offer that as payment?”
The man’s demeanour shifted at her suggestion. “Do you take me for a fool? If I take that black card, your family will freeze it and call the police!”
A flicker of realization passed through Shadow’s eyes. She had indeed considered that possibility!
At that moment, the henchman whispered something to the man, prompting him to raise his hand. “I’ll let your mother go, but you must come with me to get the money.”
Shadow met his gaze, her decision made. “Sure.”
As Lisa was released, she warned Shadow with panic in her eyes, “Shadow, be careful.”
Silently, Shadow sneered and said nothing. Handing the black card to the man, she watched as he reached out to take it.
But just as his hand approached, he swiftly struck her neck with his hand, causing her vision to fade to black. In that moment of unconsciousness, her mind replayed the events of the day, a realization dawning too late.
When Shadow awoke, she found herself in an unfamiliar place, far from the abandoned garage. Her senses still foggy, she could hear faint voices murmuring nearby.
“The one who hired us shares the same surname as Eden?”
“Indeed, it’s her family!”
“What grudge could they have? If we harm her… will the Lance family seek retribution?”
“Don’t you remember the old kidnapping case involving Madam Lance? It ended peacefully, didn’t it? A family like theirs values reputation!”
A shiver ran down Shadow’s spine, her entire being consumed by an icy chill. Dread permeated her bones, for she realized she had underestimated the depths of Jessica and Jason’s schemes.
What role did Lisa play in all of this? Had she known of their plans all along, willingly aiding Jessica in swindling Shadow’s medicinal black cards, regardless of the consequences?
Caught off guard, Shadow’s attention was drawn to another voice. “Hey, she’s awake!”
Keeping her composure, she regarded the men with icy resolve. “I overheard your conversation. Jason and Jessica are the ones who hired you?”
One of the men scoffed impatiently. “Why does it matter when you’re about to meet your demise?”
“I simply wish for a clear understanding before my end,” Shadow replied, her eyes keenly observing her surroundings.
She found herself in a living room, bound tightly to a chair as soreness coursed through her body. Desperate to divert their attention, she continued, “Even if Jessica has showered you with wealth, what good is it if you meet an untimely demise? The Lance family will not let such acts go unpunished.”
Arrogantly, the men hesitated, their expressions wavering. Shadow pressed on, “Take heed. Those who participated in the old Madame Lance’s kidnapping case, do any of them still draw breath? Though the Lance family treasures their reputation, they will not tolerate those who trample upon them.”
A flicker of uncertainty crossed the men’s faces. One of them sneered, “You think you can threaten us?”
“I have no desire for a lengthy life. Even if the Lance family doesn’t find me, the police won’t let me go. I have never been with a woman as beautiful as you. Tonight, I will savor you,” the man declared, reaching out with a lewd intent.
Shadow’s face turned pale, but her mind raced for an escape. She knew there had to be another way.
With an ice-cold demeanor, she raised her head and spoke with unwavering confidence, “Don’t waste your energy on me. Finish your business swiftly and depart from Herton Pack. Who will go first?”
“You!” one of the men exclaimed.
Shadow’s heart sank, but she refused to succumb to despair. Though her struggles were in vain, her mind raced for a solution. Had she truly escaped Jessica’s clutches before, only to succumb to her now?
Defiantly, Shadow forced herself to remain calm. “Do you truly believe the Lance family is so easily trifled with? Those involved in the old Madam Lance’s abduction, did any of them escape unscathed? Though the Lance family upholds their reputation, they will not tolerate anyone who steps on their heads.”
The mention of “old Madam Lance” hinted at Alpha Kilian’s mother.
The men faltered, uncertainty etched on their faces. Shadow seized the opportunity, “Even if Jessica has paid you handsomely, you two may not live long enough to enjoy it. Release me now, and leave Herton Pack. The Lance family will not seek revenge.”
“Hmph, she’s just trying to intimidate us!”
“I don’t plan on living much longer. Even if the Lance family doesn’t come for me, the police won’t let me go. I’ve never been with a woman as beautiful as you. Tonight, I’ll make it worth our while,” the man leered, reaching for Shadow despite her resistance.
In that moment, Shadow refused to tremble. There had to be another way.