Chapter 143
Chapter 143 Wishes
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He wanted a future with her, but he knew it could only happen after she shut the door on her past.
It was never her fault. The truth was harsh–he had shown up too late. Far too late.
When Anneliese regained consciousness, her head spun in a haze. For a long moment, she could not recall where she was or what had happened.
A man’s voice drifted from the front. “You’re awake? ”
Memory tore through the fog. Her
eyes flew open.
She was crammed into the backseat of a car that reeked of cheap leather mixed with grease.
Rain pounded against the glass, drowning out the night outside. The world was unrecognizable.
The voice came from the driver’s seat. She shifted and only then realized her wrists and ankles were bound.
There was no one else. Just her and him.
She pushed herself upright and scooted toward the passenger door, ramming her shoulder into it. The door didn’t move.
“Don’t bother. You’re not getting out. Relax, I’m not here to hurt you p>
A sharp click broke the silence.
The flare of a lighter filled the cabin with dim light. A cigarette glowed between the man’s lips, and in that flash, Anneliese saw his face,
Rory.
“You can even drive with your leg like that? You drugged us, and now you claim you won’t hurt me? Where are my friends? ”
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Chapter 143 Wishes
Her voice was steady, sharpened with anger.
Rory leaned back, exhaling smoke that curled into the air.
“My leg’s stiff, not paralyzed. And your friends? Don’t worry. They’re fine p>
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Anneliese’s mind raced. “Zacharias sent you, didn’t he? How much did he give you p>
That made him turn. He smirked and tapped ash into the tray.
“Smart girl. Don’t hate me for cashing in. He offered thirty million p>
Her chest tightened. A bitter laugh slipped out.
“I’m an idiot p>
She had thought she and Rory were allies. They were both burned by Zacharias, and both wanted revenge.
But she had forgotten that adults do not fight for ideals. They fight for money. Revenge is a child’s fantasy.
What she could not figure out was how Zacharias discovered her meeting with Rory so fast.
She swallowed her frustration. “If I told you my divorce is final and I offered double, would you let me go p>
Rory chuckled darkly. “Mrs. Shaw, if I did that, do you think Zacharias would spare me? I’d have the cash, but I’d never live to spend it. You should have been smarter. He already knows everything you’re doing p>
The truth was Rory had considered siding with her. But on his way home, Zacharias‘ message came through.
Thirty million for the flash drive and Anneliese. Safe and unharmed.
That kind of money could not be turned down. Not when Zacharias had eyes
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Chapter 143 Wishes
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everywhere. Rory had already been burned once by him, and he wasn’t foolish enough to push back again.
Anneliese let out a sharp laugh. “So that’s who you are. You bow to power and feed on the weak. You’re spineless and worthless p>
Rory inhaled hard, coughed, and waved her insult away.
“Save your strength. Zacharias will be here soon. Once the transfer clears into my offshore account, you and the drive are his p>
Anneliese went silent. Her eyes slid to the flash drive lying on the armrest.
Nothing she said would change his mind.
Smoke thickened inside the car.
Her throat burned until a cough wracked her chest. She pressed forward and spoke.
“Mr. Reyes, at least open the window. I can’t breathe p>
He didn’t argue. He started the ignition and lowered the rear window a few inches.
Anneliese leaned toward the opening, pulling in the cool air while her eyes swept the landscape.
Dark land stretched endlessly around them, with only a few faint lights flickering in the distance.
She knew they were close to the airport. She had heard a plane roar overhead earlier, and Rory was clearly preparing to disappear after the exchange.
Rory might not harm her himself, but she had no faith Zacharias would hold back when he arrived.
The idea of surrendering now scorched her chest.
She tilted her face into the rain, letting the cold sting her skin until strength
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Chapter 143 Wishes
returned.
“Mr. Reyes, the ropes are too tight. I can’t feel my legs anymore p>
Her voice pitched higher with panic. Rory frowned and glanced back at her.
“Cut the act p>
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“I mean it. I can’t feel a thing. Just loosen the knots on my legs. My hands are still tied, and it’s just us here. You’re a grown man, and I’m restrained–I wouldn’t get far even if I tried p>
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