Chapter 186
Celeste’s pupils constricted in sheer terror. Looking in the mirror, she saw the familiar face looming over her shoulder.
In the reflection, Sienna’s eyes were bloodshot, radiating an almost deranged ruthlessness. A cold, mocking sneer twisted her lips.
“The entire internet knows Jarred has a beloved childhood sweetheart. Even if the cartel wanted revenge on him, Owen and I wouldn’t be anywhere near the top of the list.
Furthermore, my marriage to Jarred is completely off the books. Hardly anyone inside the Sterling family even knows, let alone outsiders. Tell me, don’t you think there are just a few too many perfect coincidences here p>
All the color drained from Celeste’s face.
Watching the poorly concealed panic in Celeste’s eyes, Sienna let out a dark laugh. “If they weren’t specifically targeting me, I’d never believe the universe could line up so conveniently p>
Celeste was smart enough to catch the accusation instantly.
“Sienna, what are you implying? Are you seriously accusing me of kidnapping Owen p>
Before Sienna could answer, Celeste forced a breathless laugh. “You give me far too much credit. My legs are paralyzed. I can barely walk. Where would I get the connections to hire an international cartel?
Let alone a terrorist group that even Jarred considers dangerous? You can’t just throw wild accusations at me because you’re stressed about Owen p>
Sienna scoffed. “I never make a move unless I’m certain. Whether it’s true or not, you’re going to take a little trip with me, and we’ll find out p>
She pulled out a rope she had prepped earlier and, ignoring Celeste’s violent thrashing, bound her tightly to the wheelchair.
“What are you doing? Sienna, let me go!” Celeste screamed at the top of her lungs.
Ignoring the screeching, Sienna snatched a rag and shoved it brutally into Celeste’s mouth.
She grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and said coldly, “I’m trading you for Owen p>
Hearing that, Celeste thrashed even harder, letting out muffled, frantic whimpers.
Sienna could easily decipher the intent behind the muffled noises.
Celeste was desperately trying to claim innocence, insisting that she wasn’t the mastermind and that trading her wouldn’t bring Owen back.
Sienna acted as if she heard nothing, an icy smile curling on her lips. “It doesn’t matter. There are only two ways this ends.
Either you order them to release Owen right now, or you take his place as their hostage.
You’re Jarred’s precious beloved, aren’t you? Using you as leverage is the only real way to hurt him, right p>
Celeste’s eyes were red and wide with terror.
Meeting her furious gaze, Sienna’s smile turned lethal. “You thought you could have it all? You’ve basked in all the privileges Jarred provides, which means you can take the crosshairs that come with it. Why should innocent people suffer for your luxury p>
She picked up her pace, aggressively pushing the wheelchair forward. “If the kidnappers realize I’m delivering a prize as valuable as you, they’ll be thrilled. Why would they ever refuse p>
“Mmph! Mmmph!” Celeste kept fighting the bindings.
Giving her zero chance to escape, Sienna maneuvered the wheelchair with precision, navigating blind spots to bypass the villa’s security cameras until they reached the back exit.
Just as expected, the hired men and a transport vehicle were already waiting. Luna was as incredibly reliable as always.
Sienna shoved Celeste into the vehicle and exchanged a quick look with the two fighters, silently confirming they were ready.
Pulling out her phone, she fired off a text to the kidnappers.
[I changed my mind. I brought you someone far more valuable. Change the exchange location to the West Suburb abandoned factory. If you don’t, the deal is off p>
She had anticipated some pushback, but the moment the text delivered, they agreed instantly.
That only cemented Sienna’s certainty. This entire operation was always directed at her, and the mastermind’s true objective was far more sinister than simple extortion.
The West Suburb abandoned factory reeked of rot and decades of dust.