Chapter 509
**Chapter 509: I Am Not Going to Run p>
Anneliese deliberately adopted a biting, derisive tone, aiming to unsettle Selina.
“Ugh! Do you honestly think I care about your ridiculous necklace p>
Selina’s fury was palpable, twisting her features into a mask of rage. She swiftly turned and pressed the button to open the window, poised to hurl the necklace out into the void.
A flicker of excitement danced in Anneliese’s eyes. This was precisely the reaction she had been baiting for, hoping Selina would discard the necklace.
Perhaps it could serve as a breadcrumb, a potential clue left behind.
But just as Selina’s hand shot up, ready to release the necklace into the abyss, she suddenly clenched it tighter, shutting the window with a determined snap and pivoting back to face Anneliese.
“You’re not getting away. Don’t even entertain the thought of trying anything foolish p>
Anneliese felt a wave of disappointment wash over her as she witnessed Selina’s change of heart, the opportunity slipping away like sand through her fingers.
With a subtle smile, she remarked, “Actually, I was being dishonest earlier. Jonathan and I are merely in a contract marriage. If you’re contemplating kidnapping me to leverage against him, it’s really pointless. You should just let me go p>
“A contract marriage? You’re nothing but a liar!” Selina hissed, gripping Anneliese’s chin and raking her nails harshly across her cheek.
Deep down, Selina yearned for the truth of Anneliese’s words. The idea that Jonathan and Anneliese were bound by a mere contract was a comforting thought. Yet, after all the sacrifices Jonathan had made for Anneliese including sending people to safeguard her while she was abroad-Selina could no longer deceive herself with false hopes.
What could possibly attract Jonathan to a divorced woman like Anneliese?
Was it her striking beauty?
With a fierce determination, Selina dragged her nails down harder, the sharp sting radiating across Anneliese’s face.
Anneliese squeezed her eyes shut, gritting her teeth against the pain, and decided it was best to cease her taunts.
In this moment, clarity washed over her. Selina and Timothy had devolved into desperate, reckless criminals. It was imperative for Anneliese to remain sharp and avoid unnecessary torment.
Her strength was waning. A throbbing ache pulsed in her head, and her stomach churned with unease. Closing her eyes to find a moment of respite was all she could muster.
There was little else she could do.
Anneliese managed a bitter smile, her mind racing with thoughts.
Since she hadn’t returned home, Jessica would likely realize her absence soon enough.
Jessica would undoubtedly alert the authorities and attempt to reach Jonathan.
He must have sensed something was amiss, right?
Anneliese couldn’t help but wonder how Jonathan, still in Serava, would react upon learning she had been kidnapped. Would he panic and rush to her aid, or would he dismiss it as yet another one of her troubles?
The car continued its journey for another thirty minutes before finally coming to a halt. Anneliese was yanked from her seat and dragged outside.
As she surveyed her surroundings, a chill ran down her spine. They were in an isolated, abandoned factory far removed from the city’s bustle.
Not a single light illuminated the area, and there was an eerie silence, devoid of any human presence.
Timothy released the rope binding her ankles and shoved her toward the darkened entrance of the factory.
Inside, the atmosphere was cold and desolate. Timothy struck a match and lit some dry wood, casting flickering shadows on the walls. He then seized the rope again, preparing to restrain her legs once more.
Anneliese instinctively pulled her legs closer. “My legs are numb. Considering we’re stranded in the mountains, I assure you, I’m not going anywhere. I’d rather not freeze to death out here p>
She shivered in her thin clothing, her complexion turning a ghostly white. Alone in the chilling air, Timothy shot her a frigid glare but ultimately decided against tying her up again.
Selina approached, her frustration boiling over, and delivered a harsh kick to Anneliese. “Dad, you didn’t give a damn about her when she was with the Whites, so why pretend to care now? She p>
“Enough!” Timothy barked, his patience wearing thin. “Go contact your Uncle Hiroto and find out what’s happening on his end p>
Frustration gnawed at Timothy. If he had any other options, he would never have taken such a perilous route.
He loathed Anneliese for dragging them into this chaotic mess, showing them no mercy.
Regret had settled in his heart countless times. If he had only treated Anneliese with a modicum of kindness back when she lived with the Whites, perhaps he could have been Jonathan’s father-in-law by now. The Whites’ issues would have been trivial in comparison.
Timothy recognized Anneliese’s loyalty. Her unwavering dedication to her adoptive parents and her frail grandmother spoke volumes.
But it was too late for second chances. Timothy shot a glare at Selina.
Selina clenched her fists tightly, her mind racing. Then, as if a light bulb had gone off, she dashed outside.
They had already forged an agreement with Hiroto. They would abduct Anneliese.
Meanwhile, Hiroto would create a diversion, negotiate with Jonathan, and facilitate their escape from Oceaton.
Dividing their efforts would also mitigate the risks. Even if Jonathan’s associates managed to track down Hiroto, as long as Anneliese remained in their grasp, they would still hold the upper hand.
Inside the factory, the signal was nearly nonexistent. Selina stepped outside, irritation bubbling within her as she searched for a spot where her phone might work.
Her hatred for Anneliese was all-consuming, and a wicked idea began to take shape in her mind.
Simply allowing Jonathan to pay a ransom for Anneliese would be letting that woman off far too easily.
Anneliese would have to live her life perpetually on the run, hiding like a fugitive. So why should Anneliese enjoy the privilege of being the revered Mrs. Fullbuster, adored by a man like Jonathan?