Jeremy stepped up to stop him, but the tearing agony from the wound on his calf shot up at the use of a little strength. It was not an easy injury to heal from, and blood began to seep out from it again. It dyed the layers of bandages bright red. Madeline’s heart lurched at the sight. “Jeremy!” Instinctively, she felt the urge to run towards him but Ryan tightened his grip around her shoulders. “Don’t you understand? The closer you get to him, the more pain he will suffer,” Ryan warned quietly into Madeline’s ear. Madeline balled her fists and bit her lip. “You won’t get away with this, Ryan. You’ll be arrested for this!” Ryan tugged his lips into a light and carefree smile. “Then, I’ll just have to make sure that I achieve my goal before I get caught.” Madeline glared at Ryan’s gleeful gaze. She had never felt so hopeless. “Don’t leave with him, Linnie.” Jeremy’s tone was borderline begging. Madeline’s eyes burned, and she did not dare look at the expression Jeremy wor

Instead of a show, the screen showed Eloise walking along a busy street. “Mom.” Madeline stared at Eloise who was all alone by herself and hated the fact that she could not pull her mother to her side. “My people are following your mother, so I can promise that she’ll be alright. However, if you upset me again, then I’ll remind you of what it feels like to lose your loved ones.” Ryan tightened the grip on his fingers as he threatened. Madeline furrowed her brows at the growing pain from her chin, her gaze slowly dimming as she stared at the display. Ryan watched the light dim in Madeline’s eyes and his lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Do you have anything to say, hmm?” “Don’t hurt my parents.” Madeline had to compromise, the willful glint in her eyes forcefully extinguished under Ryan’s ministrations. “I promise that I won’t meet Jeremy again.” “That’s it?” Ryan quirked an eyebrow as he waited for a better reply. Madeline clenched her jaw and balled her fists.

Ryan took a handkerchief and wiped Madeline’s lips in what seemed to be a caring manner. “Don’t frown all the time. Smile a little.” Madeline did not know how she was supposed to smile, but Ryan seemed adamant about seeing one on her face at that moment. She forced the corners of her lips to curl and gave Ryan a small smile. Ryan was elated. “There we go. Now you’re looking more like my wife with how well you’re listening to me.”“Ryan, bring me to see—” “Eveline.” Sean suddenly entered the room.Madeline looked up and was surprised to see Eloise following behind him.“Mom?!” She watched as Eloise looked up and smiled at Ryan.“Don’t worry, Eveline. Your mom came back last night after Mr. Jones’ men went to look for her. You fell asleep early yesterday, so I didn’t wake you up,” Sean explained to Madeline. It turned out Eloise had already returned last night and Ryan was merely making fun of her moments ago. Ryan met Madeline’s gaze and smiled. “You guys should talk. Th

“You’re finally begging me now?” Ryan asked joyfully. “I’ve reminded you more than once not to test my limits, haven’t I? I’m not Jeremy Whitman and I won’t let you do as you wish. Listen to me and I’ll promise to keep your parents safe.”Madeline nodded as tears clouded her vision. “Okay! I understand, I really do. Just call the ambulance, Ryan, please! I’m begging you, please!” Madeline pleaded, moments away from kneeling.Ryan smiled as he enjoyed the look of tears streaming down Madeline’s face and reached out to caress her brows that were drenched by the rain. The look in his eyes warmed and took a loving turn.“Listen to me, Eveline, and I can promise to fulfill your every wish.”Madeline nodded rapidly through her tears. “I’ll listen! I’ll listen to everything you say, Ryan! I really will! I won’t say the wrong things anymore and I won’t meet Jeremy again. I also won’t try to escape anymore, I promise!”Ryan curled his lips in satisfaction and took out his phone to call a

Dripping wet, Madeline sat on the bench in the corridor and waited for the results on Eloise and Sean’s condition.Ryan walked over and placed a jacket over her shoulders. Feeling the man’s warmth and taking in the scent on Ryan’s body, Madeline shivered subconsciously. Ryan was surprised and satisfied with Madeline’s reaction. She was starting to be wary of him. Her fear would aid in his plan. “Your parents will be fine. You, however, will be down with a cold and fever if you keep sitting here,” Ryan chided her gently. “Will they really be fine?” Madeline asked in disbelief with a tone of caution.Ryan pursed his lips into a slight smile. “They will be as long as you listen. I promise.”Madeline clenched her fists and unfurled them.“Go back with me.” Ryan’s tone was much gentler now.Knowing that declining was not an option, she glanced at the emergency room and stood up.Ryan wrapped an arm intimately around Madeline’s shoulders.There was no doubt to the passersby th