The house where Isabelle and Harriet had been held captive was small and decrepit, tucked away in a nearly abandoned neighborhood. The cracked walls, peeling paint, and broken windows made it clear that this place had been neglected for years. The stench of damp wood and mold filled the air, making it an unbearable place for anyone to stay in for long. As Arthur approached the house, he could see figures moving inside. He crouched low, observing the kidnappers who were already preparing to leave. Harriet and Isabelle were already unbound, but their bodies sagged with exhaustion. Their wrists were bruised and their clothes were wrinkled and stained. They hadn’t eaten well for days, and their once-proud figures now looked fragile and weak. Two of the thugs held them firmly, standing side by side, ready to force them into a vehicle parked outside. The men were on edge. They weren’t afraid of the police because they had deep connections with powerful figures in society.

The following morning, Arthur was on his way to work when his phone rang. When he picked up the call, he was informed that he had been hired as a Facility Maintenance and Sanitation Supervisor at Kembre Associates. His joy knew no bounds. He had previously applied to Kembre Associates, a company known for its generous pay, and now he had secured a position even better than the one he currently held. Arthur didn’t hesitate. He quickly boarded a taxi to Kembre Associates. However, just as he was nearing the company, a black SUV suddenly swerved in front of him, blocking his path. Before he could react, the car doors flung open, and two massive men in black suits and dark shades lunged at him. “Hey! What the—?” Arthur barely had time to protest before they grabbed him. With inhuman strength, they hauled him into the backseat and slammed the doors shut. Arthur struggled, but one of them pressed him down while the other glared at him coldly. "You shameless idiot! Mark

The offer stunned Isabelle. Leading Lewis Associates? Becoming a major stakeholder in the family’s assets? This was no small opportunity. It meant power, control, and influence! The following evening, Isabelle and Chris met at a luxurious relaxation spot. The atmosphere was serene, a perfect setting for two lovers planning their upcoming wedding, which was just a few weeks away. Chris reached for Isabelle’s hand, rubbing his thumb over her skin affectionately. “I can’t believe we’re finally here, planning our future,” he said, his voice filled with warmth. Isabelle smiled, but something weighed heavily on her chest. She knew she had to tell Chris about her family’s crisis—he was the only one powerful enough to turn things around. Taking a deep breath, she gazed at him with a serious expression. “Chris, there’s something I need to tell you,” she began. Chris’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing the shift in her tone. “What is it, love?” he asked. Isabelle hes

Later that day when Isabelle returned home, she noticed the hallway drenched in blood. The two thugs she had assigned to guard Arthur lay sprawled on the ground with their bodies battered and broken and their chests rising and falling in weak, labored breaths. Their faces contorted in pain and their eyes glazed with helplessness, unable to even lift their hands. She noticed the door to the room where Arthur had been kept—it was wide open, with no sign of him inside. Stepping closer to confirm, she quickly realized that Arthur was gone. There was no doubt that he had escaped. And judging by the brutal state of the thugs lying helplessly in the hallway, Arthur was the one responsible. But how had he done it? Was he really strong enough to overpower them on his own? Impossible! Isabelle suspected that Arthur must have found a way to contact his kidnapping gang to come and take down the thugs. Whatever the case, one thing was clear—no one else could have been behind

The conference hall was bustling with activity as Karen, Arthur, and her other assistants arrived. The venue was filled with people from all over the world—business elites, industry experts, and representatives from powerful corporations. Karen, with her impeccable sense of style, stood out effortlessly in the crowd. She walked confidently with her assistants and Arthur trailing closely behind her. The air was thick with anticipation for the event, but just as they approached the entrance of the hall, Karen’s sharp ears caught a familiar voice calling her name. "Karen! Is that really you?" Karen paused and her head turned toward the voice. Standing a few feet away was a woman dressed in a sophisticated yet graceful outfit. Her face was one Karen hadn't seen in years but instantly recognized. It was Lily, her childhood friend, now a prominent figure in Telara. They had lost contact over the years, but seeing her again felt like a gift from the past. "Can it rea