MICHAEL'S POVI stood in front of the full-length mirror as the boutique staff fussed around me, adjusting the fit of my new custom suit. The dark charcoal fabric was perfectly tailored, transforming my appearance completely. My hair had been slicked back professionally, and for the first time in days, I looked like the wealthy, powerful man I actually was."Perfect, sir," one of the tailors said admiringly. "You look absolutely distinguished.""Thank you," I replied, straightening my tie. "I'll be sending in a team to review all the staff here before the end of the week. Make sure everyone understands the new standards.""Of course, sir. We'll be ready."I left the boutique and drove directly to the bank, where I withdrew a substantial amount of cash. The teller packaged it neatly in the briefcase I'd brought from my car—enough money to make any car dealer take notice.The drive to Morrison's Auto Sales didn't take long. The dealership had a large sign reading "EDGAR'S AUTO SALES" in

MICHAEL'S POVEdgar gestures toward the leather chair across from his mahogany desk with the practiced ease of a man who's closed countless deals. "Please, Mr. Thompson, make yourself comfortable. Let's discuss what brings you to my establishment."Instead of sitting, I walk directly to his desk and place the briefcase on the floor beside me. The weight of it feels heavier now, knowing what I'm about to sacrifice for Victoria's life. Edgar's eyes follow my movements, curiosity flickering across his weathered features."I'm not here to buy a car, Edgar."His eyebrows raise slightly. "Oh? Then what exactly—""You have something of mine, and I need you to return it."Edgar leans back in his chair, his expression shifting from curious to annoyed. "Mr. Thompson, I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm a businessman, not some common thief. If this is some kind of joke—""Is kidnapping part of your business?"The words hit him like a physical blow. Edgar's face hardens insta

Isaac's grin widens as he moves closer to Victoria.He grabs a fistful of her hair and yanks her head back, making her cry out through the gag.Then, in a gesture that makes my skin crawl, he leans down and sniffs her hair like some kind of pervert."You speak like a man who has a choice," he says, his eyes never leaving mine.Victoria's muffled cries of pain and fear tear at my heart. I pull against the ropes so hard that I feel my wrists start to bleed."What happens if I sign?" I ask through gritted teeth.Isaac releases Victoria's hair and straightens up, smoothing down his shirt."Well, I'm glad you asked. You see, I've already made arrangements to fly our dear Victoria here to a lovely little country with no extradition treaty. She'll be... well, let's just say she'll be kept very comfortable."His eyes turn cold and predatory. "As for you, I can't risk leaving you alive. You understand, I'm sure. I've already had my men dig you a nice, deep grave. Don't worry about your grandfa

MICHAEL'S POVThe ropes around my wrists finally loosen, and for the first time in what feels like hours, my feet touch solid ground. But instead of the relief I expected, my legs immediately give out beneath me. The combination of hanging for so long and the physical punishment has left my body weak and unsteady.I collapse to the concrete floor, my hands completely numb and useless. I can't even feel my fingers anymore—they might as well be chunks of wood attached to my wrists."Get him up! Now!" Isaac barks at his men.Two of the thugs immediately grab me under both arms, hauling me upright and supporting my weight. My legs feel like jelly, but they keep me standing through sheer force.Isaac approaches me with that same twisted smile. "You know, Michael, we could have avoided all of this unpleasantness if you'd just signed the papers when I gave you that generous forty-eight-hour deadline. But no, you had to come here and play the hero, didn't you?"I lift my head to meet his gaze

The sound of chaos erupts outside the office—shouting, gunfire, and the crash of overturned furniture. Santiago and his men have arrived, and from the sounds of it, they're engaged in a fierce battle with Isaac's thugs."Stop playing around and kill them already!" Isaac's voice carries over the noise, filled with desperation and rage.This is my chance. I move quickly toward the main room where Victoria is still tied to her chair. When she sees me, hope flashes in her eyes, and she tries to scoot her chair toward me using her bound feet."Not so fast, darling!" Isaac's voice cuts through the air like a whip.He appears from nowhere, grabbing the back of Victoria's chair and yanking it backward. The chair tips over, sending Victoria crashing to the concrete floor with a sickening thud. She cries out in pain, still bound and now lying helplessly on her side.I freeze in my tracks, my hands raised instinctively. "Give it up, Isaac! You've already been beaten!"Isaac stands over Victoria'