Female Novel
Chapter 434
Micah froze mid-stride.
He didn't bother turning his head to address Yvonne and uttered stonily, “You have miscalculated. Evenwithout you, Shannon wouldn't be dead because...”
He didn't complete his sentence as he feared that his rash words would accelerate Shannon's demise.
“Never mind. On the account of the debt I owe your father, you're safe for the time being. Nonetheless,you'd best pray that you've never done anything to hurt Shannon, as I will make sure anyone who doesso pays dearly for it with their life. Your father's kindness wouldn't even save you from that.”
Yvette clenched her fists tightly as she glared daggers at the departing figure of Micah.
Since you aren't willing to relent, Micah, I guess it's time for the elders to exert some pressure on you. Ihope you remain as cool-headed and implacable as you are now once Shannon undergoes herpunishment.
In the guest room of a resort, Raymond's eyes narrowed as he looked at Holden, who was sitting onthe couch opposite him. “It was you, after all. You're the bodyguard who bewitched Wendy into falling inlove with you, only to use her to steal the family's secrets.”
Holden raised his brows and intoned, “My apologies. I suffered memory loss and have no recollectionof the past. Let's let bygones be bygones, as there's no point wasting time bringing up matters I simplydon't remember. Just cut to the chase and state your conditions, will you?”
Raymond's weathered face dropped, and anger overtook his expression. “How dare the vice presidentof Tarragon not admit to his mistakes because of cowardice? What's the point of this discussion sinceyou seem so insincere? You may take your leave now.”
It was evident that Raymond thought he was feigning memory loss.
Holden sighed and broke into laughter. “How could you doubt my sincerity when I've come all the wayhere just as you instructed? What exactly do you want in order to release Shannon?”
Raymond was about to retort when a middle-aged man beside him whispered in his ear, “Let him be.As long as we get what we want from him, he can continue with his act as he pleases.”
Raymond swallowed his words and tapped his tongue on the back of his teeth as he sank intocontemplation. After a while, he voiced dourly, “All right. I won't badger you any further since you don'thave the guts to admit it. That wretch Wendy must have been blind to have fallen in love with aweakling like you. I'll rescue that worthless Shannon only if you spit out everything you've coveted fromus, such as the control over Zaewora. In addition, withdraw the forces of Tarragon from the regionsoccupied by the Hoffman family and swear that you'll never intrude on our territory again.”
A look of hesitation graced Holden's features. He could agree to the first condition as he had obtainedapproval from Tarragon's leader. novelbin
Yet the second condition was not that simple.
If Tarragon were to withdraw from Adrune, didn't this signify that they were yielding to the Hoffmanfamily?
Their two forces had been stuck in a stalemate at Adrune for so many years. If he were to agree to thecondition now, Tarragon would suffer an insurmountable loss.
“Seems like you're not determined enough to save your son, Mr. Lewitt. Since you can't seem to makeup your mind, we'll end our discussion now. We'll reconvene once you've decided on an answer.”
A vicious look flashed past Raymond's face as he added, “I can't assure you that your son will be safeand sound for the next few days. Perhaps there might be a few broken fingers or toes, so I'd suggestthat you choose quickly. It'd be such a pity for such an adorable child to have a few flaws.”
A grimace descended upon Holden's handsome face while his malicious glare focused on Raymond.“Is there no room for discussion regarding the second condition?”
Raymond shook his head resolutely and smiled cruelly. “You of all people should be aware that theHoffman family never trades at a loss. If your son were born to another family, he would be worthless.Fortunately, he'd been born as the son of Wendy and the glorified leader of Tarragon. Naturally, I'dmake good use of him since he's so valuable now.”
Holden pursed his lips and, after a moment's silence, said, “Give me a day, and I'll get back to you witha satisfactory answer. But I'd like to request that you let me see my son before that.”
“All right. Our relationship is that of a kidnapper and the family of the victim. You're granted leave toensure that the hostage is safe.”
He addressed the bodyguard beside him. “Bring Mr. Lewitt to see his son.”
“Yes, sir.”
In the Shurmer residence, Waverly opened the bedroom door to her daughter leaning against theheadboard in a daze. Her heart ached for Zoey. “You silly girl, why are you still tormenting yourself?Haven't your father and I assured you that rumors are just rumors, and you shouldn't take themseriously? You will always be part of the Shurmer family.”
Zoey was not at all comforted by her mother's assurance and, in turn, felt even more upset.
The Shurmers turned out to be a pretentious lot for discreetly carrying out a DNA test behind her back.It was only when the test results were negative that they were willing to comfort her.
What if Bailey is in fact the true daughter of the Shurmer family?
They would probably make a fanfare out of the entire incident and invite her back into the family.
“Mom, Bailey must be the one behind this. She's plotting her revenge against me.”