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“Even if we wanted to pay the ransom, you must give us time.” Cordelia remained calm. “My mom is old, Mr.
Harper. She can’t bear this. If something happens to her, you will end up behind bars. You won’t gain anything from
it, either. This is serious. Think it through.”
Albert looked around, and his grip on Janine’s neck initially loosened, but then he tightened it even more. “Trying to
trick me? Ha! You’re too naive, Mrs. Hamerton!”
“Mr. Harper!”
At that moment, Lina stood up and held Cordelia’s arm, urging her to step back.
Cordelia felt her heart squeeze with concern upon hearing Lina’s soft voice.
“Mr. Harper, if you don’t believe what Mrs. Hamerton said, why don’t we make a trade? All you need is a hostage. It
doesn’t matter who it is. Take me instead in exchange for Grandma Janine!”
“Pammy!” Cordelia was shocked and pulled Lina back, getting Zuko to take her away.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMeanwhile, Lina released Cordelia’s arm and glanced at Zuko, shaking her head.
Zuko pursed his lips, his deep eyes filled with concern.
However, he noticed the girl in the baseball cap walking quietly among the crowd not far away. She held the gun
that Krystal had given Lina.
Lina turned to look at Albert. “Mr. Harper, I know your daughter likes Zuko. It was me who interfered with their
relationship.
“Also, I was responsible for what happened at the orphanage. I persuaded the kids to create a commotion with the
officers, leading to an investigation of the charity fund.”
She spoke slowly, trying to distract Albert and create time and an opportunity for Lena.
Albert turned his body to follow her movements.
“I did all that, Mr. Harper. You should hate me! So, please release Grandma Janine. I’m willing to be your hostage!”
Lina said with a determined tone. “If the Hamerton Group can’t gather 3,000,000,000 pounds in time, the
Thompsons won’t give up as long as you have me!
“By then, you might get even more than 3,000,000,000 pounds!”
Slyness shone in Albert’s eyes.
At that moment, he sensed Janine struggling harder, which made him furious. He forcefully struck her head with
the gun handle, causing blood to spill instantly.
“Albert!” Zephyr roared, “That’s enough!”
Albert sneered and swiftly dragged Janine along with Desiree, making a quick escape. He moved faster than Lena
had anticipated, and she missed her chance to stop him.
The undercover officers dared not make a move, as police cars had surrounded the hotel at that precise moment.
Sirens blared, and red and blue lights flashed.
“Please, don’t hurt my mom again, Albert!” Zephyr confronted him, his fingers trembling. “I-I’ll give you anything.
Just let her go!”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Excellent!” Albert signaled Desiree by his side. “This hotel isn’t bad. Tell Uncle Zephyr to get us a room so the old
lady can rest and tend to her wound!”
Cordelia promptly fetched the key card and tossed it over. “It’s the room on the fifth floor.”
Desiree picked up the card and entered the elevator with Albert and Janine.
Soon, everyone assembled on the fifth floor.
Although Zephyr and Cordelia were concerned, they had to pretend to be calm.
Lina tightly held Cordelia’s hand.
It was Lina’s idea to choose the room on the fifth floor. She had seen the floor plan before and remembered it
offered the best view.
Not only that, the room was spacious and in a strategic location. If any conflict arose, Janine wouldn’t suffer too
much.
Zephyr had deployed the best family bodyguards all over the hotel, coordinating with the police, ready to take
action.
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