Drake's heart trembled, and he swiftly concealed himself out of sight. Camping out lately hadn't even allowed him a
clear glimpse of Persephone.
Meanwhile, Bianca's relentless phone calls persisted.
"Dickinson, what are you up to all day? I asked you to take a child, not divine apples. Is it really that challenging?"
'Damn it!' Drake cursed silently. 'Stealing those apples might indeed be easier!'
Despite his inner frustrations, he forced a smile. "Heh... Ms. Bianca, t-this isn't a cakewalk! I've been keeping a close
watch these days. Those bodyguards are all armed. I'll get shot at if I rashly try to snatch the kid!"
"You're worthless." Bianca scoffed. "I've greased palms on my end, and you're letting me down!"
Drake suppressed his anger and remained silent.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Listen up!" Bianca pressed on. "If you can't get this done, forget about your presidential suite and a single cent! Go
back to your village and embrace poverty!"
Drake's heart sank at the prospect. Going from luxury to poverty was a brutal shift. His time in Centrolis had spoiled
him with city extravagances, nightlife, and the rich meals Bianca provided. She even showered him with money,
elevating his status over time.
Some in the hotel, unaware of his true situation, treated him with great respect, believing him to be some sort of
VIP. It was a life beyond his wildest dreams from his days of hardship. Losing all of it because of a little girl would be
a colossal waste!
Drake hastily spoke into the phone. "Ms. Bianca, please don't be upset!"
Bianca let out a cold huff.
"I... I'll find a way, alright?" Drake assured her. "A little girl isn't a big deal. I can manage it!"
"Good. I hope you're true to your word!"
Bianca hung up, leaving Drake anxious and unsure of his next move.
He strained his limited brainpower to think things through. The child Bianca desired was from an esteemed
background. Would children like her fetch better prices?
If he couldn't get close to Persephone, could he snatch a girl with a similar upbringing? He could ask for less money
since he hadn't secured the primary target.
Drake chuckled to himself, thinking he was rather clever. This should resolve the issue, shouldn't it?
With a tune humming in his head, he returned to the hotel. Before entering, he made a pit stop at a convenience
store for a few beer cans, then swaggered into the hotel lobby.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
During his stay in Centrolis, he had observed various people coming and going, many of them wealthy individuals,
some with daughters of notable beauty.
They probably weren't inferior to that little girl from the Hamertons!
Thinking this, Drake decided to focus on one of these girls and bring her to Bianca.
Drake lingered in the lobby, scanning for potential targets. Soon, he spotted a girl with braided hair clutching a doll,
accompanied by an elegantly dressed woman, strolling along.
Drake fixed his gaze on the child. She was unaccompanied by bodyguards, but their attire hinted at their prosperity.
The girl seemed to be around five or six years old, slightly older than his initial target. Nevertheless, it made little
difference!
Drake grinned and discreetly shifted from his corner seat to a closer vantage point. His eyes remained fixed on the
woman and the child.