NovelUSAChapter 596 Talbot shot Theo a surprised look, his tone sharp. "Theo, you've never been this soft-hearted before." He paused, as if something had suddenly occurred to him, then asked, almost suspiciously, "Don't tellyou've fallen for that woman?" Theo's eyes widened in alarm. "I-I have not!" Talbot let out a weary sigh. Seeing his son react as if someone had stepped on his tail, how could he not know? The truth was written all over Theo's face.
Talbot's expression darkened, his words stern. "Don't even think about it, Theo. That woman despises the Glenwood family. You and she are destined to be on opposite sides." "You're overthinking it. I don't like her," Theo muttered, lips pressed into a stubborn line, refusing to admit anything.
Talbot said nothing more.
That night, Citrine tossed and turned, unable to find any peace. A vague sense of foreboding gnawed at her, growing stronger with every passing minute.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHer instincts told her trouble was coming-and soon.
When dawn broke, Citrine was already awake. She headed straight to the research center's cafeteria, ordered a quick breakfast, and picked at her food, unable to shake the unease tightening in her chest. Just as she was about to get up and leave, her phone vibrated in her pocket.
She fished it out and read the message, her delicate brows knitting together in alarm.
123xxxxxxxx: Your father, your grandfather, your brother, and your Uncle Manley are all with me. I hear you care a lot about them. If you want them to stay alive, calone to the abandoned building in Southside. No cops. If you call for help, I'll kill them.
So her premonition was dead-on, after all.
The message cfrom an unfamiliar number, but Citrine didn't need to guess. This had Talbot written all over it.
She fired back a reply: Wait there. I'm on my way.
Without hesitation, she grabbed her things and left the research center, telling one of her colleagues she had something urgent to handle. Just like Talbot demanded, she didn't call the police.
Half an hour later, Citrine arrived at the crumbling old building on Southside. No sign of Talbot. Without a second thought, she dialed the number that had sent the message.
The call connected almost immediately.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Where are you?" Citrine demanded.
1.n A low chuckle cfrom the other end. "You got here fast. Guess you really do care about these guys. I'm surprised, Citrine Carmichael. I always thought you were ruthless and tight-lipped, but it turns out you're loyal to the core." Citrine scowled, her patience wearing thin. "Cut the crap. Where are you?" "Upstairs," Talbot replied coolly.
She hung up without another word and headed straight for the staircase, not hesitating for a second.
Up on the top floor, Raymond Weston, Manley, and Travis were om bound tightly, ropes digging into their arms. The four captives glared daggers at Talbot, cursing him under their breath. Travis was seething. "Talbot, you miserable old bastard! If you've got a problem, take it out on us. Using us to threaten Citrine-what kind of man does that make you?"
Weston, who had lived through more than most men could dream of, never imagined he'd end up as a Co NO kidnapping victim. Unlike Travis, he was calm, his eyes cold and fearless as he stared Talbot down,
His voice was steady and cutting. "President Glenwood, if you have a score to settle, save a us.
There's no need to drag Citrine into this. Let her go home, and we adults can work this out. If we can't cto an agreement-do whatever you want with us, but leave her out of it." Manley chimed in, "Seriously, you're an old man nearly at death's door. Picking on a young woman like this-if word gets out, people will laugh you off the street." Raymond's face was tight with anger, his voice raw. "If you want something, take it out on me. Using us to get to Citrine is downright low, even for you."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
