Chapter 2

He blamed everything on me.

After Harris left, I called the police directly.

Thirty million wasn't a small amount, and it had to be in cash. I couldn't come up with it immediately, and even if the kidnappers got the money, they might not release the hostages. So I had to call the police and let professionals handle it.

After I dialed 911, the nearest station would dispatch officers. But before the police arrived, I received a call from an acquaintance.

"Petra, this is Nicholas. Did you and Harris have a fight?"

My brow furrowed as I asked in a low voice, "Why are you calling me?"

"Well, you just filed a police report, right? Even though we're acquaintances, filing a false report isn't a small matter. You and Harris can fight all you want, but you can't mess around like this."

"Harris and Barbara have nothing going on. Making such a fuss makes Harris look ridiculous."

After listening for a while, I finally understood what he meant.

"What are you saying? Harris told you I filed a false police report?"

Facing my question, there was silence on the other end. I laughed coldly and said in a low voice, "Nicholas, I'm telling you to dispatch officers and handle this matter immediately, or I'll file a complaint."

Nicholas snorted coldly. "Petra, don't think everyone is like Harris, at your beck and call. I'm not your White family's security guard."

"You're just a shrew. You're not worth a single hair on Barbara's head."

After hearing those words, I hung up.

Then I called 911 again and filed a complaint against Nicholas.

The officers dispatched from another station arrived more than ten minutes later. They asked me some questions and listened to the recording of the first call.

Everyone's expressions were serious. They quickly traced the incoming number—it wasn't registered, and when they called back, it was turned off. They could only wait for another call.

The officers handling the case waited, while I contacted my private financial manager.

"How much liquid cash do I have in my account?"

"Seventeen million? Get all of it ready."

After hanging up, I called Harris's uncle, Wilson. When he heard that Harris's parents had been kidnapped, Wilson exclaimed, "Who did it? Is Harris there?"

"I don't know who the kidnappers are. Harris went camping with Barbara. The kidnappers want thirty million in cash. I can't come up with enough on my own. Can you help me gather what you can? I'll pay you back in a week."

"Child, why talk about paying back? How much more do you need?"

"Thirteen million."

"Don't worry, I'll get it together."

The half hour passed quickly. They called again. I answered immediately. The tech officer nearby quickly began tracing the location, but soon shook his head—he couldn't locate it.

My heart sank gradually. I heard the person on the other end say fiercely, "Time's up. Did you deliver the money?"

"I haven't gathered enough yet. Please give me more time. My husband isn't here, and I don't have that much money on hand."

"I said when time's up and the money isn't here, I'll kill the hostages!"

I quickly pleaded, "Don't hurt them. You want money, right? Killing them won't get you the money—it's not worth it. Give me another half hour. In half an hour, I'll definitely have the money ready."

As soon as I finished speaking, heart-wrenching screams came from my in-laws on the other end. The kidnapper's sinister voice rang out again: "Half an hour—five fingers per person!"

"If you want to stall, go right ahead!"

After the call ended, Nicholas appeared at the door.

He'd heard what was just said, and now his face was pale as he looked at me.