Chapter 352

Leonel couldn't know what was happening downstairs, but he knew he had to leave immediately or he never would. He rose and went to the window, his knees weakening at the sight of the crowd. Why were so many people there? He had no time to hesitate. Adjusting his belt, he found a less crowded opening. As he prepared to leave, an icy voice cut through the air: "If you dare run, I'll break your leg."

Leonel's legs buckled, and he tumbled from the ledge. He knew she meant it—the witch was capable of anything! But her intentions were baffling. She'd knocked him out but hadn't hurt him or let him escape. What did she want? "What do you want with me?" he pleaded, almost on his knees.

"You should just stay put and stare at me!" Lily commanded coldly, her eyes narrowed. Leonel, terrified by her gaze, could only stammer, "Of course!"

Confused by her instruction—'What does she mean by stare at her?'—he soon understood.

After the outside commotion subsided, the police entered. Jo, still trying to escape, was immediately shot by a sniper. Moments later, police rushed in, finding an injured Christopher, his hands covered in blood, and another man near death. They arrested those on the ground floor and raced upstairs. An officer found Giselle.

"I found the hostage. Over!"

Alexander, trailing the officer, looked at the hostage and exclaimed, "That's not her!"

While the police searched, Leonel grew increasingly anxious. Escape was impossible; police surrounded the building, and a deadly witch was in the room. Why was he always so unlucky?

"Don't move!" several armed men yelled. "Put your hands up and release the hostage!" Leonel obeyed instantly. Prison was preferable to the witch's clutches. Besides, how could he release the hostage when he was the hostage?

"Ms. Christian?" a police officer asked.

Tears streaming down her face, Lily lifted her head. "Y-Yes, it's me"

Leonel was astonished. 'Why is she crying? I should be the one crying!'

"Ms. Christian, please don't be afraid. You're safe. We're—"

A tall, lean figure burst into the room. "Lily!"

Lily stared, wide-eyed, her crying forgotten. "W-What are you doing here?"

'Wasn't he supposed to be in Sapphine? When did he get to Westwood?' Alexander moved toward her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "It's alright, don't be afraid! I'm here now!"

Lily and Leonel were speechless at the bizarre turn of events.

Alexander removed his jacket, wrapping it around Lily and holding her close. "I'm sorry I took so long. You must have suffered." Seeing her tear-stained cheeks, a pang of agony struck him. The thought of her kidnapping filled him with rage. She must have suffered terribly.

"Lily? Suffered?" Leonel, unable to contain himself, cried out in distress.