Martina’s Revenge (3)

“Leave?” Martina sneered. She, too, wanted to leave, but not empty-handed. Escape now meant a life of hardship and poverty—no family, no friends, no lover.

She responded coldly, “I won’t leave, Manuel.”

Manuel clutched his phone, his body trembling as he fought for control. “Since I have nothing left, I think it would be good to have someone die with me. So I won't die alone.”

“Martina!” Manuel’s voice cracked with emotion.

Martina laughed hysterically. Manuel had never cared before, until now.

She continued, “I give you half an hour to come, or you’ll only find her body. And remember: no police, no Collins family, no tricks. You know I don’t expect to live, and I’ll gladly die with her!”

Martina hung up.

Manuel’s face went ashen. Receiving the location, he didn’t hesitate to go alone.

It was a dilapidated warehouse near a deserted port, coated in dust. Susan awoke feeling disoriented. Blindfolded, she couldn’t see. It took time to piece together the night’s events: dinner with friends, a nightclub (too boring, they left early), a taxi, a car crash, and a man approaching from the other vehicle. Initially, she dismissed him as trouble, but he’d opened her door and subdued her with a handkerchief. She’d struggled, but lost consciousness. Now, she was here.

“Fuck it.” Susan felt a surge of panic. Kidnapped. For no reason. Who had she offended? She was visibly shaken.

“Wake up?” A familiar voice.

Susan turned toward the sound. Though blindfolded, she knew it was Martina. Why had this woman kidnapped her? Then, she remembered: Oscar’s victory in today’s lawsuit, the Sawyer family’s defeat, Charles and Loretta’s arrests. Martina was also implicated, but still at large. What did this mean? Why was she here?

Martina saw the dawning comprehension in Susan’s expression. She herself couldn't understand Manuel's attraction to Susan. How had Susan won his love completely?

As Martina approached, Susan’s terror intensified. Bound hand and foot, blindfolded, she cried, “What do you want? I can give you money! Just call my father, ask for anything!”

Martina laughed. Despite her contempt for Susan, she had to admit the woman was showing surprising cunning by not revealing her identity. Susan knew who it was, but feigned ignorance for self-preservation.

Unfortunately, Martina had no intention of granting her mercy. The blindfold had been to conceal their location. Now, they were at their destination.

Martina knelt, removing the blindfold, startling Susan. Susan kept her eyes squeezed shut.

“Look at me, you know who I am,” Martina stated plainly.

Susan gritted her teeth, forcing herself to remain calm and brave. Finally, she opened her eyes. She knew opening them changed nothing; Martina wouldn’t let her go.

Susan looked at Martina, who stood before her with a disdainful air, as if Susan were a mere clown. Martina herself was disheveled—her clothes, makeup, and hair a mess. The princess was gone, but she didn’t seem to care.

They met each other's gaze. Martina sneered, “Susan, did you ever imagine we’d meet like this?”

“What do you want?”

“What do you think?” Martina countered.

Susan clenched her fist, striving for composure.

“Martina, turn yourself in!” Susan said fiercely. “The police are looking for you; you won’t escape. You might get a reduced sentence!”

“Ha,” Martina scoffed. “If I do that, will I survive after what I did to Sarah? She wouldn’t let me live! Susan, I’m not stupid!”

Susan gritted her teeth. Martina knew capture meant suffering. Susan, naturally, didn't care; Martina would pay for her actions. But being kidnapped before sentencing was unexpected.

“Susan, tell me, why does Manuel love you?” Martina abruptly changed the subject, still clearly obsessed with Manuel.

“He doesn’t,” Susan denied. “We’re divorced. He doesn’t like me!”

“Do you think I’ll believe you?” Martina’s voice was tight with barely controlled rage. She knew who Manuel loved; she loved him deeply. Manuel wouldn't be here if he didn't love Susan, yet she knew he would come. The answer was clear.

Sensing Martina's fury, Susan feared for her life.

“It’s true! I’m dating Henry now!” Susan blurted out. “And I’ll marry him soon!”

“Even so, Manuel still loves you!”

“He doesn’t! He’s not that pathetic!” Susan shouted. Manuel didn’t love her anymore, she was sure of it. How else to explain his recent indifference?

Suddenly, Martina slapped Susan. She refused to believe her.