The thug sat back down with a grunt, grumbling under his breath. “Shit… I’ve been in this line of work for years, and I’ve never dealt with a hostage this damn difficult. Boss, is that Andrew guy she mentioned really that big of a deal?”

The guy driving was the leader, Corey Stone. He grunted without looking back. “Big deal or not, I do know he’s laid hands on both of the Ackermann brothers and even roughed up Elon from the Golding family. So, let’s not push our luck. Stick to the job and keep it clean. We don’t need this blowing up in our faces.”

The younger one scoffed and glanced at Lauren, clearly tempted by her flawless curves and flushed cheeks. ”Alright, fine, we won’t mess her up… but come on, let the guys at least cop a feel, huh? That’s not gonna hurt anybody.”

Before Corey could respond, Lauren lashed out. “Screw you! What, never seen a woman before? Go take a good look at yourself in the mirror! Do you really think someone like you can lay a finger on me?”

She hissed, “You want to be a kidnapper? Fine! Stick to that lane! Are you trying to mix assault with your crimes? Be a man and take off that mask. Let me see that disgusting face of yours!

“Deep down, you know you’re nothing! A loser like you could never touch a girl like me, someone this fine? Dream on!”

The entire van fell silent. The kidnapper, who had been cursed at, widened his eyes in disbelief and anger.

Corey shook his head, “Don’t mess with this woman. Other than her husband, probably no one can handle her! We just deliver her, then get the hell out–this one’s way above our pay grade.”

By 7:30 p.m., Francesca and Aspen were back at Serenity Villa, and even Shiloh had returned from her part-time job. However, Lauren was nowhere to be found. Her phone was dead, and there had not been a word from her.

Andrew had already checked in with the Rhodes family, but they had no clue either. The moment he hung up, his face turned stone cold.

He said, “Get ready. We’re heading to the Driscoll residence to get her back.”

Aspen’s eyes went wide. “Wait, honey! The Driscolls are one of the Three Titans! Barging in like this could be dangerous!”

Andrew’s voice dropped to a chilling low. “I don’t care. If Joe or Walter had anything to do with this, I swear, I’ll turn the entire Driscoll compound into a river of blood.”

Just then, someone ran up to the villa’s front gate. The man shouted, “Is Mr. Lloyd here? I’m Gary–from the Hickman family! I need to see him!”

Andrew stepped out of the house at once.

Gary rushed up, panting. “Mr. Lloyd! Ms. Rhodes has been taken!”

Andrew narrowed his eyes. “I know she was taken. If you came here just to waste my time, get the hell out now before I make you.”

Gary trembled from head to toe. “Please, Mr. Lloyd! Don’t get mad! I–I know who did it! It was Liliana from the Peck family!”

Behind them, Francesca gasped. “Someone from the Peck family? What the hell kind of grudge could they have against Lauren to go this far?”

Andrew waved a hand. “I know exactly why.”

Then, he turned to Gary with a cold stare. “Why are you here, tipping me off?”

Gary’s eyes darted nervously, and his voice shook with fear. “I didn’t want to, but I know this is going to end badly! You’ve got serious power now, Mr. Lloyd. You don’t even consider us worth your attention.”

He added, “Even Mr. Driscoll lost to you. We may act tough, but when it’s life or death, we know who not to cross!”

Andrew gave him a cold, mocking glance. “At least you’re pretty smart. Now, lead the way. I want to find that bitch Liliana now.”

Gary nodded quickly, eager to please. “Yes, of course! I’ll take you right there! But Mr. Lloyd… please, I’m begging you not to hurt Ms. Peck!”

Andrew did not even blink. “Sorry. That’s not happening.”