Chapter 222

Cliff sent the coordinates to Caden with swift precision. Caden's helicopter was already en route. Gerry remained uncertain about the depth of Caden and Alicia's relationship.

"Caden likes her and wants to be with her," Gerry said.

Cliff nodded thoughtfully. "She's a capable woman."

Gerry agreed, adding, "They're both young. Their relationship seems volatile."

Cliff countered firmly, "Caden's feelings aren't the problem. They're stable."

Gerry raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Caden? Steady? He's the most unpredictable person I know. Haven't you seen the news? He's having an affair with Yolanda."

Cliff dismissed the gossip. Caden's earlier order to proceed "at all costs" resonated in his mind. They had grown up together, and despite Cliff's military career, he understood Caden better than most.

"He's not unpredictable. He's in love," Cliff stated firmly.

Gerry was shocked. "In love? With whom?"

Cliff pointed at the map, his gaze fixed on Caden's rapidly approaching red dot nearing Alicia's location. "Caden is in love with Alicia," he declared.

Gerry was speechless. Could Cliff be serious? He struggled to comprehend it.

Meanwhile, high on the mountain, Joshua's sadistic game had just begun. He reveled in it. Alicia sat, bound, helpless before the camera. Joshua leaned forward, a cruel smile twisting his lips.

"The drug you gave me incapacitated me for months. Today, you'll be my antidote."

His gaze swept over her body, shameless and repulsive. Alicia felt nauseous but remained frozen, her will to fight extinguished. She felt like a statue—cold, lifeless, and powerless. He stared at his reflection in the camera screen, his face devoid of emotion. He smiled.

"What's the problem? Don't you know how to please a man? Didn't Caden teach you?"

At the mention of Caden's name, Alicia's eyelashes fluttered, betraying a flicker of excitement.

Impatiently, Joshua roughly embraced her. His voice dripped with malice. "Strip. Seduce me. I'll film every second and send it to Caden. Then everyone else can enjoy it."

Alicia responded with a grimace. Joshua leaned closer, sneering. "What's wrong? Scared? If you play hard to get, I might get some on your face."

He continued, "You still have traces of the drug in your system. You can't even get an erection. When this video comes out, everyone will wonder why you can't perform. So tell me, Joshua, who's really going to be humiliated?"

Unable to bear the humiliation, Joshua slapped her. Her head snapped to the side, her vision blurring. He shoved her to the ground. Consumed by rage, he barked orders at the men beside him. "She's yours now. Do what you want. Make her suffer."

Fear constricted Alicia's pupils. Lewd laughter filled the room as the men descended upon her, tearing at her clothes. She fought back, but they overpowered her, holding her so tightly her limbs threatened to break. Searing pain and terror overwhelmed her; she felt utterly helpless, like an insect about to be crushed. Survival seemed impossible.

Joshua watched, smoking silently, his eyes fixed on Alicia, waiting for remorse, for pleas for mercy. She didn't move. Her exposed skin seemed to fuel the men's impatience. One began to unbutton his pants. The sight disgusted Joshua.

"Stop!" he barked.

The men froze, surprised. Reluctantly, they stopped. Joshua redressed Alicia and roughly lifted her. "Alicia, are you really that stubborn? Would you rather be raped than give in?"

Alicia met his gaze with lifeless eyes. "Joshua, you are nothing but a vile, selfish coward. Do you really think it's worth it to beg you?"

Joshua's eyes narrowed, veins bulging on his forehead as a furious laugh escaped him. "You're going to regret that, Alicia." He shoved her aside and ordered Monica to be brought in.

Realizing Joshua's plan, Alicia stiffened. She lunged at Monica, screaming, "What are you doing? Leave her alone!" Joshua grabbed her by the neck. As the men mocked her, Alicia watched in horror as Monica was dragged into the adjoining room. The men quickly stripped her; Monica, unconscious, could not resist. Joshua watched Alicia's sobs and struggles, laughing cruelly.

"There are three cameras in this room. In the morning, the whole world will see how Miss Flynn was raped," he said cruelly.

Without hesitation, Alicia begged, "Joshua, I was wrong. Please let her go! I beg you, let her go!"

Joshua's response was merciless. "If I let her go, you'll take her place. What do you think?" Alicia's legs buckled. Desperation choked her thoughts. "Let her go," she whispered.

Joshua knelt. "Alicia, do exactly as I say, and I won't post the video. You know who I despise most. Will you become my pawn and help me destroy him?"

His words hung in the air, then a thunderous roar erupted outside. Joshua turned. A black car crashed through the gate like a battering ram.