Chapter 144: Caught in the Crossfire
“Why not? Let someone with authority negotiate. I’ll agree to any conditions!”
Raylee quietly observed Jeremiah through the camera. Seeing him trapped, his life hanging by a thread, she felt an odd sense of satisfaction. A shame, really. Before this, she’d entertained the idea of marrying him, using the Lorimer family’s influence against the Goodridge family. But looking at him now, there was no hope for this man. His situation had escalated beyond anything money could fix. Still, escaping from her wouldn't be easy; being dragged down with him was another matter entirely. Layla was a troublesome opponent.
Raylee let out a small sigh. Layla immediately snapped, “Why the hell are you sighing?! If it weren’t for you, my brother wouldn’t be in this mess! If he doesn’t come back, don’t think you’ll have it easy!”
“Raylee’s there?” Jeremiah’s expression changed abruptly. “I have to hang up now.”
From off-screen, an unfamiliar voice chuckled. “Mr. Lorimer, what’s the rush? This is the perfect chance to chat with your fiancée. Who knows? She might be the one to save your life!” The man hadn’t stepped into the frame.
Jeremiah turned his head, his voice sharp with anger. “Fiancée? I already planned to break off the engagement! That foolish woman—I don’t need her to save me. Layla, hang up now!”
At this point, even an idiot could tell something was off. No one had expected this situation to involve Raylee. Instead of hanging up, Layla anxiously asked the unknown man, “Hello? What’s going on with my brother’s fiancée? Can you explain?”
Jeremiah’s frustration grew. “Layla, didn’t you hear me? Hang up! Now!” As soon as the words left his mouth, he swiftly knocked over the mobile phone with a sharp nod, despite having his hands tied behind his back.
His muffled voice came through the loudspeaker. “You promised me you wouldn’t touch her. Now you’re going back on your word: What kind of man does that? Since you’re playing dirty, don’t blame me for doing the same. If you dare to run your mouth, you can forget about getting what you want!”
The unfamiliar man let out a hearty laugh. “Mr. Lorimer, I never thought you’d be this naive! Did you really think I cared about that thing? What you’re holding onto isn’t nearly as valuable as your fiancée—”
The connection was suddenly cut off. Layla stared at the blank screen in panic, frantically redialing. Casimir and Samuel exchanged glances, both realizing the situation was about to take a sharp turn for the worse. Their expressions turned grim.
Kaylee, still in shock, was struggling to process everything. Jeremiah had been tricked, and his fate was unknown. How did she suddenly get dragged into this mess? It felt like she was getting caught in the crossfire for no reason.
Layla kept redialing, but the other side never picked up. Her eyes were swollen and red, despair settling deep in her chest. Just then, a message popped up on her phone: If you want to save your brother, have his fiancée, Raylee, come to Musmeynia to negotiate his release.
Layla stared at the message, dazed. Before she could react, Raylee rushed over. Casimir silently stepped in front of Kaylee, his brow furrowed. “Ms. Layla, what did they say?”
Layla looked at Kaylee, eyes pleading. “They want Kaylee to go to Musmeynia to bring my brother back.”
Chapter 144: Caught in the Crossfire (Finished)
She grabbed Raylee’s hands. “Ray—Ray, you’re a kind-hearted person. You wouldn’t just stand by and let someone die, right? My brother’s life is in your hands. I beg you, please save him!”
“No way!” Samuel immediately stepped forward, shutting down the idea without hesitation. “Are you being serious right now? Your brother’s stuck in some hellhole, and you expect Raylee, a defenseless woman, to go and bring him back? Do you—”
“But if Ray—Ray doesn’t go, my brother will die!” Layla sobbed, her face full of panic and grief. “I admit I was wrong to speak harshly to you before, and I apologize. If Ray—Ray agrees to save my brother, I’ll do anything you ask!”
Samuel’s response was firm. “Forget it. This isn’t up for discussion. Is your brother’s life more important than my sister’s? I won’t just stand by and let you send her to her death!”
Layla’s heart shattered at the rejection. She broke down completely, crying so hard she could barely breathe. Casimir and Samuel stood protectively in front of Raylee, like her personal bodyguards. Watching them, Raylee felt a wave of complicated emotions. Just last night, these two had nearly sent her off to a red-light district. Now, they were shielding her like she was the most precious thing in the world. Especially Samuel. His protective stance reminded her of the old days—when he used to spoil her without reason.