The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 140

As Cordelia picked up her phone, she was baffled to see Arabella’s name flash on the screen. A surge of anger welled within her, but she answered the call anyway.

Arabella’s sobbing voice filled the air around the phone. “Dad! You need to come and save me! I’ve been locked up…”

“What? Are you trying to set your dad up again using the same old trick?” Cordelia interrupted her as a bitter laugh escaped her lips.

Arabella seemed taken aback on the other end of the line. “Mom…”

“Don’t call me mom. I can’t bear the weight of it.” Cordelia retorted coldly. “Your dad is still bedridden due to your antics. What are you scheming this time?”

“No, mom, it’s different now. I’m really in trouble.” Arabella’s voice was filled with desperation, and her breath was heavy as if she were on the run.

But Cordelia was not about to be fooled again. Even if she believed Arabella, she wouldn’t bother to help. Her heart was already battered and bruised.

Cordelia cut Arabella off in a stern tone. “Arabella, the biggest regret your dad and I have in this life is adopting you. Now that we’ve severed ties, please stop bothering us.”

With that, she ended the call with a harsh click and followed Michael’s lead by switching off Dorian’s phone.

Even turning off Dorian’s phone wasn’t enough. She turned off her own too.

The mere thought of Arabella made her sick.

East District.

Arabella wasn’t lying to Beatrice. She had been trying to contact the mysterious man since that day.

Unfortunately, as soon as their plot to frame Dorian was exposed, that man and his gang disappeared without a trace.

Left with no other choice, she had to track Elijah’s lawyer in an attempt to find him.

She believed if the man had gone to the lengths of hiring a lawyer for Elijah, he wouldn’t abandon him. He must still be in touch with the lawyer.

But to her dismay, she lost track of Elijah’s lawyer upon reaching the East District.

It was already late, but she thought about how those people had been hiding in the most chaotic part of the East District, Urban Village. So she decided to try her luck.

Little did she expect to be targeted by three thugs not long after she entered Urban Village.

They stalked her to a secluded grove, where they began to make their move.

them blocked her path and smirked. “What brings a pretty little thing

one say, “What else could it be? She’s probably lonely and

her.

Arabella shrieked,

it!”

blindly dashed into the nearby woods, dialing 911 as she ran. “I need help! Three men

can you please provide your exact location?” A

glanced behind her and saw that the men were

in the East District. Which one are you near, and in which grove?” The dispatcher

Village. I don’t know which grove I’m in!” Arabella was unfamiliar with the East District, let alone the numerous groves. She was

cops! Let’s finish her off!”

bother killing her?” Another one sneered. “Let’s have our fun, then sell her. Ivan needs kidneys, right? Let’s sell one of hers

heart felt. She sped up, but the path ahead was pitch black. She had no idea where she

The small door at the bottom left of the main gate

kicked the metal

didn’t try to climb over the gate or

the dark yard, startled by a chuckle from the

see a chubby man in hospital attire

at her She quickly backed away

dent num! The fat man giggled while chasing after

man found her reem quickly calling out for his bande’ while lifting up the covers

patients in the room were disturbed. Someone snapped on the lights,

awoken

began to wail

the lack of staff intervention in this

bride, bride! The fat man’s voice grew louder. “I saw you come

suggested, “Did you check under the

man’s drooling face appeared under the bed,

caught off guard

the dim light

of four other men in

a crooked eye

had a menacing look in

was constantly muttering gibberish under his

brandishing a crude knife that was carved out of wood.

quickly intervened. “No, no way; she’s my gal!

her!”

brooding man chimed in. “What a waste it would be to devour her straight away. It’s much better to have some fun first,

Under the glaring light, she could clearly see the words “N&S Psychiatric Hospital” on

Chapter

as the man lunged at her. She

house.