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.

blocked her path and smirked. “What brings a pretty little thing like you to such

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

out to grab her. “Well then, we’ll keep you

Arabella shrieked, dodging his

wench! You’ll regret it!” One

nearby woods, dialing 911 as she ran. “I need help! Three men are trying to rape

please provide your exact location?” A dispatcher

near Urban Village in the East District!” Arabella glanced behind her and saw that the men were gaining on her. Panic set

East District. Which one are you near, and in

unfamiliar with the East District, let alone the numerous groves. She was

the phone with the cops! Let’s finish her off!” One

her. Ivan needs kidneys, right? Let’s sell one of hers first, then let her

heart felt. She sped up, but the path ahead was pitch black. She had no idea where she was and could only run blindly

hospital. The small door at the bottom

kicked

surprised they didn’t try to climb over the gate or the wall. They left without a

in the dark yard, startled by a chuckle from

chubby man in hospital attire grinning at

lunged at her She quickly backed away

num! The fat man giggled while chasing after

a hospital ward and hid under a bed. The chubby man found her

in the room were disturbed. Someone snapped on the lights, and another started

patient, awoken

began to wail

baffled at the lack

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

patients suggested, “Did you

The next second, the fat man’s drooling face appeared under the

piercing scream, attempting to back away, but was caught off guard by another man on her other side. He dragged her out into

onto the cold floor. Using the dim light

faces of four other

had a crooked eye and

a menacing look

constantly muttering

seemed somewhat normal was brandishing a crude knife that was carved out of wood. He sneered at

no way; she’s my

her!”

to devour her straight away. It’s much better to have some

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

Chapter

recoiled as the man lunged at her. She quickly backed away and

house.