When Love Is a Lie

Damian only learned of the shutdown last night when Sundrift’s representative called him

“What I want is simple,” Damian continued, his tone sharp. “You give me all the evidence you’ve collected, and I’ll release her. The sooner you act, the less she

sullers

Noel rose to his feet, his expression as cold as ever. “She’s your flancée. What you do with her is your business. But I’ll remind you that kidnapping and causing harm will only add to your crimes. Whether it’s Whitney, Amy, or Rachel, Damian, stop before its too late. Think of Uncle Samuel and Aunt Emily.”

Before Damian could respond, Billy’s phone rang. Answering it, Billy’s face turned grim as he leaned into whisper something to Darnian.

Damian’s expression darkened immediately. He strode toward the stairs but stopped after a few steps, turning back to Noel. “Your time is running out. If you want to see her alive, do as I say.”

With that, he stormed out. Moments later, the sound of car engines raced to life as three vehicles sped away, disappearing into the distance.

For Damian to abruptly end negotiations and leave in such haste, something significant must have happened. Noel’s eyes narrowed as he contemplated the situation Pulling out his phone, he called Dariel while descending the stairs.

“What’s the update?

“No sign of her yet,” Daniel replied. “But someone spotted the van driver. We’re tracking him now.”

Ending the call, Noel approached his car, only to notice that two of his tires had been slashed. There was no need to guess who was responsible–it was Damian’s way of preventing him from following

With only one spare tire available, Noel replaced a single tire and managed to drive to the nearest town for repairs.

Whitney didn’t know how far she bad run. The dull ache in her right leg, still recovering from a fracture, grew sharper with each step. But she didn’t dare stop. She had no phone, no way to call for help, and no idea where she was. The road ahead stretched endlessly, barren of any signs of life.

After what felt like another half hour, her strength gave out, forcing her to stop and catch her breath. Gasping, she looked up–and her heart leaped. There, in the distance, was a small cluster of buildings.

Hope sparked within her as she pushed herself forward. Reaching the town, she immediately searched for a shop with a public phone. Spotting one, she burst inside, her desperation plain

The shopkeeper sat behind the counter, engrossed in a video on his phone.

“Please, I need to call the police,” Whitney pleaded. “I’ll pay you as soon as they arrive.”

The man looked up, startled “What did you say?

to escape, but I need to

she cried, her voice trembling

phone down and scrutinized her. Finally,

Was In Peaceville

you so

meerwhelmed with politude as the

relay their location to the

hanging up. cat atay here and wait. The

for days and had no idea what was happening home Washer father world

in assist them. Whitney seized the moment to me the Landline phone to call

call

“Hella? Who’s this

line finally

brought traista Whitney’s eyes, her

exclaimed, her mice filled with relief and shock. “Where are you! I’ve been tried sick

her nice trembling “I don’t know exactly team. It’s some town, but I’ve sirrade called the pobor

she could finish, a sharp blow to the back

7

you there? What’s happening?

panicked voice echoed from the receiver before the call

met with nothing but a busy tone. Alarmed, she

repair shop, a mechanic was busy replacing the tires on Noel’s black G–Wagon. He stood nearby,

of Damian’s illegal activities by now,” Noel

you know about that? Was it you?” Beckham’s voice carried both anger and exasperation Closing the door to his office for

he will soon enough,” Noel replied evenly. “The investigation into Sundrift will inevitably lead to Howard Group, and then

“He’s going to give your grandfather a heart attack by dragging the entire family into this

you plan to do about it? Noel asked,

also to the company. Even his position as deputy mayor could be jeopardized. “What can do?

trust me, do

have a

formal apology to the authorities.

damage to his career. It might

was the best