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?

I need to call the police.

her voice trembling with

and scrutinized her. Finally, he

203 She Was

you so much!” Whitney was

politude as the wat

the member and relay their location

the shopkeeper reassured her after hanging up. cat atay here and wait.

what was happening home Washer father world she waterstain thur Yvette must

went in assist them. Whitney seized the moment to me

pay for the call ince the police

“Hella? Who’s this

finally

vader brought traista Whitney’s eyes, her thmat

her mice filled with relief and shock. “Where are you! I’ve

been looking for her too. Whitney clutched the receives tightly, her nice trembling “I don’t know exactly team. It’s some town,

could finish, a sharp blow to the back

7

Whitney! Are you there? What’s

receiver before

Yvette redialed the number but was met with nothing

tires on Noel’s black G–Wagon. He stood nearby, his expression dark and unreadable. Picking up his phone.

have received the evidence of Damian’s illegal activities by now,”

about that? Was it you?” Beckham’s voice carried both anger and exasperation Closing the

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

Howard!” Beckham roared, turous. “He’s going to give your grandfather a heart attack

do about it? Noel

brought shame not only to the Howard family but also to the company. Even his

you trust me, do

you have

a cepon yourself and submit a formal apology to the

between reporting and being reported was significant, If Beckham took the initiative to expose his nephew’s crimes and expressed remorse, it could mitigate the damage to his career. It might even lessen the

was the best