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

cried, her voice trembling with urgency.

as he set his phone down and scrutinized her. Finally, he nodded. “Alright, don’t worry. I’ll call the local station for

203 She Was In Peaceville

so

meerwhelmed with politude

and relay their location

reassured her after hanging up. cat atay here and wait. The

berrations in termoil. She had been missing for days and had no idea what was happening home Washer father world she waterstain thur Yvette must have been frantically searching for

the store, the shopkeeper went in assist them. Whitney seized the moment to me the

the call ince the police

“Hella? Who’s this

line finally

traista Whitney’s eyes, her thmat tightening as the

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

receives tightly, her nice trembling

she could finish, a sharp blow to

7

you there? What’s

from the receiver before the call was abrigtly cut

was met with nothing but a

Noel’s black G–Wagon. He stood nearby, his expression dark and unreadable.

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

carried both anger and exasperation Closing the door to his office for privacy, he continued, “Does your

Sundrift will inevitably lead to Howard Group, and then Grandpa will find our

Howard!” Beckham roared, turous. “He’s going to give your grandfather a heart attack by dragging the entire family into this mess!TM

do you plan to do about it? Noel asked,

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

me, do asl sem,” Noel suggested.

have

yourself and submit a formal apology to the

damage to his career. It might even lessen the impact on the Howard coup, as Beckham’s actions would

the