Chapter 256

The scene unfolded before Jonathan's eyes, sending a chill down his spine. Fear gripped him, but beneath the terror, he saw a chance to turn the tables.

"Stay back," he warned, voice trembling yet firm. "This is a civilized society, monitored by cameras at every corner. Do you really think you can get away with this?"

His words dripped with disdain. "People like you belong in the backwoods, hidden away in the mountains. Save yourselves the humiliation and just—"

Before he could finish, a sharp blow struck his head.

Blood trickled down his temple as Evelyn gasped, horrified. "Jonathan! Are you alright?"

In the blink of an eye, Jonathan collapsed.

Desperate, Evelyn tried to reach for her phone, but her wrists and ankles were bound. She was dragged away, helpless.

A rusted van idled nearby, its engine growling. She was shoved into the backseat, the reality sinking in—they had planned this.

She had been reckless.

As Vincent slid into the driver’s seat, Evelyn glared at him. "Kidnapping is a crime. My family will find me."

Vincent smirked. "Don’t worry, sweetheart. Once we reach our town, no one will ever find you. Others have tried. None succeeded."

"Vincent, congrats on landing such a refined city girl," one of his men jeered. "College-educated women are a rare catch."

"Yeah, your kids will be smart and pretty," another added.

Vincent chuckled darkly. "Of course. I didn’t pay ten thousand just for one. We’ll have plenty."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. She could only pray her brothers would notice her absence soon.

She had to stay calm. Panicking would only make things worse.

Especially now.

Especially for the baby.

The van sped onto the highway, leaving the city behind. Their plan was clear—get her to the village before anyone could intervene.

Night fell, but Evelyn refused to sleep. If she closed her eyes, she might wake up in hell.

Eventually, the van stopped on a desolate country road.

The men stepped out to stretch and eat.

Vincent tossed her a piece of bread. "Eat. Cooperate, and you’ll be treated well. Our town isn’t as fancy as the city, but it’s not bad."

Evelyn eyed the bread, then met his gaze. "I need milk too."

He smirked. "Sure. As long as you behave."

She sat stiffly, hoping he’d untie her. But he stayed wary, unmoved.

Defeated, she ate. The baby couldn’t afford her pride.

Soon, the van rumbled back to life.

The rough road lulled her into an uneasy sleep.

When she woke, dawn had broken. Mountains loomed around her, endless and suffocating.

Her heart sank. "Are we there?"

"Not yet," Vincent said. "We’ve got two more mountains to cross. We’re taking backroads—slower, but safer."

Evelyn clenched her fists. Her brothers would come.

Then—

The distant roar of helicopter blades cut through the silence.