Chapter 47 Who Is She To Him
His hand rested on her waist. “You agree?”
Jemima nodded again
Finished
She tied her head toward the staircase behind her, then cast her gaze downward, shaking her head at the ground. The message was clear.
I want to go upstairs. I don’t want to do it on the floor.
“Got it. I certainly have no desire to do it in such a filthy and uncomfortable place” Just imagining a woman of her status serving him like a common courtesan sent blood rushing to his head, clouding his judgment.
He untied the rope around her feet, then moved to free her hands.
Halfway through, his phone started ringing from his pocket. He ignored it, letting it continue buzzing. Once her hands were untied, he remained cautious. He looped the rope and slipped it over her head as a precaution, ensuring she wouldn’t attempt to escape.
“Let’s go upstairs.” He gently pulled her up from the chair and led her toward the staircase.
Jemima followed obediently. She noticed his phone was still ringing in his pocket. It confirmed what she suspected–Scott and Zander had not only discovered her predicament, but they had likely figured out who was behind it
Maybe… they were already nearby.
Jemima was led upstairs.
The brute behind her flicked the light switch in the corridor, but nothing happened. Cursing under his breath, he pulled out his phone. The incoming call was still flashing on the screen, but in frustration, he rejected it. Then, he turned on his flashlight to illuminate their path.
As they walked, Jemima observed the two buildings. A long corridor stretched ahead, with windows lining both sides. They were old–fashioned casement windows, and one side had shattered glass, Judging by the entrance below and the breeze rolling in through the broken window, she knew–the sea lay just beyond.
It was her only chance to escape.
She feigned weakness, stumbling slightly toward the corridor’s edge. Taking advantage of the moment, he guided her toward a nearby room.
From the moment he untied her to the time they climbed the stairs, Jemima had been perfectly compliant. Even when he was distracted by his phone, she hadn’t made a move to escape,
To survive, she was willing to endure anything–at least, that was what he believed.
Daryl was smug, convinced he had her completely figured out.
But just as he lowered his guard, reveling in his supposed control, Jemima suddenly unclasped the rope from her neck. In a flash, she sprinted toward the window, shoved it open, and without hesitation, leaped out.
The whole sequence was swift and precise–like a trained operative executing a mission.
Daryl’s jaw dropped as he watched her disappear through the window. For a moment, he stood frozen. Then, the distant splash of a body hitting water jolted him back to reality.
He rushed to the window, but there was nothing but black waves below.
She had actually thrown herself into the sea!
His phone rang again.
After ten seconds of buzzing, he finally picked up. “Mr. Sadinton, I’m sorry! I was driving in such a rush that my phone slipped under the seat… What? Anyone who fails to find her is hired? This… This… Mr. Sterling can’t do that! I don’t even know what’s going on! This is completely unfair!”
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Chapter 47 Who Is She To Him
After relaying Scott’s orders, Zander didn’t bother with more conversation. He simply hung up.
Finished
Daryl stared at the disconnected call for a moment, then immediately dialed Naomi. His tone was sharp as he vented, “I’ve been at the branch office for years. And now Mr. Sterling is making such a fuss over a secretary? Tell me. Naomi, what exactly is this Jemima Willis to him? Why is he going to such lengths?”
Naomi’s grip tightened on the steering wheel.
Daryl continued. “Ms. Atkins, we don’t have a clue what’s going on. Our people haven’t even arrived yet, and they’re already throwing these impossible demands at us. What if… she really is gone? Where do they expect us to find her? We’re not detectives! This is nothing short of tyranny! Even if he’s blinded by emotion, does he really have to drag us all down with him?
He knew exactly how close Naomi was to Scott–and he was deliberately pushing her buttons.
Naomi snapped, “Enough talking! We regroup at the factory first.”
“Ms. Atkins! You were sent here by Mr. Isaiah himself. I suggest you call him right now and get him to rein in his son!”
Shut up! It’s not your place to stir up trouble between father and son! I’ll handle it. You just do your job and stop running your mouth!”
The moment she ended the call, she angrily tossed her phone onto the passenger seat.
Daryl glanced at his screen with a smirk. Even if he said nothing else, Naomi would inevitably react. He turned back toward the sea. “Sweetheart, he murmured, his voice laced with mockery, “you chose this path. Don’t blame me for what happens.
next.
Scott arrived at the factory, with Julius following closely behind.
Inside the conference room of the administration building, factory workers had gathered alongside several corporate employees who had rushed over after hearing the news. The place buzzed with heated discussion.
The moment Scott entered, silence fell like a crashing wave. All eyes turned to him.
