Just as Sean stepped into the house, Vivian’s car pulled into the underground garage of thesper estate
The two entered the house one after the other.
In t
the living room, Mrs. Jasper <b>St.</b>, James, and Lilian were seated on the sofa, waiting
Sean’s expression was <b>tense </b>as he walked in briskdy. “It was one of Lottie’s friends who called the police. They couldn’t reach her <b>and </b>were worried something had happened. The police only contacted the Riley family to confirm she was missing. Right now<b>, </b>they don’t know she was kidnapped by Joseph Ford. And since it’s only been a few hours, they won’t open a case just yet<b>.</b>”
His voice was calm but cold, and his dark eyes were filled with sharp resolve
“Joseph called. He wants me to go meet <b>him</b>—alone”
“You can’t! Sean, you can’t go alone!” Vivian cut in before he could finish.
H
She had been in a surprisingly good mood ever since learning that Charlotte had been kidnapped by Joseph–even humming on the way home. But the second she heard Sean say he nned to go rescue her by himself, her <b>good </b>mood vanished
Vivian’s face paled as she stepped forward anxiously. “It’s way too dangerous! Joseph isn’t going to let you walk away. Please, just call the police and have them go with you!”
Sean frowned. “We can’t. If Joseph finds <b>out </b>we’ve involved the <b>police</b>, he’ll kill her on the <b>spot</b>.”
“But her friend already reported her missing! The police already know!” Vivian argued.
“I said this already.” Sean snapped, his tone hardening. They only know she’s <b>missing</b>. As long as we coordinate with the Riley family and cell the police she’s been found, it’ll be fine. Then we cane up with a real n to get her back.”
James leaned forward. “And what’s your n”
<b>Sean’s </b>voice was like ice. “Joseph’s targeting me, I’ll trade myself for her.”
“You’re out of your mind!” James shot up from the couch.
*No way!”
Vivian shouted
“I absolutely forbid in!” Mrs. Jasper Sr. added sharply.
The three of them objected at once.
Lilian, stillposed, looked at <b>Sean </b>and asked, “Isn’t there mother way?
“I have to go,” Sean said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument
Vivian’s voice cracked. “But trading your life for hers? That’s insane! How can her life possibly be worth more than yours?” Sean’s gaze turned ice–cold. He looked at her with such <b>force </b>that she froze, the warning in his eyes unmistakable.
Vivian opened her mouth but no sound caene
A secondter, Sewn said quietly, “Don’t say that again.”
Tears welled in Vivian’s eyes. She bit her lip, visibly shak, “Sean… are you saying Charlotte really means more to you
than your own life?
He didn’t hesitate.
That single word silenced the room.
<b>For </b>a long moment, no one spoke.
Mex Jasper Sr. was the first to rear. She stared her had on the table. This is
is outrageous!”
Innes’s face was grim. Have you already forgotten what your grandfather told you?”
“Thaven’t.” Sean’s voice was calm again “But you don’t need to worry Yes, the matt
e for hers. If I go in adone, we’ll both die “
His exnation eased the trusion slightly
Lilian asked carefully, “So you already
y lumea
more <b>to </b>me than myte, but I’m not stupid enough to trade my