Eleanor Hollis nodded; indeed, there was no longer any connection. That pathetic father would live with a malicious woman like Alice Lynch for the rest of his life.
In the following days, she rarely inquired about the Hollis Family. Even when Nicholas Hollis came looking for her, she would avoid him if she could.
For five whole days, Nicholas Hollis didn’t even get to see her face.
Nicholas Hollis grew increasingly anxious, while Anna Hollis and Alice Lynch were reveling in the situation.
The two were plotting how to get rid of Eleanor Hollis when Anna Hollis was suddenly grabbed and pulled into a car upon leaving the house one day.
A black cloth was placed over her eyes, blocking her view, and even her mouth was stuffed with fabric.
She could hear the voices of several men discussing how much money they might earn from this deal.
"Heard she’s Nicholas Hollis’s daughter; I’d estimate at least a million."
"If the Hollis Family doesn’t pay up, we’ll kill her!"
Anna Hollis recoiled in fright upon hearing their words; she didn’t want to die!
She desperately struggled, signaling the men to remove the fabric from her mouth.
The men exchanged glances and pulled the cloth from her mouth.
Anna Hollis immediately fell to the ground, her face ashen with fear.
"Please don’t kill me. No matter the amount, the Hollis Family will pay. Just don’t kill me!"
Her eyes were still covered by the black cloth, rendering her unable to see the men’s faces, and she dared not remove it, fearing they might silence her permanently.
"Anna Hollis, listen up. Your mother once offended us. We want that lowlife to personally bring the money. Otherwise, I’ll give you to my brothers here so they can have their fun."
Anna Hollis shuddered; how could she be desecrated? She was supposed to marry her family’s prominent benefactor someday!
"Alright, I’ll call my mom! I’ll call her! Just don’t touch me..."
She spoke while trembling, fumbling for her phone, her fingers shaking badly from fear as she dialed.
The men watched quietly, discreetly reporting everything to Lan Yancy.
They were all sent by Lan Yancy, acting on his instructions.
"Mom...hmm, hmm, mom, please save me. I’ve been kidnapped, and they want you to bring money..."
Alice Lynch was initially pleased to see it was a call from Anna Hollis, but as soon as she answered, she was startled by what she heard.
She jumped in surprise, abandoned her mahjong game, asked for an excuse, and headed to a quiet place, leaving three wealthy ladies behind.
"Anna, what happened?"
Anna Hollis cried continuously, her words fragmented and broken.
Alice Lynch could hear the sound of slaps clearly, indicating her daughter was being mistreated.
"Mom, you can’t call the police or tell Dad, or else I’ll be finished, sob sob..."
Anna Hollis regretted ever stepping out today.
Alice Lynch was incredibly anxious; she initially thought of asking Nicholas Hollis for help, but hearing Anna’s words, she dared not act rashly.
Anna Hollis’s phone was snatched away by a man who laughed mockingly.
"Rachel Lynch, long time no see. Years ago, my son died because of you. Today I’ve abducted your daughter; fair, isn’t it? If you don’t personally deliver the money, I’ll let all my brothers have a taste of your daughter and post the photos online. Your Hollis Family is considered esteemed; I want everyone to know your precious daughter was ruined."
What the man said was truly cruel, and Alice Lynch turned pale just from hearing it.
Since returning to the Hollis Family, she ensured she hadn’t offended anyone, let alone crossed the man on the phone. Yet, if he said this, it meant her sister had indeed done such things.
But right now, she was Rachel Lynch, and Anna Hollis was in their hands. She had to follow their instructions.
However, Alice Lynch wasn’t foolish; if she went alone to deliver the money and they reneged, turning against her, she would be doomed.
After pondering, she decided to inform Nicholas Hollis about the situation.
Nicholas Hollis was naturally shocked and immediately wanted to call the police.
"Nicholas, we can’t involve the police. Have some people follow me. I need to deliver the money; otherwise, Anna’s life will be ruined."
Seeing how much she cared for Anna, Nicholas Hollis felt uneasy.
After all, Anna Hollis wasn’t his child. Was her kindness towards that child because she couldn’t forget her former lover?
"You’ll be in danger; they’re targeting you, Stella. We should call the police and let them act discreetly. It should be fine."
Alice Lynch’s face showed a hint of conflict; she was indeed terrified of something happening, but she had to save Anna.
"Alright, Nicholas, I only have Anna as a daughter; she can’t come to harm, or I won’t live either."
With that, she started to cry.
Nicholas Hollis suppressed his inner agitation and began comforting her after getting people to call the police.
Soon, the police arrived at the Hollis Family to understand the situation, saying they would follow Alice Lynch to protect her and ensure her safety.
Alice Lynch was thoroughly reassured; however, as soon as they finished planning everything with the police, her phone rang. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✦𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✦𝕟𝕖𝕥
She saw the familiar number, knew it was the kidnappers, and quickly signaled to the police.
The police gestured for silence, and everyone became still as Alice Lynch pressed the answer button.
"Rachel Lynch, I told you not to call the police. Seems you didn’t heed my words; I’ll kill your daughter now!"
The man’s voice was vicious, like it came from the deepest hell, and Alice Lynch couldn’t help but shiver.
Then Anna Hollis’s voice came, frantic and terrified.
"Help! Help! Don’t come near! Don’t come near!"
Alice Lynch jumped in fright; she had just called the police, why did the other side know?
"Mom! Mom, save me! If I’m violated, I won’t live!!"
Anna Hollis’s voice from the phone made Alice Lynch’s heart clench, gripping her phone tightly.
"Don’t do anything rash. I’ll have the police leave immediately! Don’t touch Anna, whatever the amount, I’ll pay you!"
Alice Lynch’s voice almost broke; her body was weak. This wasn’t an ordinary kidnapper; they knew she had called the police—damn it!
After hanging up, her forehead was covered in sweat, her legs slightly weak. Anna mustn’t stay there any longer; she had to hurry and retrieve her.
"You guys go back, I’ll handle this myself..."
Her eyes were red, making Nicholas Hollis somewhat reluctant.
"Mr. Hollis, if we don’t follow behind, your wife may be in danger."
The police spoke earnestly, hoping they would consider carefully.
"Leave! Get out of here!"
Alice Lynch’s emotions were on the verge of collapsing; Anna Hollis was her only child, her hope for the future. She must not come to harm!