Chapter 4

When I woke up the next day, the room was empty.

From downstairs, I could hear Isabella and Sebastian's cheerful laughter.

I mechanically sat at the dining table, eating breakfast.

"Your face... does it hurt?"

Isabella stared anxiously at my injuries, noticing faint traces of blood seeping from beneath the swollen skin.

I shook my head, my voice hoarse and weak. "It's fine. It doesn't hurt."

"How could it not hurt?"

She rushed over anxiously to examine my wounds.

Then, as if realizing something, she shoved me to the ground.

"You're playing mind games again, aren't you? Just three slaps, how could it be this bad?"

I no longer felt the pain, just mechanically got to my feet.

"I'm done eating. You two enjoy."

"Jacob, wait a minute!"

Sebastian grabbed my arm, holding out a new suit.

He playfully tapped Isabella's nose.

"Alright now, he's the kid you practically raised. Can you really stay mad at him?"

"Tonight's the party specifically for Jacob. He can't look like this. I got him a new suit. Go try it on."

Isabella patted his hand, moved, then turned to me with a look of exasperation.

"Stop your scheming. Behave yourself."

I nodded obediently and followed Sebastian upstairs.

He dismissed the servants and began to help me undress, looking at the crisscrossing scars on my body as if admiring a masterpiece.

"Jacob Sterling, it wasn't a waste for me to have people 'take special care' of you. This body full of scars is disgusting to look at."

"How can you compete with me for Isabella? Her husband will only be me. The position of heir can only go to our child. What are you?"

Hearing this, I was somewhat surprised, but I no longer had the energy to be angry.

"I won't fight you. I'll leave."

Sebastian scoffed, not believing me at all.

"I'll only be at ease when I send you away myself."

With that, he chopped the back of my neck, knocking me out.

"Trouble, trouble! Mr. Thorne and young Mr. Sterling are gone!"

"Looking at the room, it seems they've been kidnapped!"

A servant held a letter with large, stark words.

"To ransom them, come to the abandoned warehouse."

Isabella's hand, holding her teacup, trembled. She was livid.

"Rescue them!"

When I woke up, Sebastian and I were tied to pillars in an abandoned warehouse.

The expensive white suit was pristine on me, but Sebastian was covered in blood, barely breathing.

Isabella stood opposite, tensed for a confrontation.

"Isabella Blackwood, I didn't think you'd actually dare to come!"

"Take one step back!"

With that, a knife plunged into Sebastian's arm. Blood spurted instantly.

"No!"

Isabella's eyes were bloodshot, her voice a raw scream.

Her men stood behind her, but dared not make a rash move, only cautiously taking a step back.

"Whatever you want, I'll agree!"

"Is it money you want? I brought it!"

As bundles of cash scattered across the floor, the kidnapper finally relented.

His playful gaze darted between me and Sebastian, an interested look on his face.

"This much money is only enough to save one. Let's see who you choose."