Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 123

er 123 Only One Gets to Live

Jake’s POV:

The office door slammed open, and Jorge stormed inside.

“Jake! Did you hear? Peggie’s been kidnapped!”

I clenched my jaw and glared at him. “Deanna’s been kidnapped too.”

Jorge’s face paled. “We need to pay the ransom to save Peggie! You know her heart surgery wasn’t long ago. She can’t handle stress like this.”

I leaned back in my chair and shut my eyes. “The rogues said 20 million for one. Just one.”

“What? If it’s 20 million each, why not 40 million for both?” Jorge’s voice rose, almost desperate.

“I asked,” I muttered. “They refused. They only want 20 million. How ridiculous. They didn’t just want my money. They wanted to make me choose.”

“Then who are you going to pick?” Jorge asked.

I didn’t answer.

“Peggie’s fragile,” he continued. “She’s probably terrified right now. Deanna’s stronger–she can handle this. Let’s get Peggie out, then go back for Deanna.”

I glared at him. “I couldn’t let anything happen to either of them.”

“Jake, listen to me. This is their demand,” he argued. “If you don’t choose, they might kill both. Don’t take that risk! Pick Peggie!”

His words tore through me like a knife. I thought about the last time Deanna was kidnapped.

Back then, I didn’t believe her. I let her slip away.

This time, I swore I wouldn’t make the same mistake. I wouldn’t let go of her again.

But then there is Peggie …

For the first time in my life, I couldn’t decide.

“I’ll give them 50 million,” I said finally, my voice low but firm. “I’ll save them both. And I’ll

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have my guards stationed nearby for backup.”

The next morning, Jorge and I left with a huge bag of cash.

Following the rogue’s instructions, we drove deep into the mountains outside the city.

When we reached the meeting point, my phone buzzed–another message. They changed to a new location.

“Those scumbags!” I cursed under my breath.

I had stationed guards all around this area. Now, with this sudden change, the entire plan was ruined.

“Don’t waste time!” Jorge turned the car around immediately, following the new address.

“The kidnappers aren’t stupid. If we can save both, we do it. But if not, make sure Peggie gets out alive! You hear me?”

The car finally stopped at the base of a steep mountain trail.

We had no choice but to climb. Step by step, we made our way up until the rocky path opened to a cliff at the top.

As we neared the top of the mountain, I caught a faint trace of Deanna’s fragrance in the cold air.

“Mr. Olson,” a voice came from the shadows, “you’re right on time.”

The kidnappers stepped out, dragging two women with them, stopping at the edge of the cliff.

My face darkened. I glared at them and threw the duffel bag toward their feet.

“There’s 50 million in cash. Let them go.”

One of the men’s eyes gleamed with greed as he stared at the money. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. The greed in his eyes couldn’t be more obvious.

But then he looked up again. “Mr. Olson,” he sneered, “we only asked for 20 million. You tell us. Who do we release?”

The veins in my temple throbbed.

“You got a death wish, huh? You really think you can kidnap my woman and walk away alive?” I roared. “Let them both go, and I’ll forget this ever happened!”

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The kidnapper hesitated for a second but then shook his head stubbornly.

“Too much money and we’ll never get out of here. You pick one. If you don’t, I’ll throw them both off this cliff.”

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