The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 118

The guy in black gave a twisted smile. “Come on, Ms. Rivas. No need to make this sound ugly. Mr. Heath is loaded. We’re just helping him share the wealth a bit.”

“If this all goes smoothly, you’ll even get a bonus…”

“No, absolutely not! I don’t know anything. If it’s money you want, I’ll give you what I have!”

He laughed, low and cold. “I’m not after your money, and even if I was, you couldn’t afford it. All I need from you is some simple info about Mr. Heath’s travel plans. That’s it. Nothing else.”

Her father, Jackson, was in charge of driving Cody to and from school. The Heath family didn’t mess around. There were more than ten different cars in rotation for those school runs. The Heath family’s wealth made them a target. Cody’s ride changed every day, and he was never without at least a dozen bodyguards.

Anyone trying to kidnap Cody would need a rock-solid plan and exact details about his movements.

“I—I really don’t know anything,” Shannon’s voice shook, her whole body trembling as she tried to resist.

He slapped her. Once. Twice. The sharp cracks echoed in the room.

Shannon hit the floor, pain shooting through her so hard she almost passed out.

“Stop being difficult, Ms. Rivas! I’m not a patient guy. If you don’t want to play nice, I’m gonna rough.”

He grabbed her by the hair and dragged her into the bedroom.

“No! Let go! Don’t touch me! If don’t hurt me… I… I’ll try,” she stammered, panic and defeat in her voice.

He smirked. “That’s better. See? It’s not so hard. We’re all just working together here.”

“If I tell you what you want, will you really delete all the videos?” Shannon asked, her eyes brimming with tears. “And you can’t hurt Cody. Promise me.”

He grinned like it was nothing. “Relax. We’re professionals. We’re only after the money. As long as Mr. Heath pays up, the kid won’t have a scratch on him.”

Shannon slowly picked herself up, taking a shaky breath. “…Okay. Fine. I’ll do it.”

He winked, all fake charm. “Looking forward to working with you.”

…

Meanwhile, at New Amberton Hospital, Mr. Anderson was finally out of danger after surgery.

When he woke up, Lucie was right there.

She hurried to his bedside, guilt and worry written all over her face. “Grandpa, you’re awake. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things…”

He took a moment to clear his head, then reached for her hand. “Don’t beat yourself up, sweetheart. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I should’ve protected you better.”

He watched her, silent, heartbroken.

Her phone buzzed. Mira was calling.

Lucie glanced at the screen and stood up. “Grandpa, I’ve got to take this call.”

She stepped into the hallway.

“Hey, Mira.”

Mira sounded frustrated. “Lucie, my friend finally got back to me.”

“And?”

“Every time Steven goes to Switzerland, he visits the same fancy private clinic.”

Lucie blinked. “A clinic? What’s he even doing there?”

Mira let out an exasperated sigh. “That place is locked down tighter than a bank vault. If you’re not a member, there’s no way in.”