The Sleeper's Wrath and His Wife's Strike novel Chapter 196

“People on the dark web only care about money. If someone really took the job, they’d just kill us. Why bother keeping us alive?”

“Oh, you think so? Maybe we’re worth more than cash to them.”

“And what special talent do you think you have?” Lester teased, rolling his eyes at Lindsay.

“Whatever it is, it’s definitely better than yours.”

Lester just snorted. He knew Lindsay liked to exaggerate—he was well aware of her limits.

Time passed slowly in the darkness. It was impossible to tell how long they’d been waiting before the heavy iron door to the basement finally creaked open. Two men walked in—both massive, easily six-foot-three and built like linebackers.

They each strode over and grabbed Lester and Lindsay by the shoulders, their hands so large they felt like bear paws digging into bone. With barely a word, the men dragged them up the stairs and tossed them roughly onto the living room floor.

Lindsay gritted her teeth against the pain and forced herself upright. She fixed her gaze on the man lounging on the couch—his back was to her, so she couldn’t see his face, but the golden curls and pale skin left little doubt about his nationality.

Lester scrambled up too, glaring at the man. “You’re the one who brought us here? What do you want—money, or something else?”

The blond man turned around, icy blue eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. His smile was sharp and unsettling. “It’s been a long time since anyone spoke to me like that,” he said, his voice a low rumble.

Before Lester could react, one of the goons behind him landed a brutal punch. Lester had never been much of a fighter, and with his hands and feet tied, he was completely helpless.

But Lindsay remained standing, eyes fixed on his face as she got straight to the point. “Let’s not waste time. What do you want?”

“So impatient.” The man chuckled, stepping over and untying her wrists and ankles. “My guys have no sense of manners, tying up a lady like that.”

Lindsay just shot him a cool, indifferent smile, unmoved by his feigned courtesy.

“You’re with the dark web, aren’t you?” she asked bluntly. “Did you come for the eight-hundred-thousand-dollar bounty?”

He didn’t answer her question. Instead, he held out his hand. “Let’s start with introductions. I’m Arthur. And you are?”