Chapter 62: The ransom call
The man’s smug expression vanished in an instant, his face tightening with irritation. "You think I’m bluffing?" he snapped, his voice rising in anger. "Your wife is with me. She has been kidnapped, and anything could happen to her at any second. Bring the money, or you’ll regret it."
Nathaniel’s tone remained calm. "Why should I believe you? If she is really with you, then let me talk to her."
As soon as he said those words, he cast a sideways glance at Roberto, asking him silently if the call was being traced. Roberto gave him a subtle nod—keep him talking.
The man on the other end scoffed, annoyed. "Fine," he hissed. "You want proof? Talk to her." He turned on the speakerphone and shoved it close to Zara’s battered face.
"Speak," he ordered coldly, giving her a threatening look. "Tell your husband to come and save you."
Zara opened her mouth, but the pain in her jaw was unbearable. A sharp, searing ache forced her to clamp it shut again. Her lips trembled as she tried again, but no words came out. Only a soft, broken whimper escaped.
The man’s eyes darkened as he glowered at her, mouthing the word "Speak" with menace. But Zara, in too much pain, could only manage a faint sound of distress.
"What’s wrong?" Nathaniel’s voice rang through the speaker. "Where is she? Let me hear her. Or... is she not there with you?"
The man’s jaw clenched as he threw Zara a furious glare, motioning again for her to speak. But her silence stretched on.
"I knew you were lying," Nathaniel said flatly. "You are just trying to scam money out of me, aren’t you?"
Zara’s chest tightened as Nathaniel’s voice echoed through the phone. Her heart sank like a stone. It was happening all over again, just like in her past life.