Chris parked his car at a safe distance from the warehouse where Vanessa had stopped and killed the engine.
The building before him lood in the sunlight, its corrugated tal walls rusted with age and neglect.
Vanessa's car was parked haphazardly in front, and Chris had watched her slip inside a few monts ago. Now, he crouched low and moved closer, careful to stay hidden.
He scanned the area, his heart pounding. A second vehicle, a dark van with scuff marks along its side, was parked near the warehouse entrance. Chris recognized it instantly. It was the sa one he had seen in the CCTV footage where Emma was dragged into.
The sa van he had described to the police during the report—this was the vehicle used in Emma's abduction.
His breath quickened as the realization sank in. This was it. This was where Emma was being held.
Chris pulled out his phone and dialed Alex making sure no one was around there to hear his conversation or see him.
"Chris," Alex answered almost imdiately, his voice sharp with anticipation.
"She's here," Chris whispered, his eyes locked on the warehouse. "Vanessa stopped at an old abandoned warehouse. The van's here too—the one they used to take Emma. This is the place."
"Good," Alex replied, his voice tight. "We're already on our way. The police are mobilizing now. Just keep an eye out. Don't go in alone. Do you hear , Chris? Stay out of sight and wait for backup."
"I hear you," Chris said, his jaw tightening. "Just get here fast."
Alex agreed, and Chris ended the call, his gaze flicking back to the warehouse. He sank deeper behind Vanessa's car where he was hidden, every muscle in his body coiled with tension.
Inside the warehouse, Vanessa strode confidently through the dimly lit space, her heels echoing against the concrete floor.
She stopped when two n erged from the shadows: the bearded man and the clean-shaven man who had carried out the abduction.
"You made it," the bearded man said, nodding to her.
Vanessa smirked. "Of course I did. And you two," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction, "you've done well. No slip-ups, no mistakes. Exactly as I ordered."
The clean-shaven man shrugged. "Wasn't easy getting her here, but we managed."
"What about the n you said you took care of? Where their bodies hidden? How did you do it?" she asked looking at them since she needed to be sure nothing about this was going to co back to her.
Both the n exchanged glances before looking at her. "We burned the bodies," the bearded guy lied and Vanessa nodded in approval.
Vanessa's eyes glead as she gestured toward the far end of the warehouse. "Good. Where is she?"
"Follow us," the bearded man said, leading the way.
They walked down a narrow corridor to a small, dimly lit room. Emma sat in the center, tied to a chair, her wrists bound tightly with ropes.
Her hair was disheveled, her face pale but defiant. The room was cold, and only had one window which was high above the ground, and out of reach.
Vanessa stepped inside, her eyes scanning the space with satisfaction. "Perfect," she murmured, noting the lack of escape routes. She turned her attention to Emma, her lips curling into a cruel smile.
"Well, well," Vanessa began, her voice mockingly sweet. "Who would've thought the perfect Emma would et her punishnt so soon?"
Emma's brow furrowed, confusion flickering in her eyes. "Punishnt? For what? What ga are you playing? What did I do to you? Why ?" she asked looking at Vanessa while wondering what she must have done to the stranger.
She hadn't seen Vanessa's pictures when Vanessa had posted the picture she took from her date with Alex so Emma didn't know and couldn't recognize Vanessa's face.
Vanessa's laughter rang out, sharp and biting. "Oh, Emma, don't play dumb. You stole Jake from . And you've been living your happy little life, pretending like you didn't destroy mine. I'm glad you got what you deserved though."
Emma stared at her, the pieces slowly falling into place. Realization dawned, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "Jake... you're talking about stealing Jake. Does that an you're his... Vanessa?"
Vanessa's smile widened. "Took you long enough."
Emma blinked, her voice incredulous. "How did I steal Jake? I don't even rember seeing you before."
"Why would you?" Vanessa spat, her eyes narrowing. "You were one of the girls who thought I was a nerd. But that's not the point. The point is, Jake should've been mine right from college. And now, thanks to , he will be mine forever."
Emma's lips parted, her voice laced with disbelief. "What are you talking about?"
Vanessa leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with malice. "It's simple. Once you're gone, Alex will spiral into grief and leave everything behind—again like he did with his late fiancée. Jake will step in to manage the company, and he'll finally be where he's supposed to be.... with rightfully by his side."
Emma's eyes widened, but before she could speak, Vanessa continued, her voice soft and venomous. "Everyone thinks this is about freeing Jake. But it's not. This is about you, Emma. Killing you. That's the plan. Because of you, I had to get a plastic surgery and applied at Ling Corp. I did all I could to have Jake notice . You made struggle to get his attention. Now, I'll finally get my revenge."
For a mont, the room was silent. Then, to Vanessa's shock, Emma began to laugh—a quiet, shaky laugh that grew louder and more defiant.
Vanessa's smile faltered, annoyance creeping in as she wondered what she had said to make Emma laugh. "What's so funny?"
Emma's laughter subsided, and she fixed Vanessa with a steady gaze. "You," Emma said, her voice calm. "I feel sorry for you, Vanessa."
Vanessa blinked, the words hitting her like a slap. "Excuse ?"
"I thought you were pathetic," Emma continued, her voice unwavering. "Hating because of so old grudge. But now I see you're not just pathetic. You're a fool."
"What?" Vanessa asked in annoyance as her hand lashed out, striking Emma across the face. The force of the slap echoed in the room, but Emma didn't flinch.
"I don't care what you do to ," Emma said, her voice stronger now. "But you're going to regret throwing your life away for Jake. A man who could betray his wife will betray a mistress too, without a second thought. You're nothing to him, Vanessa. Just another pawn."
"Shut up....."
"Why? Because you know it's the truth? You're pathetic and you'll always be my shadow, begging for Jake's attention when I had it in full without having to lift a finger," Emma cut in and Vanessa smiled.
"Yet, he left you when I asked him....."
"And he'll leave you the mont you help achieve his goals. He's just using you!" Emma cut in, looking at Vanessa.
Vanessa's face twisted with rage. "Shut up!" she scread, turning to the two n. "Get rid of her. Now."
*********
Happy New Year to you all, my dearest readers! Wishing you all a prosperous year ahead. I wish to see you comnting your thoughts at the end of each Chapter.
I love you and thank you all for your support!
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