Sophie decided not to feign unconsciousness any longer, knowing that pretending could only lead to


    more trouble.


    The gang’s leader approached Sophie with a knife and ripped the duct tape from her mouth.


    Sophie remained silent, not screaming or calling for help, which surprised the leader. Typically, their


    captives would scream for help the moment they regained consciousness, but this woman showed no


    fear, her face devoid of terror.


    “James‘ woman is indeed extraordinary,” the leader remarked, scrutinizing Sophie’s face. “Such a


    beautiful face,” he mused, lightly pinching her chin.


    “There’s no need to intimidate me. You wouldn’t harm me before receiving the ransom,” Sophie stated


    confidently.


    It was clear these men were professional kidnappers and hitmen, adhering to certain unspoken rules of


    their trade.


    True to form, the leader released Sophie, saying, “Someone’s paid us to take your life. As soon as


    James‘ payment is confirmed, we’ll do away with you. One way or another, you’re doomed. By then,


    we’ll have had our fun without loss.”


    Sophie couldn’t help butugh at his words.


    any


    Seeing no fear on her face, the leader grew displeased. “What’s so funny?”


    “You’re being incredibly naive,” Sophie retorted. “Do you know who James is? Do you know who I am?


    Can you truly ensure your escape by boat after receiving the money? You have no guarantees. If you


    lay a finger on me and James gets his hands on you afterward, need I spell out your fate?”


    The men exchanged nces, evidently pondering her words.


    Sophie continued, “I may have many ws, but I have a strong will. If you touch me, I’ll find a way to


    end my own life. James will want proof of my safety before he pays. If he finds out I’m dead, what do


    you think will happen to you?”


    “Alright, you’ve made your point!” the leader conceded, stepping back. “You’ll meet your end by our


    hands eventually, so go ahead and be defiant for now. Once we get the money…”


    “You n to kill me, hoping to catch James off guard and then flee by boat to international waters,


    right?” Sophie interrupted, seeing through their n.


    The men fell silent, their initial scheme exposed.


    Sophie smiled. “You’re after money. Taking it from James is no small feat, and I admire your courage.


    We could, however, make a deal that benefits us both.”


    “What kind of deal?” one of them asked, puzzled.


    “A perfect deal that ensures you get the money, allows you to fulfill your contract by iming my life,


    and even earns you an extra sum from me afterward.”


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    The men looked at each other, confused by her proposal.


    Sophie smiled sneakily at them.


    Meanwhile, James had mobilized the entire Devonport security force, tracking them to the docks.


    Only one boat was moored at the dock, and upon seeing this, Colt immediately reported to James, “Mr.


    Burke, it seems the kidnappers n to escape with the ransom.”


    “We can’t let them get away!” James‘ gaze was fixed on the boat. “Sophie is still on board. Give them


    the money and demand her release!”


    “But Mr. Burke, that’s ten billion dors!”


    Colt looked troubled, knowing that Burke International needed those funds for various projects. Losing


    ten billion dors to the kidnappers could severely impact the Burke family’s business operations.


    “Enough! Do as I say!”


    “Mr. Burke…”


    “Nothing is more important than Sophie’s life! Do you understand?”