Chapter 7

I still remember my 18th birthday was a perfectly clear day. Seaside City in June was unbearably hot. The cicadas' cries marked the start of the SATs.

Over the years, thanks to Theo's special treatment, I slowly became accepted in their circle. His cousin Zane even became a good friend. Except for Cora.

Our relationship, which had improved slightly, fractured again as Theo and I grew closer.

I knew she had liked Theo since childhood. She scolded me for being so high-profile, saying I'd end up crying one day.

I didn't take it seriously, thinking it was just jealous talk from a girl unable to get what she wanted.

But I forgot she'd been in this circle much longer than me. She saw the looming crisis more clearly.

Theo had mentioned he'd give me an unforgettable birthday this year.

I already had a vague idea of what he planned to do.

I’ve known since childhood that she’s had a crush on Theo.

She scolded me, saying that someone with my status shouldn’t make such a big deal out of a confession.

"Fiona Lin, nobody in our circle dares to treat Theo like that. With your high-profile antics, you’re bound to end up crying one day!"

I didn’t pay it any mind, thinking it was just jealousy from a girl who couldn’t have what she wanted. But I forgot that she’d been part of this world much longer than I had and could see the hidden dangers more clearly.

Theo had already told me that this year, he was going to make my birthday unforgettable. I had a hunch about what he was planning.

Last year, when I confessed, he turned me down with "You’re still young," but now it had shifted to "Let’s talk when you’re older." When people mentioned me in his presence, they’d tease him with, "Your Fiona." He would just smile without further explanation.

His behavior seemed to announce one thing: I was no longer just admiring him from afar.

So, this year, I started looking forward to my birthday days in advance. On that day, I wore the brightest yellow sundress in my wardrobe, applied a bit of lipstick, and left home in high spirits.

Theo had been busy with a deal for his company, Jing’an International, so I didn’t ask him to pick me up. Instead, the Lewis family driver took me to our meeting place.

But as soon as the car got onto the Seaside City Bridge, two vans blocked us. The driver slammed on the brakes, nearly throwing me forward.

Before I could grasp what was happening, five or six men rushed out of the vans, yanked open my car door, and dragged me out. They looked fierce and menacing, and fear gripped my heart.

Then, a handkerchief with a strong medicinal smell covered my face. I heard one of them say, "Grab this girl’s phone and call Theo. See if he wants this gift."

My heart sank. I knew the acquisition he was working on was challenging, and the other party had even roped in some shady characters to deal with him.

If my guess was right, they planned to use me to force Theo to abandon the acquisition.

"Hey, Fiona—" I managed to call out "third brother" before I completely lost consciousness.

When I woke up, it was pitch dark. Several unfamiliar faces were smirking at me.

I struggled wildly, my wrists chafed painfully by the ropes. One of them cursed, walked over, pinned me to the ground, and twisted my shoulders harshly.

My screams echoed in the dilapidated house. My dislocated arms hung limply, and I lost the strength to struggle.

The kidnappers picked up my phone and called Theo again, demanding 60 million in ransom.

If he chose to save me, the 60 million shortfall would force him to abandon the acquisition, affecting Jing’an’s future and his business empire.

I was lost in thought when I heard a response on the other end of the line. Theo’s voice was distant and cold, "60 million?" Then there was a long, dead silence. My heart turned cold inch by inch. "Third brother..." I murmured. Did I overestimate my importance?

Would he really exchange part of his business empire for me? The kidnappers lost patience.

"I heard this girl is a piano prodigy? Heh, Mr. Theo, what do you say if a pianist loses her hands?"

I saw him press down on my hand and raise a hammer high. It hurt so much. It really did. I curled up, convulsing in pain.

The sound of bones breaking and flesh being crushed echoed in my ears. Cold sweat soaked my dress. I screamed in agony.

The kidnapper laughed into the phone, "Mr. Theo, does it sound good? If you don’t speak, I’ll hit again!"

I cried to Theo on the phone, "Third brother, I beg you to save me! They’ll really cripple my hands!"

The kidnapper taunted, "Come on, the prominent second son of the Taylor family, won’t you even spare 60 million for your little girlfriend?"

Theo laughed. "Little girlfriend? You’re thinking too much. Everyone knows that we Taylors always marry into the Carter family. If my fiancée hears this, I’ll be in trouble."