Third Person's POV
Blake narrowed his cold eyes; he was certain Olivia was hiding a crucial secret.
Olivia was in agony, covering her face with her hands as she wept bitterly, "Why? Why won't you send me to the police? Why won't you believe me? Are you really trying to get my daughter killed?"
"Olivia, where's Sunny? Tell us now!" Blake strode forward, gripping her wrist furiously, almost growling.
Olivia was utterly desperate, shaking her head mechanically. "I can die, but not my daughter! Don't ask anymore, just send me to the police!"
"Richard kidnapped Sunny to force you to take the fall, didn't he? And he warned you not to tell a soul, or he'd kill her," Blake's gaze was like a knife. "I'm curious—how did he know Sunny was your daughter? Did he find out long ago?"
Olivia froze, her voice trembling: "Yes… He's forcing me to confess and not to utter a word. Only if I plead guilty will my daughter live. Please, save her—she's innocent!"
Leo's face was icy, his eyes bloodshot with rage. "Why didn't you say this earlier? Do you realize Richard might just kill her now? Why trust him over us?"
He was nearly driven mad by this foolish decision.
Olivia was at a loss, shaking her head frantically. "I had no choice! Now that you know she's my daughter, how could you possibly treat her well? You hate me—how dare I take the risk? This is my karma, but Sunny knows nothing—she's so pitiable…"
Blake had no sympathy whatsoever. Even if she was begging on her knees, it wouldn't move him. He said, "You can trust us now. We'll give you a chance to save your daughter, but you must promise no more lies."
He sat back on the sofa, his expression gloomy and his gaze cold.
"Really? Can I trust you?" Olivia looked up in shock.
"Sunny can't die. I still have accounts to settle with her," Leo said through gritted teeth.
Olivia's heart trembled, her face filled with pleading. "Please, don't take it out on her! Let all the blame fall on me!"
"My business is none of your concern," Leo snapped coldly.
Blake's tone was calm, "What conditions did Richard set? Tell the truth. If he wants you to confess, we can play along, but we must ensure Sunny's released first."
"I'll only confess once I see her safe with my own eyes," Olivia nodded hastily.
"When did he say he'd release her?"
"He didn't specify… He knows I'm powerless and is just threatening me. I'm nearly driven mad…" Olivia's face was pale, so terrified she couldn't even cry.
"Negotiate with him again. Demand her release first, and you'll confess immediately. We must confirm Sunny's safety before having him monitor you on the way to the police station," Blake quickly devised a plan.
"Will he agree?" Olivia was doubtful.
"He will. He wants to evade punishment. Keeping Sunny only adds to his crimes. Killing her or continuing to hold her would land him a death sentence. Insist on negotiating—he'll back down," Blake said firmly.
"Alright, I'll call right now—" Olivia fumbled for her pocket, then remembered she'd thrown her phone into the river. Panic set in.
"Calm down. Contact him first thing tomorrow. Have him send someone. You must witness Sunny's safe departure before heading to the police. Remember—don't give an inch," Blake reminded calmly.
"Blake, what if something happens to Sunny?" Fear filled Leo's voice.
"Rest assured. Richard won't act rashly. He needs Olivia to take the fall—he won't risk killing Sunny," Blake tried to soothe him.
"I'm scared…" Leo's face was fraught with anxiety, on the brink of tears.
Blake gripped the armrest, his voice grave, "We have no choice but to gamble that he won't go too far."
"I'm going to confront him and get Sunny back!" Leo couldn't bear the torment any longer and turned to storm out.
Olivia rushed to stop him. "No! If you go, Sunny's as good as dead! He warned me not to tell a soul—please, you must keep this secret!"
Blake stood and placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "Don't be impulsive. I'll have men surveil Richard. We'll rescue Sunny at the first opportunity."
Leo looked at Blake, his eyes brimming with distress.
"Calm down," Blake said, understanding Leo's pain—if Catherine were in danger, he'd lose his mind too.
Leo turned to Olivia, his gaze fierce. "If anything happens to her, you're a dead woman."
Olivia stared at him, dazed, yet a flicker of hope ignited in her heart—perhaps Leo truly cared about his daughter's safety.
After the Blake brothers left, Olivia's taut nerves finally eased slightly.
On the way back, Leo's face was as dark as a storm cloud, silent but for the raging turmoil within. His reason was nearly overwhelmed.
Seeing Leo's clenched fists, Blake sighed and said, "Don't worry. Sunny will be back safe tomorrow."
"I'm scared Richard might hurt her," Leo admitted, no longer hiding his fear, his eyes reddening. "I really am scared."
"Richard's ruthless, but his goal is to have Olivia take the fall. As long as Sunny's useful to him, he won't harm her," Blake analyzed coolly.
"Are your men keeping a tight watch on him?" Leo still couldn't ease his mind; every time he closed his eyes, he pictured Sunny in despair.
"Relax. He's at Nick's place and hasn't moved an inch," Blake confirmed with a nod.
"Dammit, how did he kidnap Sunny? Did he snatch her in public again?" Leo ground his teeth in fury.