Third Person's POV
"It's impossible. Who was Sunny with today? Interrogate that person," Blake said. He knew Sunny's skills well enough to be certain she wouldn't be kidnapped in public again.
"It was her assistant, Clarissa. I checked, and she claimed they parted ways in the afternoon," Leo said, leaning wearily against the chair.
Blake narrowed his eyes, staring at the night outside the car window. "It's already past midnight, and Sunny still isn't back. Summon Clarissa to the company on the pretext of worrying about Sunny's safety."
"You suspect her?" Leo stiffened, a chill running down his spine.
"If she dares to come, her suspicion lessens; if not..." Blake sneered. "What do you think?"
Leo snapped to attention. "Right! Why didn't I think of that? Blake, you're always calm in critical moments."
"Anyone can lose their composure in situations like this. I might not fare better myself," Blake patted Leo's shoulder.
"You must protect Catherine and the kids. Richard's gone mad—he'll stop at nothing," Leo was seething with rage, itching to teach the old fox a lesson.
"I understand. From now on, everyone must be on high alert," Blake's expression was grave, his mind already on high alert.
Leo immediately called Clarissa.
"Boss? So late... Has Sunny returned?" Clarissa's voice came through the receiver, laced with concern.
"Not yet. Come to the company now. I need to ask you something," Leo's tone was icy.
"Ah? Now? It's too late. Can't it wait until tomorrow..."
"No. Now. The police will also assist in the investigation shortly, and you must cooperate," Leo brooked no argument.
"I... I can't leave. I have an emergency..." Clarissa's voice began to stammer, and then the call abruptly ended.
Leo and Blake exchanged glances, their faces pale.
"Blake, she's suspicious!" Leo's face drained of color.
"Have we thoroughly checked her background? Dig deeper immediately," Blake's gaze was sharp. "She's likely a mole planted by Richard, ingratiating herself with Sunny to gain trust. She's definitely involved in this kidnapping."
"I'll call the police now!" Leo shook with rage.
"No. Alerting the police might spook them. Olivia's negotiation tomorrow would be jeopardized. At least wait until she's dealt with Richard before moving against Clarissa," Blake pressed Leo's shoulder.
Leo massaged his temples, consumed by guilt. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have hired people so carelessly, giving Richard a chance to exploit..."
"Don't shoulder the blame. Richard's always been dangerous," Blake comforted, pained to see Leo so distraught.
"I really want to kill him!" Leo growled, barely containing his fury.
"Impulsiveness won't solve anything. It'll only land you in deeper trouble. Trust me, there's a better way," Blake warned seriously, fearing Leo might act rashly.
Leo fell silent, closing his eyes and leaning back in the chair—a night that felt endless.
Meanwhile, Sunny was bound in a dim room. Weak from dehydration, she could barely stand.
"Is anyone there? I need to use the bathroom," she called feebly.
Bianca entered, wordlessly untying Sunny's legs.
Sunny's hopes rose. Seizing the moment, she lashed out with a kick.
Most would have been floored, but Bianca sidestepped effortlessly, sneering, "Heard you know taekwondo? Against me, it's child's play."
Undeterred, Sunny kept attacking.
Bianca snapped, raining blows down on her.
With her hands bound, Sunny could only endure, taking a brutal kick to the gut that sent her crashing into the wall. Dizzy and disoriented, she felt as if her organs were shattered.
"If you need the bathroom, hurry up. Try that again, and I'll show you no mercy," Bianca loomed over her.
Sunny struggled to her feet, gritting her teeth. "My hands are still tied. How am I supposed to go?"
Bianca impatiently freed her wrists.
As Sunny prepared to resist again, the cold barrel of a gun pressed against her temple. "Think twice before moving."
Faced with the gun, even Sunny's strong will to live halted any rash action.
After returning from the bathroom, Bianca motioned to the door, and a man entered.
The man leered at Sunny, advancing hungrily. She kicked him to the ground.
Enraged, he raised a hand to slap her.
"I told you to kidnap her, not touch her!" Bianca snapped irritably.
"Let me have some fun! She's a hot star—I'll never have a chance like this again..."
"Are you tired of living? She's a cash cow—damage her, and where will we find a replacement?" Bianca glared, her tone vicious.
The man backed off, grabbing the rope to tie Sunny up.
As Sunny prepared to resist, Bianca suddenly fired a shot at her feet.
The gunshot exploded in the small room. Sunny froze, watching helplessly as the man groped her before securing the ropes tightly.
She fought back nausea, her face pale as paper.
"Want something to eat?" Bianca suddenly switched to a mockingly sweet tone.
"No!" Sunny spat through gritted teeth.
"Then... how about a story?" Bianca threw back her head in laughter, her voice dripping with malicious mockery.
Sunny turned away in disgust. "Shut up and get out!"
"You don't want to hear it? Bad for you. I'm telling it anyway. And you better listen carefully—it's all about you."