Chapter 110

Serena’s POV
I finished sending the last email and stretched my arms above my head, feeling the satisfying pop in my spine after hours hunched over my desk.
The office was quiet now, just a few dedicated designers still working on their projects, the soft clicking of keyboards and occasional murmur the only sounds breaking the silence.
“Serena, you’re still here?” Julian appeared in my doorway, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up. “It’s getting late. Let me drive you home.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m fine,” I smiled, gathering my things. “My car’s just at the shop for maintenance. I’ll grab a taxi—it’s not a problem.”
Julian frowned, his concern evident. “Are you sure? It wouldn’t be any trouble.”
“I’m positive,” I insisted, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “I do this all the time.”
If only I’d known what was waiting for me. If only I’d accepted his offer.
The cool night air hit my face as I stepped outside, refreshing after hours in the air-conditioned studio. A few designers called out their goodbyes, telling me to be careful, but it was just the usual pleasantries. I stood at the curb, raising my hand to hail a taxi.
When one pulled up, I slid into the back seat without a second thought.
“Where to, miss?” The driver asked, his face partially obscured by a baseball cap pulled low.
“Stone Flower City, please,” I replied, settling back into the seat.
“Got it.” He flipped the sign from vacant to occupied and pulled away from the curb.
The dim lighting inside the cab created a cozy atmosphere, and I tucked my phone into my purse, leaning my head back against the headrest.
The pregnancy was making me tired all the time now, and the gentle motion of the car was soothing. I let my eyes close, figuring I could rest during the drive home.
The driver occasionally glanced at me through the rearview mirror as he accelerated onto the main road.
The evening rush hour had passed, making for a smooth ride through the city streets.
When I opened my eyes again, something felt wrong.
The bright city lights had given way to darkness and unfamiliar surroundings. My heart rate instantly doubled as I realized we were far from the city center.
“Excuse me,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the alarm bells ringing in my head. “I think you’ve taken a wrong turn. Stone Flower City is in the opposite direction. This looks like we’re heading to the outskirts.”
I reached for my phone, intending to send Maya my location, but before I could get a firm grip on it, the driver slammed on the brakes.
The sudden stop threw me forward, my head smacking against the back of the front seat. My phone flew from my hand, clattering to the floor of the cab.
The driver turned around swiftly, snatched my phone from the floor, then rolled down his window and tossed it outside into the darkness.
My blood turned to ice. This wasn’t a mistake. This was deliberate.
“Listen,” I said, trying to sound calm despite my racing heart, “I have money in my purse. If that’s what you want, take it all. Just drive me back to the city, and I won’t report this to the police. I promise.”
I held out my bag toward him, hoping he was just after cash.
The man let out a derisive snort. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. No wonder you’re Ryan’s woman.”
The use of Ryan’s name made my entire body go cold. This wasn’t a random crime.
“Who… who sent you?” I managed to ask, my mouth suddenly dry.
“That doesn’t matter,” he replied, restarting the engine. “What matters is that you cooperate and let me get the ransom money. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee your safety.”
He kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror as he drove, his tone becoming increasingly threatening.
“Better behave yourself. If you try anything, that baby in your belly will be the first one in danger.”He smiled coldly at me through the mirror.
“I wouldn’t mind making you lose that child before asking Ryan for the money.”
I felt my face drain of color, but I refused to show fear. Sitting passively waiting for whatever he planned wouldn’t help me or my baby.
“Who are you really? If it’s just ransom you want, I can pay you myself,” I said, trying to sound confident. “You must have heard of Dreamland Jewelry? I can afford whatever price you name.”
The man laughed mockingly. “Nice negotiation skills, but unfortunately, someone wants you dead.”
My heart sank. There was only one person who hated me enough to arrange this.
Sophie.
“Haven’t you considered that if you kill me, you won’t live to enjoy the money?” I challenged him. “Ryan will hunt you down to the ends of the earth. Why don’t you stop the car so we can talk properly? We’re in the middle of nowhere, and I’m pregnant—I couldn’t outrun you even if I tried.”
The driver studied me in the mirror, surprise crossing his features.
“You’re pretty calm for someone in your situation.”
“I won’t press kidnapping charges if you let me go. We can work something out. Just stop the car,” I said, my eyes darting to where my phone had been thrown, though I knew retrieving it was impossible.
The car gradually slowed and finally came to a stop.
“Alright, let’s hear what you have to say,” he said, turning around to face me in the confined space of the vehicle.
“I can offer you more money than whoever hired you,” I said with as much conviction as I could muster. “Double whatever they’re paying you.”
“You know my net worth. The price of my life isn’t a problem for me.”
He considered this, greed visibly fighting with caution in his expression. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” I said firmly, seeing his resolve waver.
“Then transfer the money to this account right now. No tricks,” he demanded, showing me his phone.
I smiled faintly. “I don’t remember my accountant’s number. Or did you want me to call Ryan for help instead?”
His expression darkened. Without warning, he unbuckled his seatbelt, opened his door, and climbed into the back seat with me.
From his pocket, he pulled out a switchblade and pressed close to me, the knife glinting in what little light filtered into the car.
“Make the call,” he growled, his breath hot against my face. “And don’t try anything stupid, or I’ll end your life right here.”