Oscar's Pov:
I stood and watched satisfactorily as the boys brought her into the room and tied her up as requested. 

"Are you sure you weren't followed?" I asked the leader among them.

"Yes, boss. We made sure of that," he replied confidently.
Hm. 

"As soon as she's awake, we begin. Is that clear?"

"Yes, boss".
And I nodded and left. 

I reached for my phone and dialled Dad's line, and just as if he was waiting for my call, he picked up at the second beep. 

☎Yes. Oscar?" He called. 

☎It's done, Dad. Maxine's here now," I told him and felt him smile.

"☎Wow! That's great news. Good job, son. I hope everything will be done properly?"

☎ Yes - of course".

And I dropped the call.
*
*
Rex's Pov:
I lay restlessly on the bed, thinking about the whole thing.

I wonder why Mum and Dad favour Noah so much, making me feel overlooked and frustrated, which deepens my internal conflict. 

I can't believe Dad even wants him to get married, and right after, He's gonna claim the company.

Damn it!
Why does he always get the good things, huh?!

I needed to do something. If I could create a little distraction - a little delay for him to get married, Dad might move on to me just like he'd said, and the company would be mine. 

Yes - I'll make it.

I smiled as a plan to regain control took shape in my mind, igniting hope and resolve to escape this situation.

Perfect!

Immediately, I reached for my phone and dialled Audrey's line. I guess we'll be having a sweet dinner tomorrow.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I opened my eyes, tired, and found myself lying on the floor.

"Ugh", I mumbled and struggled to sit up, and that was when I discovered my hands and legs were tied.

Whaaat?
I racked my brain and suddenly recalled what happened. 

Oh, God! 

The driver!

I was kidnapped.

I gasped as it dawned on me. 

I was kidnapped! What the hell?

I looked around nervously, sensing danger, unsure whether anyone was watching or whether I could escape this unknown threat.

"Hello?" I called out.
"Who's there?"

The rogue-looking guy's grumpy demeanour and cigarette hinted at a dangerous, possibly connected figure, making me wonder who truly was behind this.

"You're awake," he said, grumpy, with a lit cigarette.

I didn't say a word; I just stared at him, and he turned around and left.

"Hey!" I called, but it was already too late, as he didn't return.

Damn it! Why do I have a feeling I already know who's behind it?

The door opened again with a different guy coming in this time around. 

Oh! Perfect.

I gawped at him as he walked in and stood in front of me, smoking a tobacco pipe.

"Who're you?" I snarled at him.
"Why am I here?"

"Hey, chill, okay? If I wanted u dead, you'd have been a corpse by now," he sniggered and squatted in front of me.

"I just have a few questions for you, and if you're good about it, in less than an hour, we should be done from here".
He paused and brought out a picture from his pocket. 

"Do you know this lady? And remember - all liars will go to hell".

My eyes dimmed as he showed the picture to me.

Charlene.

I stared at it without saying a word.

Finally, I know who's behind this. 

"Come on, Maxine. Don't keep me quiet. Have you seen her?" The idiot asked again, and I looked at him.

"Why're you asking?" I demanded, and he sighed.

"Please, don't make this any more difficult because I wouldn't wanna hurt you - at least not yet. So, I'm asking you one more time - have you seen this lady?"

I stared at the picture again, as if it were new to me. Then, I smiled.

"I want to see them - Richard and his wife. I know they sent you. So, bring them to me, and we can discuss", I said, and the next thing I felt was a hard slap on my face.
"You bitch! You think I have time for games???" 

I bit my cheeks, trying to take in the pain.

The nerves of him.

"I'm giving you one last chance to save your ass. Have you seen this lady?? Yes or f**king no??" He yelled into my face, and I scoffed.

"And I'm not repeating myself. If you really want me to talk, get the bastards here," I said boldly and immediately, the door opened, and I looked and discovered it was Oscar. 

My eyes beamed as I watched him walk in, and a smile escaped my lips.

Finally, I had just achieved the first step of my plan.