Esther kept losing consciousness, each time awakened by Bradley’s biting. Like a ruthless predator, he sank his
sharp teeth into her delicate skin, causing crimson blood to ooze. Then, he’d move to another spot, continuing his
brutal assault.
Bradley’s ghostly voice echoed in Esther’s ears, asking, “Still planning to escape?”
Esther froze in terror.
“If you try to run again…” Bradley warned, “I’ll personally break your legs, leaving you in a wheelchair for life.”
Esther trembled when she met Bradley’s icy gaze. She did not doubt the seriousness of his threat.
She believed a madman like Bradley was capable of anything.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIn an attempt to lower his guard, she feigned resignation. “I won’t run anymore,” she hoarsely said.
Bradley offered a glimmer of hope, saying, “If you behave, I’ll let you video call your daughters.”
Esther nodded gently, pretending to be obedient. “I’ll cooperate.”
Bradley tossed a thin blanket at her, asserting his dominance. “This coffin is your living space. If you step out, your
daughters will suffer.”
Without looking at Esther’s pale face, Bradley sealed the coffin shut.
It was pitch-black darkness all around, and only the crystal coffin shone brilliantly in the dark space. Esther
appeared more like a beautiful “work of art” than a living person in there.
The boundless darkness closed in on Esther like a relentless tide. She shut her eyes tightly, feeling as if unseen
monsters were closing in.
Her heartbeats and breaths seemed deafening in the silence of the crystal coffin. She initially clutched the blanket
in fear but gradually fell into slumber due to exhaustion and hunger.
–
The incident involving the Pendletons left Liora in shock.
Unlike Selene’s resolve, Liora had always relied on Richard like a vine on plant supports. With him now in police
custody, she swayed like that vine in the wind on the verge of falling.
Mandy sat with her phone, observing Liora, who alternated between tears and sleep.
“Mandy, go to Bradley. He’s the CEO of the Warner Group and must have a way to help your father and brother,”
Liora pleaded.
Mandy contemplated. Pleading with Bradley might as well be sending the Pendletons to prison!
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
“Mom, please stop crying. It’s giving me a headache,” Mandy said.
Liora wiped her tears and sobbed, “Your brother has never faced hardship before, and he can’t bear being in
custody! And your father…”
“Mom, they’ve broken the law. They committed crimes, do you understand?” Mandy was utterly speechless.
“The things they’ve done could merit a hundred death sentences by the law. How can I save them? I’ve been
abroad since I was a child, and I hardly know anyone in Capitus. Who can I turn to?
“But you, you’ve been here for so long…”
Liora muttered, “I don’t know anyone either.”
Mandy was perplexed. “How is that possible? You’ve lived here for years. You must have some acquaintances.”
“I have no friends here. Your father always said they were all bad people!” Liora said.
Mandy’s eyes widened in shock.