Chapter 464 The Kidnapping
In the blink of an eye, it was exam time again.
This test was a big deal for everyone. Even Bryan had been ordered to stay at home and hit the books. He couldnât even step outside. Ronin was feeling incredibly bored and decided to seek out Catherine. â
Catherine, not going to school is no fun at all. Itâs so dull.â
To attend school, Ronin had delegated all the base matters and was now accompanying Catherine as she studied.
On regular days, he could banter with Bryan at school and play games with David, even when Catherine wasnât around.
But now, with everyone busy revising for the exams and making that final push, there wasnât even someone to banter with. He found himself incredibly bored.
Catherine had her laptop on her lap. She was engrossed in studying the data Rodge had sent her. She was conducting three-dimensional simulation tests to assess missile accuracy.
Unfortunately, Ronin was still chattering away nearby. It disrupted her peace. Suddenly, Catherine looked up with her cold gaze fixed on Ronin.
âTheyâre all studying. Donât you think you should be too?â
Ronin thought inwardly, âWhy bother studying?â
That was what Ronin had initially intended to say, but when he encountered Catherineâs cold stare, he nearly choked on his saliva. In his eyes, the big exam was just about scribbling a few words. Why bother with the hassle of studying?
But with Catherineâs sudden outburst, he realized he had no choice but to hit the books.
In the previous moment, Ronin had been complaining, but now he acted obediently. He didnât dare to disturb Catherine as she worked.
âCatherine, you keep working. Iâll go back to studying.â
Catherine nodded without lifting her head, and Ronin finally let go of his worries. With bated breath, he tiptoed away and ensured no disruption.
With Roninâs departure, the room fell quiet.
Catherine was deeply engrossed in her research. She stared at the rapidly changing numbers on her screen. It felt like an eternity had passed. If it werenât for the incessant buzzing of her phone placed nearby, Catherine wouldnât have even blinked.
The ringing irritated her. With a furrowed brow, she picked up her phone. She intended to decline the call. However, when she saw the caller ID was Audrey, she finally answered.
âIâm busy now. Speak quickly,â Catherine said coldly. Her cold words perfectly reflected her current state of mind.
To her surprise, a strange manâs voice came from the other end.
âAudrey is in my hands. If you want to keep her safe, follow my instructions!â
The call was abruptly disconnected after the stranger finished speaking. Catherine tried to call back. However, she received a text message from the stranger.
[Donât call the police. Come alone, or else Audrey will be in a body bag!]
The message included an address.
After Catherine read the text message, a sardonic smile played on her cold face.
She thought the stranger was playing a kidnapping drama with her. It seemed like they thought they lived long enough. They were asking for trouble.
Catherine skillfully dialed a number. She put the phone to her ear when it was answered. From Kimâs tone on the other end, it was evident that he was surprised by Catherineâs call.
âCatherine, why are you calling me all of a sudden?â
âWhere is Audrey?â Catherine asked concisely in a cold tone.
Her voice made Kim shiver all over.
âIâm looking for Audrey too. I donât know whatâs going on. She said sheâd be out for a bit, but she hasnât returned, and sheâs not answering her phone.â
Maybe thinking he had been complaining too much, Kim suddenly stopped his rambling and asked Catherine seriously, âDo you need anything from her? Should I relay a message when she comes back?â
âNo. Itâs fine,â Catherine replied and immediately hung up.
She hadnât told Kim about the possibility of Audrey being in trouble because involving more people would only increase Audreyâs risk.
The kidnapper had contacted Catherine directly, not Kim.
It meant they were targeting Catherine, not Audrey. If that was the case, Catherine had to go alone.
Catherine saved her computer data, picked up her jacket, and left the apartment.
She grabbed her motorcycle from the garage and rushed to the address provided by the kidnapper.
After she removed her helmet, her phone in her pocket began to ring.
On Catherineâs cold, stunning face, her sharp eyes narrowed slightly. With a smile in her eyes, she looked dangerous yet captivating.
She answered the phone, and on the other end, the person with a mechanized voice told her an address and then hung up.
Just as the kidnapper ended the call, Catherineâs phone rang again.
It was a call from Branden.
After glancing at the time on her phone, Catherine assumed he was probably inviting her to dinner. Without hesitation, she hung up.
She knew that someone was likely monitoring her every move in the shadows.
For Audreyâs safety, she needed to comply with the kidnapperâs instructions and avoid contacting anyone.
After ending the call, Catherine revved her motorcycle once more and headed toward the location indicated by the kidnapper. She cooperated meticulously throughout the journey.
After several location changes, Catherine finally arrived at an abandoned factory. There was no need to say it. This was the place the kidnapper had demanded. After parking her motorcycle, Catherine strode confidently toward the abandoned factory.
There was no sign of nervousness on her cold face. She pushed the factory door open forcefully. Behind it stood seven or eight men armed with weapons. They stared at Catherine with their cold, menacing eyes.
The man at the forefront had a gruesome scar on his face that would unsettle most people. However, Catherine exuded a cold aura. She calmly stared at him.
The scarred man examined Catherine and couldnât fathom why their boss had repeatedly emphasized caution. He thought Catherine was nothing more than a young girl.
âYouâre quite bold, coming here all alone. Arenât you afraid?â
In response to his question, Catherine smirked with sarcasm. She replied, âI came alone. Isnât that what you arranged?â
âKid, youâve got quite a sharp tongue, and youâre fearless. I admire you.â The scarred man pointed at Catherine with appreciation in his eyes.
Catherine came alone and displayed no fear on her face. She really had courage.
Catherine had no time for small talk and lazily said, âCut the chatter. State your terms.â
The scarred man was secretly taken aback. He initially thought Catherine was just bold, but how she carried herself seemed out of the ordinary.
Thinking of the bossâs instructions before they left, the scarred man didnât want to waste more time.
âAlright. Youâre straightforward, and Iâll be straightforward, too. Come here and sign this document, and Iâll release the person to you.â