Chapter 273
Even After Death
If the kidnappers were after money, the Carltons and Millers could easily fulfill their demands. Ethan
feared that they might want something even more precious than money.
Otto was in his wheelchair. His hands gripped the armrests so tightly that his veins were popping. Chris
had a severe
expression. The on-lookers might not know, but they did. Money was not an issue, but they could not
risk exposing Ethanâs true identity.
Even if they had to give up on Marina, they had to protect Ethanâs secret. Otto and Chris looked each
other in the eye and instantly came to an agreement.
Even though their family memberâs life was still at risk, they had no choice. They had to keep the secret
at all costs.
Chloe didnât know anything. She kept weeping and said, âTell us! Please tell us what you want. Weâll
give you any amount of money you want.â
âMrs. Carlton, your tears are truly touching. Even a stranger like me canât help but feel moved,â the
person said. Although the words were spoken with a tone of regret, it sounded chilling to those who
heard it.
The person then added, âI wonder who those tears are for. Are they for your biological daughter or your
stepdaughter?â Chloe sniffed and said, âTheyâre both my daughters. What difference does it make?â
The person chuckled. âOf course, thereâs a difference. Even if you think you love them equally, there
has to be a difference. I donât want anything. I just want to play a game.
âI trust everyone has seen bomb squads defusing bombs in TV shows, right? There are always two
wires. Cutting the right one diffuses the bomb, but the wrong one ⦠Bang!â
The person imitated the sound of a bomb exploding, startling everyone.
âHereâs whatâs going to happen. The two of them are tied in red and blue ropes respectively. In one
minute, you have to pick one for me to cut.â
These words caused an uproar among the guests.
âWhat do you mean by that? Cutting one of them loose? You want them to choose who dies?â
âYouâre rotten to the core, asking someone to choose one of their family members to kill!â
âWho gave you the right to decide if they live or die?â
Ethan and the Carltons were also stunned. They didnât expect such an outrageous demand.
Even though Ethanâs secret would be safe, this situation wasnât much better.
Marina screamed, âEthan, Iâm your fiancée and Connorâs mother. Save me! You have to save me!â
Chris fell silent. Marina was his daughter, so naturally, he wanted Ethan to save Marina. But he couldnât
bring himself to say those words out loud.
Otto didnât even hesitate. âSave Marina. Itâs clearly the right option.â
Otto was sure it was an easy choice to make. Olivia was the woman Ethan had already abandoned,
while Marina was the fiancée who could bring him status and wealth.
The person said, âMrs. Carlton, what about you? Who will you choose?â
âMe?â
Chloeâs face was filled with panic.
âThatâs right. One is the stepdaughter you love; the other is the daughter you abandoned. Iâm really
curious who youâll choose.
People in the crowd began to chatter.
âIsnât that obvious? Sheâd definitely pick her own flesh and blood: How could a stepdaughter compare
to the child she bore for ten months?â
âBut sheâs hesitating