The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 2133

"Don't touch Donald!"

Charlotte's grip on the phone tightened as she issued her icy warning.

"You truly live up to your reputation, Nine." The middle-aged man's laughter grew louder, not holding back his twisted praise. "Rest assured, I won't harm him before I see you."

"However..." The man paused for a fraction of a second, his voice dropping to a slow, deliberate drawl. "If I don't see you, I can't make any promises."

"After four years of recovery, I imagine the esteemed captain of The White Whale is in much better shape to handle pain."

"And... don't think Captain L will try anything heroic." As if anticipating Charlotte's thoughts, the man added darkly, "I hear he's a man who values loyalty above all else. I'm sure he'd gladly sacrifice himself to ensure his men stay alive."

"Cut the crap."

Charlotte had zero patience for his theatrics. Her face was a mask of pure ice as she snarled, "Get to the point."

"I like a woman who doesn't waste time."

The man sounded thoroughly amused as he slowly laid out his terms. "Your life in exchange for five others. It's a generous trade, wouldn't you agree?"

Five lives?

That meant The Stygian Syndicate was holding four other people besides Donald.

Most likely his squadmates.

And for their sake, Donald absolutely would throw his own life away.

"Time and place."

After a brief, agonizing silence, Charlotte spoke.

"I'll send someone to pick you up right now."

"You can't bring those two shadows of yours. House rules. You understand, don't you?"

"..."

Charlotte glanced at Jackson and Adonis, her expression unreadable.

Bang!

"Agh!"

In the two seconds she hesitated, a gunshot echoed through the receiver, followed by a man's agonized scream.

"You don't have a choice, Nine," the man's voice hardened into a lethal threat. "That bullet went into a leg. I can't guarantee the next one won't go through a skull. Maybe his, maybe your brother's."

"Oh, and you brought a lovely group of exchange students with you, didn't you..."

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