Gavin Hayes drove alone to the agreed-upon location.
He got out of the car, dragging 20 million in cash into the warehouse, demanding the release of the captives.
The leader of the thugs, a man with a scar across his face that looked rather intimidating, took several stacks of cash to verify the authenticity. After confirming they were real, his eyes lit up.
"Mr. Hayes, you're indeed wealthy and extravagant."
"If Miss Harlow had known better earlier, she wouldn't have had to suffer this."
With a gesture from him, his men immediately released Mia Harlow.
The moment Mia was freed, she threw herself into Gavin’s arms, crying, "Gavin Hayes, why did it take you so long to come? I think my calf might be broken... it hurts so much... they even said that if you didn’t come, they would... they would..."
Gavin Hayes comforted her, holding her tightly.
However, his eyes were fixed firmly on Miss Bannett.
Miss Bannett struggled desperately, but her mouth was stuffed with cloth, rendering her unable to speak.
She knew Gavin Hayes—sacrificing someone like her for power was nothing to him!
From start to finish, Gavin Hayes didn't say a word.
He watched as Miss Bannett went from struggling to slowly losing hope...
The thug with the scar sneered and, holding a knife, lightly lifted Miss Bannett's chin, saying, "Mr. Hayes, this girl is so beautiful. She's worth at least 2 million, right? You, being so wealthy, might as well take her. Otherwise, she's just going to be cheapened by us."
2 million—Gavin Hayes could afford it.
But he couldn’t pay!
Huo Shaoting had already started suspecting him, and he couldn't risk Miss Harlow suspecting his relationship with Miss Bannett. If Mia found out and broke their engagement, years of effort would go to waste.
Power and women—Gavin Hayes chose power.
He couldn’t bring himself to look at the hatred in Miss Bannett’s eyes. Turning his back, his tone was cold, "I don't know her."
Miss Bannett had already guessed the outcome. Her eyes were hollow.
Tears slid down her cheeks...
Gavin Hayes... he’s truly ruthless!
Gavin Hayes pretended not to see, embracing Mia and walking toward the car. Mia gently tugged at him and whispered, "Isn’t this a bit too much? What if she gets... hurt? Ryan will be heartbroken."
Gavin Hayes pressed on her calf.
Mia cried out in pain, "It hurts so much... Gavin Hayes, take me to the hospital!"
He placed her in the car.
As he stood up, he took one last look at the warehouse.
Miss Bannett, don’t blame me!
Gavin Hayes quickly got in the car and started the engine, afraid that if he waited any longer, he might regret it!
...
In the abandoned warehouse,
The thug with the scar spat and cursed, "Worthless piece of trash, not even worth 2 million! Guess we’ll just have to pass her around to my brothers."
He motioned to the other thugs, "Playtime’s over, don’t mess things up!"
The thugs were excited.
None of them had ever seen such a delicate woman. Honestly, she was even prettier than Mr. Hayes’ fiancée... if they got their hands on her, they didn’t know how much fun they’d have!
Miss Bannett’s eyes were filled with fear.
She hated them even more!
If she had once hoped that Gavin Hayes would show mercy, from this moment on, all she felt for him was hatred!
The thugs were getting ready when suddenly, a sharp sound echoed from the corner of the warehouse.
The thugs froze!
Who was it?
Huo Shaoting leaned against the gray wall, casually playing with a lighter in his hand.
He had a noble air, and his handsome features stood out. His expensive suit contrasted sharply with the run-down warehouse.
He gave a faint smile, "Miss Bannett, why is it that every time I see you, you’re in such a sorry state?"
Miss Bannett froze.
She slowly turned her head and saw Huo Shaoting walking toward her...
At the same time, the sound of sirens filled the air.
In that moment, she had never been more grateful to him!
In the midst of the chaos, Elena Bannett was picked up.
She leaned against Ethan Harlow's embrace, feeling the warmth of his arms, carrying a faint, pleasant male scent.
The abandoned warehouse gradually receded…
Elena Bannett's tense nerves finally relaxed, and she gently closed her eyes, only to feel dizzy.
"Ethan Harlow." She clutched his shirt, calling out weakly.
Ethan Harlow looked down to see Elena Bannett's pale face.
Leaning against him, Elena said weakly, "I was hit on the back of my head... I think it’s a concussion."
Ethan Harlow didn’t hesitate; he immediately drove her to the hospital.
Elena lay on the backseat, feeling waves of nausea. She wanted to vomit.
Ethan Harlow drove with one hand and made a phone call.
"Uncle Lin, it's me, Shaoting. I have a friend I need to bring over for you to check."
"It might be a concussion.] "
"Okay, I'll be there in ten minutes."
...
After finishing the call, Ethan Harlow glanced at the rearview mirror and gently asked, "Are you feeling very uncomfortable?"
Elena closed her eyes and gave a painful hum.
The short, broken sound made Ethan's heart ache.
His voice was hoarse: "We'll be at the hospital soon."
In the midst of the discomfort, Elena Bannett faintly thought: I didn't expect a man like Ethan Harlow to be gentle too.
When they arrived at the hospital, thanks to Ethan Harlow’s connections, they went straight to the emergency room for a scan.
Dr. Lin, after receiving the scan, raised it up to examine it and smiled lightly, "It's fine, just a mild concussion. Stay in the hospital for two days for observation."
Ethan Harlow thanked him.
Dr. Lin looked at Elena Bannett and asked with a smile, "Girlfriend?"
Ethan Harlow, being reserved, replied, "She's a client, I just happened to run into her."
"Ah, a client!" Dr. Lin smiled even more, "Shaoting, take your client to get the hospitalization papers, and I’ll have the nurse come by to administer the IV."
Ethan Harlow didn’t explain further.
He carried Elena Bannett to the hospital room and paid for her hospitalization fees.
Elena was extremely grateful. She wanted to transfer the money to him, but she was too dizzy to do anything but lie in bed and fight against the spinning sensation… Eventually, she fell asleep.
When she woke up, the IV needle had been removed.
Elena felt a bit better. She gently turned her head and saw the nightfall outside the window.
A tall figure stood by the window, holding a phone in one hand, speaking in a low voice.
It was Ethan Harlow.
Elena leaned against the pillow and quietly watched him.
Ethan Harlow had a great physique, standing at 190 cm, perfect for a woman to lean on! Elena had interacted with him a few times, and she had to admit that even if Ethan wasn’t super wealthy, many women would still be after him.
After finishing his call, Ethan Harlow turned around and locked eyes with Elena.
She was quiet, her pale face resting on the pillow, exuding a special kind of fragile beauty.
Ethan Harlow was momentarily stirred, but his expression remained indifferent, "How much longer are you going to stare?"
Elena’s face turned red. She whispered, "I want some water."
She had thought Ethan Harlow would call for a nurse, but instead, he poured her a cup of warm water, walked to her bed, and sat down, pulling her close.
Elena was forced to lean against his chest. She lightly struggled, "Mr. Harlow, I can do it myself!"
Ethan Harlow glanced at her.
His deep eyes revealed no emotions, but he was serious.
Elena didn’t dare to argue, so she simply leaned against his shoulder and drank the water from the cup he held, taking small sips. She couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but she felt like he was holding her a little tighter.
Just then, the door to the room opened.
Dr. Lin walked in, seeing the intimate scene. He smiled warmly, "How are you feeling, miss?"