Chapter 95
Lillian tried to calm everyone. “Don’t worry. Everyone here is a guest for the engagement party. Jodie’s probably just wandered off somewhere. Kids love to explore, and this estate is massive, it’s normal if she’s hard to find at first. Let’s start by checking the security cameras.”
Charlotte nodded. “My dad’s already on it. Let’s split up
split up and search det more people romlved. The sooner we find her, the better.”
Just then, a wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.
-35 Agnus
Everyone turned toward the main event screen and their faces went pale.
Instead of the planned engagement montage, the massive LED screen was now showing footage of foille tied to a chair, sobbing and screaming in fear,
“Daddy! Mommy! Charlotte! Where are you? 1 want my mommy! Let me go! Please!
Helpme–please!”
Mommy! A bad man took me! Help me
Jodie was thrashing against the ropes, her little face twisted in terror.
Xena’s knees buckled. Her vision blurred. She nearly fainted on the spot.
Charlotte rushed forward to catch her. “Aunt Xena—!”
Kena sobbed uncontrollably. “Charlotte, do something. Do something! How did this happen? My baby–my ladie–how could anyone do this? If she dies, I don’t want to live either.”
Charlotte held her tightly, heart pounding with panic.
How is this even possible Lillian looked around in shock “Everyone here was invited. Who could’ve gotten in to do something like this?”
suddenly, a distorted voice echoed from the speaker system. It was heavily processed through a voice charger.
“Charlotte Riley. If you want your sister to live, come to the rooftop.”
Then, without hesitation, she bolted toward the elevators.
“Lottie, no!” Sean caught her ann. “It’s a trap. You can’t go.”
“I have to!” she cried, trying to pull free. “They took Joder because of me. If I don’t go, she could die!”
“Let’s call the police first,” Sean said fir
i firmly.
“Do that, but don’t try to stop me. Every second I waste could be the difference between life and death for her. I can’t gamble with her life! Charlotte’s eyes were brimming with tears. “They look her because of me. I can’t just stand here and do nothing!”
“And what about your life?” Sean snapped, trying to keep still. “You’re willing to risk everything!
one of Sean’s ent
The cops,” Sean ordered
“Already dour They’re onthe way
we found Miss Jodie. She’s on the rooftop”
Sean’s suited raced. “They’re using her as ball to get to you. Don’t play into their hands. I’m sending every available and to the top. Promise me you’ll stay
Charlotte’s hands war Dembling: “1”
Suddenly, screams erupted from the crowd
Churlelle’s head shot up to the acteris
A masked man was now holding a life to jodie’s tuvat.
“Charlotte Riley,” the routerised, “you’ve got live mutes. If you don’t show up your sister dies in your place.
And in that split second of distraction, Seandelt les arm slip from ban grasp
Chulatie was gour
