Chapter 336

Adrienne collapsed mid-sentence before she could finish speaking.

"Adrienne?"

Evelyn frowned as she called out her assistant's name.

She grabbed Adrienne's arm and shook it twice. "What's wrong with you?"

Halfway through her own words, Evelyn's vision blurred. She stared at the figures before her, realization dawning. "You're not the team Serena sent."

Then, darkness swallowed her, and she slumped over Adrienne's unconscious form.

"Took you long enough to figure it out," Ivan sneered.

The car sped toward a remote location.

Midway, they switched vehicles, ensuring no trail could be followed.

After weaving through multiple routes, they finally halted in front of a secluded wooden cabin.

The driver cut the engine and stepped out.

Ivan shoved the door open and leapt from the car.

Each man hauled one woman over his shoulder and marched toward the cabin.

The door creaked open before they reached it. "You weren't followed, were you?"

Ivan scoffed at the question and barged inside.

The driver followed, while the third man lingered, scanning the surroundings before shutting the door. He flicked off the bright overhead lights.

His gaze dropped to the two women sprawled on the floor.

Frowning, he asked, "Weren't we only supposed to take Evelyn? Why are there two? Unless they're both Evelyn?"

Their client had been very specific—Evelyn Carter. No mention of a second target.

No extra pay for bonus hostages.

Ivan jutted his chin toward Adrienne. "That's her assistant. Stubborn little thing insisted on tagging along. Guess she's out of luck now."

Viktor, the bearded man who had opened the door, crouched for a closer look.

His thick brows knitted together. "This is her?"

The client had warned them repeatedly—use heavy sedatives, triple the dosage.

They'd laced the air with enough knockout fragrance to drop an elephant.

Thankfully, they'd taken the antidote beforehand.

And still, the client had stressed—bind Evelyn tightly.

Over and over, like she was some kind of superhuman threat.

But the woman before him looked fragile. Delicate.

Ten of her wouldn't stand a chance against him, especially drugged and restrained.

Now, seeing her lifeless form, a twinge of concern pricked him.

He pressed two fingers to her neck. A steady pulse.

"Still breathing," he muttered.

Turning to the others, he ordered, "Get the ropes."

The driver rolled his eyes. "Seriously? She's out cold."

They weren't common thugs. Their names were on Interpol's most wanted list.

But this client? Overpaying and overcomplicating things.

Viktor shrugged. "Client's orders."

Maybe the guy had peculiar tastes.

He selected a thin cord and secured Evelyn's wrists, leaving Adrienne untouched.

Then, they dumped each woman into separate rooms.

Now, they waited.

For the ransom.

For the payoff.

And hopefully, no surprises.