The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 399

He stood up and dusted off his hands. “Alright, the four of you stay put and wait here. If your families do as they’re told and bring the ransom, you’ll be going home in no time.”

With that, Borg turned and strode away.

Cedric followed up, his voice cold. “But if the money doesn’t show up… well, then you brats can start saying your prayers.”

Ethan immediately bobbed his head, eyes wide and frightened, putting on his best terrified face.

Cedric seemed pleased with himself, and after exchanging a grin with Borg, the two of them walked off toward the far side of the warehouse.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Ethan turned to Noah, Aiden, and Evan, a sly smirk spreading across his face. “So, what do you think? Did I nail it or what?”

......

Meanwhile, chaos had erupted at the Thomson family estate.

The moment Rebecca learned the kids were missing, she’d called George and Mrs. Thomson, who both rushed to Sunset Villa Estates in a panic. The whole family gathered together, desperate to figure out what to do.

According to Louis, the family driver, the kidnappers looked like classic gangsters: all in matching black clothes, with mean, intimidating faces.

George pulled Louis aside. “Did you get a look at their license plate?”

Louis shook his head, tears streaming down his face. “Mr. Thomson, I was so scared—I couldn’t remember it, not at all…”

He was clearly shaken and couldn’t offer much help.

George and Mrs. Thomson were beside themselves with worry. That part of the neighborhood had no security cameras—nothing for the police to check. The kidnappers had clearly planned this, choosing a blind spot on purpose.

“My babies—my poor babies! What are we going to do? They’ve never suffered like this before. If anything happens to them, I… I don’t want to live anymore…” she wailed, sobbing uncontrollably.

George, though visibly shaken, managed to keep his composure. “Listen, let’s not panic. The kidnappers are after money. They asked for two hundred million, which means they want us to pay up—they’re not looking to hurt the kids, at least not yet.”

Rebecca nodded in agreement. “Exactly. As long as they want the ransom, the kids should be safe for now.”

But Mrs. Thomson was inconsolable. She clutched George’s arm and pleaded, “Then get the money—right now! Our babies can’t wait! I don’t care if it’s two hundred million, or even a billion—we’ll sell everything we have if we have to, but we have to get them back!”

Desperation filled her eyes; she was trembling with anxiety, unable to sit still.

Rebecca gently put her arm around her shoulders. “Mom, I know you’re worried, but if we act rashly, we’ll be playing right into their hands. We need to stay calm and think this through.”

But Mrs. Thomson broke down again, sobbing, “So what are we supposed to do? Every time I think about those four stuck in that place, my heart feels like it’s being ripped apart…”