Zach Zhao didn't even spare a glance at Jane Gu. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Lydia Lin's waist from behind.
"What are you doing?" Lydia Lin snapped impatiently, trying to shove Zach Zhao away.
Zach Zhao held Lydia Lin tightly, refusing to let go. "This was our deal! Once we get the money, you're supposed to run away with me! Lydia, I did exactly what you asked! So what now? Got the cash and you're dumping me?"
Lydia Lin's face darkened.
Those promises were just lies she told Zach Zhao.
Without Zach Zhao's help, she never would've found the right people in N City so quickly to pull off the kidnapping and blackmail.
Zach Zhao had been hustling in N City for years, and knew all kinds of people from every walk of life.
The moment Lydia Lin suggested kidnapping Jane Gu to force Cecilia Gu to pay up, Zach Zhao—desperate and broke—jumped at the idea.
Zach Zhao had been driven mad by poverty these past few days.
After tasting the life of the wealthy, he couldn't stand being poor anymore.
He was more desperate than anyone to turn his life around.
So when Lydia Lin finally agreed to go after Cecilia Gu's family, Zach Zhao immediately added his own conditions.
He'd been eyeing Lydia Lin for a long time.
He wanted both the girl and the money!
To get Zach Zhao on board, Lydia Lin had to play along. She pretended to agree, but deep down she looked down on him, planning to get rid of Zach Zhao as soon as she got the money—maybe even set him up with Cecilia Gu so something "accidental" would happen, and destroy Cecilia for good!
Only if Cecilia Gu was completely ruined could Lydia Lin hope to get back to Charles Yin's side!
So Zach Zhao's antics absolutely disgusted Lydia Lin. But she couldn't push him away—she had to fake it, whispering, "Stop it, Cecilia's mom is watching."
Jane Gu had met Zach Zhao before.
Of course she recognized the man clinging to Lydia Lin—the same guy who once swore he'd treat Cecilia well and take care of her forever. He was Cecilia's ex-boyfriend!
And the woman who used to call herself Cecilia's best friend for life!
They actually teamed up to kidnap her and threaten her daughter!
Jane Gu was shaking with rage!
Cecilia, just look at the wolves around you!
Cecilia, it's all my fault! I trusted those two, and now I've dragged you down with me!
Jane Gu regretted it so much she could barely breathe.
Early this morning, Jane Gu was about to leave for work when Lydia Lin called, claiming Cecilia was suddenly ill and the doctor said it might be serious.
Worried for her daughter, Jane Gu got into the car Lydia Lin had prepared without a second thought, and rushed all the way to N City.
But when they arrived, Lydia Lin didn't take Jane Gu to see Cecilia—instead, she brought her to this dump.
It was only just now that Jane Gu realized she'd been tricked by Lydia Lin!
She'd become Lydia Lin's tool to threaten her own daughter!
Jane Gu had never regretted anything this much in her life!
Zach Zhao glanced at Jane Gu, completely unmoved by the fury in her eyes.
To Zach Zhao, Jane Gu was just a bargaining chip.
All he cared about was getting the money and leaving with Lydia Lin to live the high life.
Why should he care about Cecilia Gu or Jane Gu?
As long as he got out of here—with money in hand and a beauty by his side, far away from Yin Enterprises' territory—what was there to be afraid of?
Zach Zhao squeezed Lydia Lin even tighter, his foul breath brushing her face as he kissed her wildly.
"What are you afraid of? You'll be mine sooner or later! I've wanted you for years, but you insisted on pushing Cecilia Gu onto me! Cecilia's got nothing on you!" Zach Zhao grabbed Lydia Lin, impatient to claim her right then and there.
Lydia Lin panicked, shoving Zach Zhao away with all her strength. "What's the rush? Cecilia's coming soon—with a million! Let's get the money first!"
Her words actually managed to stop Zach Zhao.
It was true—Lydia Lin was tempting, but money mattered more!
"Take the hostage downstairs." Without even glancing at Jane Gu, Zach Zhao waved at the group of thugs he'd hired, signaling them to drag her away.
To Zach Zhao, Cecilia Gu was always weak and easy to bully.
As long as he had Jane Gu, Cecilia would definitely show up.
Once he got the money, what happened to Jane Gu didn't matter to him at all!
All he wanted was Lydia Lin and the cash!
Cecilia Gu arrived at the abandoned factory Lydia Lin had picked, bringing her driver who doubled as a bodyguard.
The moment she walked in, Cecilia demanded, "I've got the money. Where's my mom?"
Lydia Lin and Zach Zhao walked over together, and Cecilia stared them down.
No wonder Lydia Lin moved so fast—she had Zach Zhao helping her!
No wonder!
Back when she was dating Zach Zhao, she knew he always hung out with shady lowlifes!
Clearly, the idea to kidnap her mom must've come from Zach Zhao!
Scumbags!
Cecilia Gu was so angry she was grinding her teeth.
She hated them with every fiber of her being, but couldn't let it show.
She absolutely couldn't let her mom be in any danger!
"Where's the money?" Zach Zhao asked impatiently.
Cecilia nodded to her driver, who set two suitcases on the ground and opened them up for everyone to see.
"I want to see my mom!" Cecilia insisted. "If I don't see her, you're not getting a cent!"
Lydia Lin waved her hand, and someone immediately shoved the tightly bound Jane Gu forward.
The moment Cecilia saw her mom all tied up, tears streamed down her face.
Mom, I'm sorry—this is all my fault!
Seeing Cecilia, Jane Gu's tears began to fall too.
Especially when she noticed Cecilia's belly was so obvious now, and she still had to come to a place like this for her mother's sake.
It was all her fault!
Her own carelessness had dragged her daughter into this mess!
"Alright, you've seen her. Can we have the money now?" Zach Zhao asked impatiently.
His eyes were glued to the suitcases full of cash.
To him, as long as he had money, any beautiful woman was within reach!
Before Cecilia could answer, Lydia Lin cut in: "Wait a minute!"
Everyone turned to look at Lydia Lin.
"This might be the last time the three of us stand together and talk. I propose we have a drink—after this, we're done. No more ties, no more encounters." Lydia Lin's eyes flashed with cunning and cruelty as she said stiffly, "Cecilia, we're even now."
Even? What a joke!
How many times have you said that?
How many times have you screwed me over?
I've been blind enough already, and I regret it more than anyone!
Even?
You're the one who owes me!
Zach Zhao was a bit impatient, but since Lydia Lin was the woman he liked, he didn't object to her suggestion.