Chapter: 525
She was consumed by a wave of despair, but almost instantly, her resolve returned. She locked eyes with him, her voice steady. "No, that's impossible. You didn't kill her. The drug in your system was developed and modified by Monica. Only she knows the cure."
Joshua's fingers tightened around her throat, his eyes ablaze with deep-seated hatred.
She was right; he hadn't killed Monica.
The drug was part of the reason, but more importantly, he lacked the courage to commit murder.
With a shove, Joshua pushed Alicia into a dimly lit room. The moment the door creaked open, vicious dogs began barking furiously.
In the center of the room, Monica hung suspended in mid-air, her leg bloodied and battered.
The sight of her friend in such a state broke Alicia's heart.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she bit down hard, forcing herself to stay composed. She turned to Joshua, her voice thick with emotion.
"I'm the one you want. Let her go!"
Joshua replied calmly, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Now that you're here, why should I let her go?"
Alicia's voice was hoarse but resolute. "Monica has been missing for almost a day. If her family reports you to the police, you're done for. You won't get away with this!"
Her warning echoed through the room.
Joshua stared at her, noticing the change in her demeanor.
It hadn't been long, but she had become sharper, calmer, and braver.
Even though she stood right before him, he felt as if she were miles away.
He reached out to grab her neck again, but Alicia acted fast. She sank her teeth into his hand, breaking the skin. Blood welled up instantly.
Joshua yelped in pain and flung her off, his expression darkening with fury.
He sneered, “Once I'm finished with you, I'll let her go. Don't worry; it won't take long."
Despite his words, Alicia's heart raced with worry. “Aren't you afraid her family will come after you?"
Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone turning cold. "What do I have to fear now?" He paused, then added bitterly, “Alicia, do you even realize what you and Caden have driven me to?"
At the mention of Caden, a twisted smile spread across his face. He pulled out Alicia's phone. "Did you two break up?"
Alicia had no time to dwell on relationship issues.
She stared at him intently.
He continued, “I told you before-Caden would get sick of you and dump you soon. And now? How does it feel seeing him so smitten with Yolanda?"
Surrounded by the foul stench and the men's leering eyes, Alicia's hope for escape slowly slipped away.
Her fate-whether she lived or died-was now entirely in Joshua's hands.
She closed her eyes and breathed out, "If you're going to kill me, just do it, Joshua. Stop wasting time."
But Joshua, savoring her despair, wasn't ready to finish it.
He handed her the phone, a twisted smile on his face. “Want to make a bet? Call Caden. Let's see if he'll come to save you."
Alicia's lips curled in disdain.