With one hand holding the phone and the other gripping the rope’s end, Victor dragged a nearby shelf over and positioned it at the foot of the bed. The shelf was as tall as he was, and he placed the phone on the top level, ensuring it could capture everything happening on the bed.
As Estelle considered his next move, she shivered and quietly moved toward the head of the bed while he was preoccupied with setting up the phone.
Having lived in this room before, Estelle was familiar with its layout. In addition to the king-size bed, there was a bedside table, a clothing rack, and a sofa with a small table beside it holding a hotel phone.
She raised her head and glanced at Victor, who was still adjusting the phone and camera angle. Seizing her opportunity, Estelle leaped off the bed and rushed towards the sofa. However, the rope was too short, and Victor had hold of the other end.
Victor reacted swiftly, yanking the rope when he saw Estelle make a dash. Caught off guard, Estelle stumbled and fell to the floor. Thankfully, she was close to the phone. Despite the pain, she grabbed the phone and dialed the front desk immediately. As soon as she connected, she talked in haste, “Come to Room 1231. I’ve been kidnapped… Ah!”
Bang!
Victor, with a darkened expression, approached, snatched the phone from her hand, and smashed it forcefully, shattering it to pieces.
Having done that, he squatted down beside Estelle, his eyes cold, and said in a low, threatening tone, “Miss Hudson, I can’t guarantee your safety in this room now.”
Seeing the face she once knew so well, Estelle felt that it had never appeared as menacing as it did at that moment. Even when Cristofer despised her to the core, he had never looked at her with such cold and dreadful eyes. She realized that if she provoked Victor further, she might meet the same fate as the shattered phone.
Suddenly, Victor reached out and grasped Estelle’s neck, causing her to groan in pain.
“Uncle Nelson was right. Women are natural actresses, and you’re no exception. Four days ago, you were so affectionate when you saw me. But now you won’t even stay in the same room with me,” he remarked.
With her neck in his grip, Estelle was forced to raise her head to meet his gaze. She was nearly lifted off the ground and struggled to breathe. “You… You deceived me first…”
“Yes, I deceived you first. So what? Successful people achieve their goals by any means necessary.”
“Mr. Mysterious… would never stoop so low!”
“But I’m not Mr. Mysterious. Cristofer is. So what? Do you really think Cristofer is a good person? In the past, he expanded his business through mergers and acquisitions, causing countless people from small companies to lose their jobs because of him. Compared to him, I’m less despicable and ruthless,” Victor asserted while exerting more pressure on Estelle’s neck.
Estelle frowned deeply, unable to endure the pain any longer, and tears welled up in her eyes.
“Are you crying?” Victor released his grip on her and touched the hot tears on her face with his finger. He chuckled and remarked, “Good. Cristofer will be distressed when he sees you cry.”
Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and a hotel staff voice came from outside, “Miss Hudson, was that you who called the front desk just now?”
Estelle immediately stood up and tried to shout, “Call the police… Wait…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Victor tightly covered her mouth and gave her a warning look with his eyes, conveying, “Shut up, or I’ll strip you naked!”
“Mmm… Mmm…” Estelle couldn’t utter a word and struggled vigorously.
“If you don’t believe me, you can give it a try. After stripping your dress, I’ll take pictures and send them to Cristofer!” Victor threatened menacingly.
Tears welled up in Estelle’s eyes, and she gradually ceased her struggles.
‘If Victor were to actually do that, Cristofer would undoubtedly rush here upon seeing the photos, regardless of his condition. He’s seriously injured, and if he comes here, Victor could easily harm him. Even if he brings the police, the situation might not improve. If Victor, in desperation, decides to post those photos online, the consequences would be unimaginable…’
“You’re scared?” Victor laughed triumphantly. “Since you’re afraid, just stay here quietly and don’t cause any more trouble. I’ve told you, my only goal is revenge against the Hans family. If you cooperate, I won’t harm you.”
In despair, Estelle closed her eyes in silence. Victor then got up and opened the door. From the bedroom, Estelle faintly heard him talking with the hotel staff.
“Oh, Mr. Hans, you’re here too. Miss Hudson just called the front desk, claiming she was kidnapped, but the call was abruptly cut. We tried calling back, but there was no answer. Did something happen?” the hotel staff asked, mistaking Victor for Cristofer.
Upon hearing this, Victor touched his face, then chuckled and replied, “Nothing happened. We were playing Truth or Dare. She lost the game, and her punishment was to call the front desk and pretend she was kidnapped.”
The hotel staff didn’t question it and said, “I see. We were worried that Miss Hudson had encountered trouble. It’s good to know you two were just playing a game. Your relationship seems wonderful.”
“Yes, we’re made for each other,” Victor said with a gentle tone.
“I saw the news about you both celebrating Old Mr. Hans’s birthday a few days ago. You two really make a perfect couple!”
“Thank you,” Victor responded abruptly, giving a wide smile to the staff.
“By the way, are you here to enjoy yourselves?” the hotel staff asked.
“Yes,” Victor replied.
With a nod, the hotel staff smiled and said, “I see. Choosing to come to the hotel is a great way to enjoy your time together. You can have your private moments without any interruptions here. Plus, the room is soundproof, so you can rest assured.”
“Soundproof?” Victor gave a knowing smile.
“That’s right. Even if you have a celebration or any other activities in the room, no noise will be heard outside.”
“That’s perfect,” Victor remarked.
With a smile, the hotel staff said, “Enjoy your stay. I’ll leave you now, Mr. Hans. If you need anything, feel free to call the front desk. Oh, and please remember to hang up the phone after using it, or we won’t be able to reach you.”
“Sounds great!”
“Wishing you both a delightful evening,” the hotel staff said before departing.
The door slammed shut again.
Victor strolled back to the bedroom, lit a cigarette, and perched on the bed. He squinted at Estelle, who was huddled in a corner, and asked, “Did you overhear our conversation?”
Estelle remained silent, turning her face away.
“It’s quite handy looking identical to Cristofer. By the way, that hotel staff seemed to know you well. Have you frequented this place with Cristofer before?” Victor asked. Perhaps due to the recent incident, he had calmed down a bit, and his attitude toward Estelle had mellowed.
“You’re curious about us?” Estelle questioned.