Victor took the paper and finally released Estelle from his hold. With a smile, he handed the paper to Estelle and said, “Estelle, sign it.”
Estelle trembled all over with a pale face, and tears streamed down her face. Looking around, she saw more than a dozen people gathering around.
‘As long as I sign it, Cristofer will be imprisoned for at least ten years. But if I don’t sign it and tell the truth now, everyone here will be killed.’
“Estelle?” Victor pressed a pen into her hand and said, “Why are you in a daze? Sign it.”
However, Estelle’s hand trembled so much that she couldn’t hold the pen, causing it to fall to the ground.
Seeing her struggle, Victor smiled, knelt down to retrieve the pen, and placed it back in her hand. He gently tucked a strand of Estelle’s hair behind her ear, appearing to be a caring and considerate husband.
However, his whispered words sent a shiver down her spine. “If you don’t sign it, I’ll press the button. Think about your children and your mother. They all rely on you. And for Cristofer, ten years in prison is far better than death, isn’t it? Don’t hesitate any longer. I’ll count to three. One…”
Estelle quickly asked, “Where should I sign?”
Satisfied with her compliance, Victor pointed to the lower right corner of the paper and handed it back to her. Then he turned his back, saying, “You can use my back as a surface.”
Witnessing this exchange, bystanders commented.
“What an affectionate couple Mr. and Mrs. Hans make.”
“I thought wealthy people married for convenience, but I didn’t expect them to love each other so much.”
“Mr. Hans is so considerate.”
“Mr. Hans is just as handsome as he appears on TV…”
Hearing the onlookers’ comments, Estelle clenched her teeth and hastily scrawled her name on the paper. As she looked at her signature, she felt it was the messiest she had ever written.
“I’m done,” she announced. Victor turned around, glanced at her signature, and handed the paper back to the policewoman. “The signature is a bit hard to read. Is that acceptable, ma’am? My wife is quite shaken, and she did her best to sign it.”
The policewoman nodded and reassured them, “That’s fine. As long as it’s signed by Mrs. Hans herself, it’s valid.”
“Great. Can we go home now?” Victor asked.
“Yes, and don’t forget to come to the police station tomorrow,” the policewoman reminded them.
“Sure.”
Estelle’s mind was in turmoil, and she couldn’t fully understand their words. She simply followed Victor with a distant look.
“Wait…” Several seconds later, she suddenly halted and looked at Victor with pleading eyes. “I want to visit Cristofer. I want to know how he’s doing.”
Victor gave her a warning glare and replied, “Everyone now believes you’re my wife. How can you go see another man? Miss Hudson, don’t make trouble for me.”
“He’s going to prison… I just want to check on him. I signed the paper earlier, and the police think you’re Cristofer. You’re safe now. Please let me go see him…” Estelle pleaded.
However, what answered her was Victor’s darkened face. Without replying to her, he bent down and carried her in his arms tightly. Then he strode towards the car, stuffed her into the passenger seat, and fastened the seat belt for her.
“Victor!”
“You can shout louder if you want all people here to die,” Victor threatened her.
“Let me see him!” Estelle was so angry that she shed tears again.
“It’s not the right time now. I’ll let you see him another day,” Victor said and banged the car door. After that, he got into the car and drove away quickly.
As he drove, he noticed Estelle looking pale and distant. He let out a small sigh. “I’ll allow you to visit him before he goes to jail.”
“You’re a jerk!” Estelle retorted with heavy sarcasm.
Victor responded with a casual smile, saying, “From now on, I’ll be Cristofer. A wealthy man with a loving wife and adorable kids.”
“You’ll face the consequences for your actions eventually,” Estelle said with bitterness.
“Do you think Cristofer will seek revenge on me after he’s released from prison? Well, let me think… When he’s out, I’ll have spent all of the Hans family’s wealth, and he’ll have nothing,” Victor mused.
“You’re so ruthless!”
“By the way, Cristofer mentioned transferring the Hans family’s assets to the children. Miss Hudson, I need your help in securing those assets,” Victor grinned.
Estelle promptly refused, saying, “I’ve helped you once today, and I’ll carry that guilt forever. I won’t do anything for you.”
“Fine. If you don’t help, Cristofer will suffer in prison,” Victor remarked.
Estelle was shocked. “You’ve already taken your revenge on him! What more do you want?”
“I’ve spent many years at the lowest rungs of society, and I have numerous old acquaintances in prison. Cristofer has broken legs and a disfigured arm, making it tough for him to defend himself. If you refuse to help me secure the Hans family’s assets, I’ll have my friends’ take care’ of Cristofer. You can imagine the kind of life he’ll endure for the next ten years,” Victor warned.
“Enough is enough, Victor! What can you do besides threatening me? Does threatening a woman give you a sense of accomplishment?” Estelle snapped.
Raising an eyebrow, Victor responded with a smirk, “Threatening an ordinary woman won’t give me a sense of accomplishment, but threatening Cristofer’s beloved woman will.”
Estelle was left speechless with anger.
“Haha, it’s more entertaining to threaten Cristofer through you than to kill him,” Victor added. But as he said, Estelle suddenly lunged at him and reached for his chest.
Startled by her sudden move, Victor slammed on the brakes and swiftly grabbed Estelle’s hand. “What are you doing?” he demanded.
“If you dare to make Cristofer suffer, I’ll kill you, even if it means we will die together,” Estelle declared, her eyes filled with cold anger.
Hearing this, Victor sneered, “Do you think a frail woman like you can kill me?”
Staring directly into his eyes, Estelle asserted, “Don’t underestimate women. As long as I’m alive, I’ll find a way to kill you. Victor, I’m dead serious. Think twice before you take any action if you value your life!” With that, she settled back into her seat and instructed, “Start the car and drive me home!”
Seeing Estelle’s anger, Victor was in a better mood and smiled, “I’ve never seen you this fierce.”
“I don’t need to be gentle with someone like you!” Estelle replied with clenched teeth.
“Alright, you can treat me however you want. Thanks to your help today, I can live as a free man,” Victor said while unbuttoning the top button of his shirt with one hand.