Chapter 254

Chapter 254

When Sophia returned to the Brown family back then, she never received the treatment a Brown family daughter should have. She knew she was just a pawn Hayden used to block everyone's criticism.

So from the very beginning, she never hoped for much. When facing difficulties from Veda and Hazel, she would back down and endure whenever she could.

But those two just wouldn't let her be, which is why Sophia fought back.

She never imagined their grudge would escalate to such a terrible situation today.

At this moment, James, standing outside, heard Sophia's voice and immediately became very nervous, "Sophia, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Veda, who had been relatively calm just moments ago, instantly became furious when she heard how concerned James was about Sophia, "Sophia, what makes you so special? How did you get such an excellent man like James to risk his life for you?"

After saying this, Veda turned and shouted outside, "James, if you want Sophia to live, you need to do what I say."

James outside couldn't help but frown, "Veda, what exactly do you want? Since I'm here, I won't play any games. Just tell me what you want."

Veda shouted loudly, "Three hundred feet away from you, there's a pair of handcuffs. Put your hands behind your back and cuff yourself."

Once James handcuffed himself, whatever Veda decided to do next, they would have no ability to fight back.

Sophia desperately shouted from inside, "James, don't listen to her! Even if you do this, she won't let me go. You'll just get yourself involved too."

Sophia's words angered Veda. She turned around and slapped Sophia hard across the face.

The slap landed heavily on her cheek.

Sophia cried out in pain.

James outside immediately became anxious and rushed forward two steps.

Veda panicked and shouted loudly, "James, don't come closer! If you dare come any closer, I'll kill Sophia right now."

James stood still, his hands clenched tightly into fists. If he got a chance later, he definitely wouldn't let Veda go. He would make sure to finish her.

James took a deep breath, then spoke calmly, "Veda, what exactly do you want? If you want revenge, I can trade my life for Sophia's. Please let her go."

Hearing this, Veda became even more jealous.

The president of the Smith Group was willing to trade his life for this woman's.

She really didn't understand what was so great about Sophia that James would sacrifice his life to save her.

"James, if I asked you to die in front of me right now, and promised to release Sophia as soon as you're dead, would you do it?"

James didn't hesitate for a moment, "Of course I would. You asked me to come here alone, didn't you? To control me? Now, whatever you ask of me, I'll agree to it, as long as you let Sophia go."

Although James was now being obedient as Veda had hoped, everything he did was for Sophia, which made Veda even angrier, "Fine, then die in front of me."

After saying this, Veda threw a dagger through a gap in the shack. The dagger landed right at James's feet, "James, don't worry. As long as you die here, I'll definitely let Sophia go."

Sophia struggled to get up, screaming continuously, "James, don't believe her! Even if you die here today, she won't let me go. She's gone crazy. Veda is insane now. Don't believe a word she says."

James bent down to pick up the dagger, then stared at the movements inside the shack. Hearing Sophia's heart-wrenching screams, his whole heart twisted, "Sophia, don't worry. No matter what, I'll protect your safety. Even if I die, I won't let her harm a hair on your head."

After saying this, James spoke directly to Veda, "Veda, since I'm about to die anyway, can you do me a favor and let me see Sophia one last time? I also have a secret to tell you."

Veda was slightly stunned and raised her eyebrows, "A secret? What secret could you have? It's just a stalling tactic. Do you think I'll fall for it? Since you're going to die anyway, don't worry about anyone else. Just die quickly and cleanly."

"Veda, this secret is very important to you. Are you sure you don't want to hear it? If you don't, you'll regret it for the rest of your life."

As soon as James finished speaking, Veda was somewhat moved. Although she knew James's move was likely a trap to buy time, she was extremely curious.

She really wanted to know what secret would make her regret not hearing it for the rest of her life.

"James, I'm warning you, if you dare trick me, neither you nor Sophia will have it easy today."

James nodded earnestly, then raised his hand as if making a vow, "Don't worry, Veda. How could I trick you at a time like this? I don't care if I live or die, but I need Sophia to survive, so I wouldn't trick you."

Veda thought that made sense, so after some hesitation, she finally walked out. She stood in front of James with a serious expression, "James, go ahead. What's the secret?"

Meanwhile, inside the broken shack, after seeing Veda leave, Sophia struggled hard. Because she was small and thin, and Veda wasn't very strong, the rope binding her wasn't very tight.

So in no time, Sophia managed to break free from the rope.

James sneered. Veda really was bold. Now he had a dagger in his hand, and he was a man standing in front of her.

Did Veda think that with her bare hands, she could beat him?

Thinking of Veda's stupidity, James found it laughable.

James sneered, "My secret is this: Veda, you're the stupidest woman I've ever met in my life."

After saying this, James immediately kicked out, instantly knocking Veda to the ground.

Veda clutched her stomach, rolling on the ground in pain, "James, I can't believe you went back on your word! You're the president of the Smith Group, and you dared to trick me?"

"So what if I tricked you? For a despicable and shameless person like you, even tricking you feels dirty to me."