Chapter 94
Annabelle’s voice was soft but clearly trembling with emotion.
“I know you love her,” she said. “That’s why I wore her dress today. I hoped that you would look at me just once. But I’m not her, and I never will be. You were disappointed when you saw me, weren’t you?
“Don’t worry, Cam. I’ve given up entirely. I came to Stokelle with you because I wanted to see you one last time before I ended it all. Soon, without me or the baby in the way, you and Ms. Blake can finally be together. Forget about me. I’m setting you free-”
She closed her eyes and began to lean backward.
“SWAT team! Save her, now!”
The SWAT team, already harnessed in safety lines, rushed forward. Their hands barely caught her wrist as she dropped.
“I’ve got her! Come help!”
More personnel quickly followed. Some yanked the rescue rope while others dropped to the ground, shouting for Annabelle to give them her hand.
It all happened in the blink of an eye. Cameron was still stunned when one of the negotiators shoved him toward the edge. “What are you standing around for? Come and help us!”
“Me? What can I do?” he asked, confused.
“Promise her that you’ll treat her right! Cut ties with the other woman! At the very least, get her off that ledge first!”
Cameron was pushed to the edge, where Annabelle dangled dangerously. One of her arms was being held by the SWAT officer, but her body swayed like a moth caught in the wind. If she let go, it would be over in an instant.
She looked up at him with eyes full of desperation. “Cam, I’ll ask you one last time. Do you still want me?”
Cameron knew that she was gambling with her life. She was trying to force him into a corner.
Annabelle was banking on the idea that he couldn’t watch someone die in front of him. She wasn’t wrong–he looked conflicted, tormented, and torn.
Downstairs, a crowd had gathered. News reporters arrived, breaking through the security line in pursuit of a headline. One of them immediately recognized Cameron.
“Isn’t that Mr. Dorsey from Dorsey Group?”
“Oh my god, it is him! Who’s the woman on the edge?”
Chapter 94
“I heard from security that it’s Mr. Dorsey’s wife‘
“Wow, the Dorseys haven’t been able to catch a break lately. First, Mr Dorsey Senior got detained for falsely accusing someone of extortion, and now Mrs. Dorsey is attempting suicide?”
“Quick, get it on camera! This is headline material!”
Camera flashes went off nonstop, and shutters clicked in rapid bursts. The tower security arrived and tried to hold back the reporters, while the police struggled to control the crowd and coordinate Annabelle’s rescue.
Meanwhile, the negotiators were shouting promises on Cameron’s behalf. They told
Annabelle that he agreed to all her demands that he would stay with her, raise the child, and cut off all other entanglements.
It all felt surreal, like some nightmarish play unfolding without his control. Cameron felt like a spectator in his life, watching the final act play out without him.
The SWAT officer holding Annabelle was almost at his limit. “Hurry! I can’t hold on much longer!”
“Mrs. Dorsey isn’t cooperating! She won’t give me her other hand so that we can save her!” “The safety cushion below isn’t fully inflated. If she falls now, she won’t make it!”
“Mr. Dorsey, say something!”
In that moment, everyone turned to look at Cameron. Annabelle’s life, the efforts of the entire rescue team, and the attention of all those watching from the streets below–it all hinged on his next words.
Annabelle gave him a bitter smile. “Fine. Your silence is your answer. I understand now.”
She closed her eyes. “Thank you all for trying. I’m sorry for the trouble. Goodbye…”
“Fine! I’ll do it! I’ll stay with you! We’ll raise the child together!” Cameron shouted, almost roaring. “I promise!”
Annabelle’s eyes flew open, and tears of joy streamed down her face. “Do you really mean it?”
“Yes! I mean it!”
One of the negotiators jumped in quickly. “Mrs. Dorsey, look. There are so many reporters here today. Everyone heard Mr. Dorsey’s promise We’re all witnesses!”
“Yes, Mrs. Dorsey! We all heard it! Now, please! Give me your other hand, and let me pull you up!”
Chapter 95
Chapter 95