Chapter 144 The Taste of Benedict's Cooking

Chapter 144 The Taste of Benedict's Cooking

"Damn it!"

Benedict clenched his teeth, realizing he was up against some seasoned kidnappers.

These guys had their own playbook and weren't about to follow anyone else's rules.

So, he had no choice but to wait for news.

Bella's earlier suspicions had already crossed his mind.

Who could've done this?

Was it someone who hated him or someone who knew he had money?

Not many fit both categories.

Benedict thought of Kenneth, Dennis, Ralph, and even Chloe and Zachary.

But Kenneth had sent the cigars first, and the kidnapping happened afterward.

That pretty much ruled out those three.

And now, with a ransom of five million dollars, it further excluded them.

After all, Benedict had won tens of millions from those three.

Extorting five million dollars? They wouldn't dare.

But Chloe and Zachary? They were definitely possible.

After all, the grudge was there.

Chloe was naturally money-hungry.

And Zachary had the kind of money to hire thugs.

Maybe the kidnappers wanted a double payday. It wasn't impossible.

However, Benedict didn't want to confront Zachary.

Susie's safety was the priority. He couldn't risk alerting the kidnappers.

Once Susie was safe and the kidnappers were caught, he'd get his answers.

Benedict had his own way of doing things.

Twenty minutes later, he walked into the bank with a large suitcase.

It was just past five, and the bank was still open.

Before long, in the VIP service area, he withdrew five million dollars in cash.

He filled the large suitcase to the brim, then placed it in the trunk of his car.

He drove back to Jessica's place, stopping to buy groceries along the way.

Before he reached Jessica's house, Albert called.

"Mr. Capulet, thank you! I never dreamed I'd get a security director job paying fifty thousand dollars a month! Plus room and board, and housing allowance."

With Bella around, Albert was smart enough to call him Mr. Capulet instead of Benedict.

Benedict's eyes lit up. "No need to thank me, Albert. I hope you're happy with the position."

"Happy? Of course, I'm happy!"

Albert was all smiles. This job paid more than ten times what he made as Freddy's security captain.

"Later, bring in any of your retired military buddies who need a good job. They can join your security team."

"Yes, yes, no problem! Ms. Palmer already told me. I've contacted over thirty guys, and sixteen are interested."

"Good, that's great news! Albert, go home and rest. Tomorrow night, you'll join me on a mission."

"No problem! Mr. Capulet, what mission? Just give the word!"

"I'll explain later. Just be ready."

"Got it! Mission will be accomplished."

Albert felt a rush of the old military spirit.

After the call, Benedict smiled.

This rival was useful.

Oh, now he's more like a sidekick.

A rival? Albert had given up on that, so it wasn't Benedict's fault.

Benedict returned to Jessica's house.

She was in the living room.

The heating was warm.

She was on the couch, practicing her prenatal breathing exercises.

Her posture was perfect, her face smooth and radiant, her expression serene and calm.

She looked like a painting, glowing with divine light.

A peaceful pregnant woman was indeed radiant and beautiful.

Benedict admired her silently.

Then he quietly went to the kitchen and started cooking.

He called out, "Bella, time to make dinner!"

"I can't think about food! Any news about Susie?" Bella's voice was urgent, almost in tears.

"Yeah. The day after tomorrow, they want five million dollars. This rules out some of your guesses."

"What? Five million dollars? Where are we going to get that kind of money?" Bella was shocked and anxious. "Take all my money. I have your two hundred thousand dollar bonus, and..."

"No need, Bella. I've got the money ready. Just wait for our baby to come home."

"What? Where did you get that much money?"

"The kidnappers want my real money? Not likely."

Benedict's smile was a bit sly. He had to say this to avoid explaining the money's origin again.

Bella seemed to understand, but she was even more anxious. "You're using fake money? Are you crazy? What if they check it? You could get Susie killed! She's been through so much, finally has a good life, and you're risking it over money?"

Bella started crying again.

Benedict was a bit frustrated and quickly reassured her. The Howard Family had it covered. Didn't she trust the Howard Family?

"Oh, you mean Laura's family?"

"Who else? I saved her grandfather's life. Mr. Howard is the police chief. He'll make sure everything's covered. In Newport, is there a kidnapper Sean can't catch?"

Benedict hung up after that.

Bella finally felt reassured.

Thinking about Benedict's connections and skills, she felt he could do anything.

Susie would definitely come back safe.

The sounds of cooking from the kitchen finally caught Jessica's attention.

She got up, feeling comfortable.

She went to the kitchen and was pleased. "Benedict, you're back? Where are Bella and Susie?"

Benedict turned and smiled. "Jessica, done with your exercises?"

"Yes, I'm done. But where are Bella and Susie?"

Benedict was plating the food and handed it to her. "Set the table. I'll explain in a bit."

Jessica looked at him curiously but took the food to the table.

Soon, all the dishes were ready.

The aroma was so good, Jessica's mouth watered.

Benedict had been gone all night and day.

Jessica had made her own breakfast and lunch, but they just didn't taste right.

She had missed Benedict's cooking.

Now, she was enjoying the delicious smell, feeling satisfied and happy.

"Benedict, it smells amazing."

"Eat up, Jessica."

"Okay!" Jessica nodded, then remembered, "But Bella and Susie aren't back. How can we eat? I haven't seen Bella in so long!"

Benedict put more food on her plate and said calmly, "Jessica, do you trust me?"

"Of course I do!" Jessica was puzzled but nodded.

"Good." Benedict put down his fork and spoke seriously. "Your main priority now is to take care of the baby, right?"

"Yes! I've accepted it. If I don't take care of the baby, I'll hurt two men." Jessica was a bit resigned, her face slightly flushed.

Benedict smiled. "You're doing great, Jessica. You're amazing. So please take good care of yourself. Your emotions need to be stable. No extreme reactions, okay?"

Jessica's eyes narrowed slightly, and she slammed her fork down. "Benedict, something's up. Spill it!"

Her fiery temper flared up instantly.