Chapter 606: Shift Target

Melinda's heart skipped a beat when she heard Hugo's words. Could he already know they were coming for him?

It shouldn't be possible. Last night, his assistant had secretly transferred the money, so Hugo shouldn't have found out.

Besides, if he had discovered it, he would have moved to a different location by now, not stayed here.

But now he was indeed sending people out to gather information. If they were discovered, it would be bad.

Melinda sighed and said, "My brother is truly a tragic figure. Forced into marriage years ago, he never touched his wife, yet she bore him a child and blamed him for being irresponsible."

These words immediately piqued Hugo's interest. He had been about to go out and check the situation but now walked over to her.

"Mrs. Sanctuary, that's quite an interesting story."

Melinda silently apologized ten times in her heart. Mentioning Jonathan was the only way to capture Hugo's attention and prevent him from discovering Elmwood's arrival.

Seeing Hugo's curious eyes, Melinda sighed helplessly, "Hugo, you don't know, but Jonathan is actually a very pitiful person."

Hugo frowned slightly, "Tell me, just how pitiful is Jonathan?"

Melinda squeezed out two tears, "No one knows that Jonathan was abused by his biological father from a young age. His father would often come home drunk and beat him, and when he lost at cards, he would beat him even more. His mother could only take him and hide everywhere."

Hugo's eyes darkened, showing he was listening intently.

"When Jonathan came to our family, he was silent and withdrawn. We helped him come out of his shell bit by bit. Unfortunately, his mother always used him as a pawn, never respecting his wishes, leaving him empty inside and distrustful of everyone."

Hugo sighed lightly, "I never imagined his fate was so tragic. Why did he marry then?"

Melinda sighed again, "It's a long story. He didn't like that woman at all, but her family was powerful, and his mother meddled, forcing them to marry. He was never happy."

As she spoke, Melinda observed Hugo's expression and saw a flash of sympathy in his eyes.

Melinda continued, "Jonathan is extremely insecure. He was oppressed and used for so long that he hates that feeling. Now that he's finally free, you threatened him last time. What do you think he's feeling?"

Hugo slapped himself, "I'm such a jerk. If I had known about his past, I would never have done that."

"If you truly care about him, you should try to understand him. But now, you've made us enemies. When Jonathan sees you, he'll surely hate you."

Melinda didn't know if her words would work, but she had to try.

At the very least, she hoped Hugo would treat her better and not resort to violence.

Despite his seemingly gentle demeanor, Hugo was ruthless when he acted. Her throat still hurt from last night when he nearly strangled her.

Living with such a volatile and sick person, she never knew how she might die.

Hugo said with a pained expression, "If he were willing to be with me, I would treat him well."

He stared at Melinda, pondering for a moment before saying, "I still stand by my word. If you can get him to come and exchange places with you, I'll let you go."

Looking at his sincere face, anyone who didn't know him might believe him.

But Melinda knew better. Hugo was greedy and lustful, with money being his top priority.

He had captured her to threaten Elmwood, demanding Bach Farm and their castle. He wouldn't give up just for Jonathan.

He might feel a moment of sympathy for Jonathan's plight, but it wouldn't stop his sick desire to toy with people.

Melinda pretended to be in a difficult position, then said, "Let me call him. I need to get his opinion."

Hugo immediately took out his phone but hesitated before handing it to her.

Melinda asked curiously, "Do you have any concerns?"

Hugo was worried she might pull a trick. After all, he had fallen into their hands before, so he had to be cautious.

But it was just a phone call. If anything happened, he could stop it immediately.

"Nothing. Go ahead and call, but I warn you, don't try anything funny. You've seen what I'm capable of. If I find out you have other intentions, watch out for your stomach."

Melinda nodded, "I understand."

She knew his despicable methods well—threats, coercion, and intimidation, targeting a weak woman like her, lacking any manly dignity.

Hugo handed her the phone with a nervous expression, "That's good."

Melinda took a deep breath and dialed the familiar number. Thankfully, Jonathan hadn't changed his number in over ten years, or she wouldn't be able to reach him.

The call went through, but Jonathan didn't answer right away.

Seeing an unfamiliar number, Jonathan hesitated.

Melinda didn't give up and called again. Finally, on the second attempt, Jonathan answered.

"Who is this?"

His voice was cautious, likely scared by previous incidents and not daring to be careless.

Melinda spoke, "Jonathan, it's me!"

"Mel? Why are you calling? Haven't you returned home yet?" Jonathan thought they had already gone back and didn't expect to see a Charlington number.

Melinda replied, "Something came up, and we couldn't leave."

"Your voice sounds hoarse. Are you sick?" Jonathan noticed her voice was different.

Melinda coughed lightly, trying to sound normal, "Just a little cold, nothing serious. Are you busy lately?"

Jonathan advised, "You're pregnant now, so take care of yourself. If there's nothing urgent, go back home soon. Charlington isn't a good place to stay."

To Jonathan, Charlington was a chaotic place, not suitable for her.

Melinda said heavily, "Something happened, and I can't go back yet."

"What happened? I haven't heard anything." Jonathan immediately became nervous, worried Melinda was in danger.

Hugo kept signaling her to speak quickly. He was eager to get Jonathan to come.

Melinda took a deep breath and said, "I've been captured by Hugo. I'm in his hands now."

Jonathan: "… You're in his hands? Where is he?"

Melinda looked at the ugly man in front of her, suppressing her disgust.

"He's right in front of me. He wants me to exchange places with you. If you're willing to come and trade places, he'll let me go. Jonathan, I'm locked in a dark, smelly warehouse with nothing here. I'm worried it will affect the baby. Will you trade places with me, okay?"

Melinda emphasized the "okay?" hoping Jonathan would understand her meaning.

She wasn't calling to get Jonathan to come but to make him aware of her situation and inform Elmwood about it.