Chapter 53 Kidnapping
"Why?"
Xavier grinned at her reaction. Leaning in, he spoke with a hint of malice, "Because of Ronnie."
"Ronnie?" Victoria looked confused. "What's he got to do with this?"
"He's Ralph's secret weapon now."
"Ronnie helped Nathaniel build up Genesis Corporation. He's got the inside scoop on everything—their operations, channels, even the underground shipping routes."
"Lately, Ralph's been hitting Nathaniel hard, messing with his operations and snatching his shipments."
"I heard that just last week, two shipments from Aquilonia vanished before they even hit the docks."
Xavier enjoyed watching Victoria's expressions change.
He went on, "Your Mr. Cross, always acting all high and mighty, probably never thought losing one of his guys would stir up so much trouble. Now, he's in a real jam."
Victoria's heart sank at the news.
No wonder Nathaniel seemed worn out lately. Despite her smarts, she felt helpless in the face of gang warfare, a wave of powerlessness washing over her.
She lost interest in mingling and brushed off Xavier, strolling alone through the lively banquet hall and out into the villa's backyard.
The night garden was peaceful, bathed in moonlight, with a hint of floral fragrance in the air.
Finding a bench, Victoria sat down, hoping to clear her mind and enjoy the breeze.
Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly caught faint footsteps behind her.
Assuming it was another guest seeking some fresh air, she paid no mind.
But the footsteps were heading straight for her, growing louder and faster!
Startled, Victoria jumped up from the bench and spun around.
Two strangers in waiter outfits had hurried up to her, reaching out to grab her without a word!
'Kidnapping!'
That was the first thing that crossed her mind.
Victoria reacted swiftly, dodging the men's reach at an impressive angle.
At the same time, she lifted her high-heeled foot and kicked with all her might at the man on the left!
He grunted, momentarily taken aback.
Taking advantage of the moment, Victoria turned and bolted.
"Help..."
Before she could finish the word, the other man caught up and aimed a precise chop at the back of her neck.
Feeling the rush behind her, Victoria instinctively rolled to evade the blow, her evening gown tracing a clumsy arc on the grass.
But the man's expertise surpassed hers.
As she regained her balance, he surged forward, landing a swift punch to her face.
The hit was quick and brutal, leaving Victoria no option but to raise her arms to defend herself.
A powerful impact shot through her arms, numbing her hands as she stumbled back a few steps.
The other man had also recovered from the kick, and they closed in on her, step by step.
"Who are you guys?" Victoria backed away, demanding loudly, trying to stall and draw attention.
But the music and chatter in the banquet hall drowned out her pleas, and no one heard her.
"Miss Chase, you've made some enemies," one of the men said coldly, launching another attack.
Gritting her teeth, Victoria swung her handbag at one man while evading the other's strike.
Despite having some combat training, facing off against two well-trained pros, she quickly found herself at a disadvantage.
In a matter of moves, one man had a firm grip on her arm, while the other produced a cloth soaked in a sedative, swiftly covering her mouth and nose!
Victoria fought desperately, but the vast difference in strength left her feeling helpless as the pungent cloth inched closer, a wave of despair washing over her.
Finally, the cloth enveloped her entirely.
The acrid chemical scent invaded her nostrils, her struggles growing feeble, consciousness slipping away like a receding tide until she plunged into darkness.
One person lifted Victoria, while the other kept watch, and they vanished into the garden.
Inside the banquet hall, the music played on.
Emma, holding a champagne glass, cheeks flushed, chatted with a few socialites.
Xavier stood by her side, elegant and flawlessly smiling.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed.
Glancing at it, his smile widened.
"Emma, where's Mr. Cross?" a socialite asked curiously. "I saw him a moment ago, but now he's gone?"
Emma looked around, puzzled, not spotting Nathaniel.
"Uncle Nathaniel is always busy, he must have stepped out for something."
"And Miss Chase who was with him, did she leave too?"
"I guess so!"
"She just took off like that?" Another person scoffed, a hint of sarcasm in their voice. "Mr. Cross is too busy to even say hi to you, understandable. But that social climber, not even a goodbye, how rude."
"True... maybe she thinks she's hit the jackpot by marrying into wealth."
"Alright, let's move on." Xavier intervened gently, wrapping an arm around Emma's shoulder, smiling at the others.
"Emma, let's not ruin this joyous occasion with negative vibes. Come, let's keep enjoying the party."
He smoothly shifted the topic, and the others didn't push further.
As the night wore on, the party wound down.
On the dance floor, many were drunk, sprawled on sofas.
In shadowy corners, scantily dressed men and women shamelessly intertwined.
Even from the restroom, muffled and suggestive sounds could be heard.
The birthday bash was spiraling into a wild and disorderly affair.
"Xavier... I'm feeling dizzy," Emma slurred, so intoxicated she could barely stand, leaning on Xavier for support.
"Let me help you upstairs to rest," Xavier murmured gently, half-carrying her through the rowdy crowd.
In the master bedroom upstairs, he settled Emma on the bed.
"I need water... water," Emma mumbled.
"Okay, just stay here."
Xavier went to get water, pulling out a white pill from his pocket.
With a flick of his finger, the pill dissolved silently in the water.
Returning with the glass, he patiently helped Emma drink it.
Soon, Emma drifted into a deep slumber.
Xavier stood quietly for a moment, making sure she was fast asleep before exiting the room.
The soft facade on his face vanished, revealing a cold indifference beneath.
...
On the other side, Victoria slowly came to her senses, not knowing how much time had passed.
The dull ache all over her body and the dryness in her throat made her uneasy.
Shifting slightly, she realized she was lying on the cold, hard floor.
Surrounded by darkness.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim light.
A small skylight above her head allowed in faint moonlight, barely illuminating her surroundings.
She found herself in a sealed underground chamber, with a damp and chilly smell lingering in the air.
The room was cramped, containing only a worn-out chair.
"Is anyone out there?" she pounded on the iron door, calling out loudly for help.
The door remained locked from the outside.
"Open up! Can anyone hear me?"
Only the echoes of her own voice replied.