Chapter 157 I Seem to Be Poisoned
Robert's implication was clear—if anything happened to him, Grace would surely die as well.
Robert leisurely took another sip of tea.
Alexander said, "Ten billion. I can have it ready by tomorrow. Will you release them tomorrow?"
Robert looked genuinely surprised.
Ten billion in cash was no small amount.
It wasn't that he doubted Alexander's financial capability, but he wanted cash—not bank transfers.
Bank accounts could be frozen. Checks could be voided.
But cash was immediately liquid, though not immediately accessible. It required bank withdrawals.
Banks had limited cash reserves. Even with counting machines, it could take a full day and night to prepare ten billion. That's why Robert had allowed two days, but Alexander claimed he could have it all ready by tomorrow. Robert naturally had his doubts.
Alexander said, "Don't doubt me. Whatever means I have to use, I'll have ten billion in cash ready tomorrow."
Robert was stunned. "That would be ideal."
Alexander said, "Is human life worth only money to you?"
His sudden question caught Robert off guard.
Alexander continued, "Then I'd like to buy another life from you."
Robert asked, "What deal does Mr. Hayes want to make?"
Alexander said, "What role does Jenny play in your organization?"
Robert had no recollection of that name. "I have many people under me, and they have countless connections with underground organizations in various cities. I've never heard that name, and I can't possibly remember everyone's name."
Alexander said, "The person you're holding is my ex-wife. Seven years ago, she gave birth to two children. Jenny was the nurse attending her delivery. She told my ex-wife that the first child was stillborn, but according to my investigation, that's not true. The child wasn't stillborn—he was likely sold somewhere else. Now I want to know where that child is. Name your price."
Robert was taken aback. "Seven years ago is ancient history. Besides, these small-time operations—my subordinates act on their own initiative. I never interfere."
"Ten billion." Alexander stated his offer directly. "If you can find that child, I'll give you another ten billion."
Robert drew in a sharp breath.
The lure of cash was irresistibly tempting to him.
Alexander said, "Jenny is also in your people's hands now. Ask your subordinates—maybe they can find out. Twenty billion, for two people. I want them both returned safely and unharmed. Will you take this deal? If so, I'll immediately have people start preparing the cash."
Robert ground his teeth silently.
It seemed he'd underestimated Alexander's wealth. Starting at ten billion like it was nothing—truly wealthy beyond measure!
He was even beginning to regret not asking for more, seeing how easily Alexander handled twenty billion.
Who could refuse money?
Alexander understood perfectly. Since Robert wanted cash upfront, it meant he was planning to take the money and run.
Facing a desperado ready to flee with the money, Alexander naturally maintained extra vigilance. He asked, "Since we've agreed on the price, I need to see the hostages now."
Robert had expected this request. He pulled out his phone, about to have his subordinates send a video, when Alexander added, "I want a video call, not a video."
Robert asked, "What's the difference between a video and a video call?"
Alexander replied, "A video can be pre-recorded. A video call is real-time. I must confirm she's still alive and well right now, completely unharmed. What could a video that can't sync with current time possibly prove?"
Robert gritted his teeth and couldn't help sighing, "Alexander, you really are shrewd!"
Alexander maintained his calm, steady demeanor. "Since you're the one who wanted to do business with me, you should at least show business sincerity. I've shown mine—you must show yours. You must let me confirm the hostages are still alive."
"Fine, I'll call my people."
Robert stood up and walked outside.
The bodyguard looked to Alexander. "Mr. Hayes, should we have someone tail him?"
Alexander said, "Maintain a ten-foot distance."
"Yes, sir."
...
Outside.
Robert called his subordinate.
"Hello? Tom, where are you now?"
A young man's voice came through, "Shit... Boss, something's wrong..."
Robert frowned. "What do you mean?"
The man stammered a few words, "I think... I've been poisoned..."
Robert's body stiffened. "What do you mean?"
Tom yelled, "That bitch somehow fed me something... like poison... I'm having reactions now..."
On the outskirts of the city.
In the vehicle.
Tom clutched his chest, gripping his phone. As the vehicle bounced, he suddenly coughed up bright red blood.
He turned around, glaring at Grace, and couldn't help slapping her hard across the face. "Talk! What the hell did you feed me?"
The crisp, forceful sound of the slap transmitted through the phone.
Robert's tense voice came through, "How is she?"
Tom said, "I taught her a lesson. She's behaving now!"
Grace leaned against the vehicle wall, semi-conscious. She'd just endured a beating—punches and kicks—leaving bruises on her body and face, blood smeared across her features.
Robert's heart lurched. "You hit her?"
"Yeah, she wasn't cooperating earlier. I asked her what she fed me, and she wouldn't say, so I taught her a lesson."
Robert lowered his voice and cursed, "You bastard, who gave you permission to hit her?"
He was about to have Grace video call with Alexander to confirm the situation. Now his incompetent subordinate had beaten the hostage bloody—how could he explain this?
Tom said, "Boss, she's still alive! She's not dead!"
Robert said, "Didn't I tell you not to touch her for now!"
"I..." Tom felt his chest tighten like he'd been punched.
He seemed to have misunderstood. He thought the boss meant to keep Grace alive, but didn't say he couldn't hit her.
Robert said, "I demanded ten billion ransom from Alexander. Now he wants a video call to confirm the hostage's condition. You've beaten her up like this—how am I supposed to explain?"
Under his questioning, Tom felt increasingly panicked. "Boss, what do we do now... I misunderstood earlier..."