Chapter 76 76

Chapter 76 76
"I remember when you were first accepted to work there," Laura reminisced in a very weak and fragmented voice. "You came home bringing chocolate cake for your younger sibling and said that Mr. Raymond was a highly respected boss. You were very proud to work at Craig Corporation, Jessica."

"Yes, Mommy. I was very proud," Jessica sobbed quietly, gripping her mother’s fingers, which were starting to grow cold. "But now... I have become the path for a wicked person to ruin his life. I feel like the biggest traitor in the world."

"If only... if only I wasn't this sick, you wouldn't have to sacrifice your dignity," Laura whispered with tears streaming down the corners of her wrinkled eyes.

"Don't say that, Mommy. This is not your fault," Jessica shook her head quickly. "If Theo hadn't locked up my sibling and you in this old house, with threats to hurt you both... I wouldn't want to follow that wicked person's wishes either. I just hope Mr. Raymond can survive Theo and Madeline’s evil plan."

"Is there no way for us to warn Mr. Raymond?" Laura asked hopefully.

"There isn't, Mommy. All my communication devices are tapped by Theo’s men," Jessica replied in a tone of despair. "If I try to do anything foolish, they won't hesitate to harm my sibling who is locked in the room next door. I have no other choice but to obey all their demands."

Suddenly, the sound of the old house's front door creaking open loudly interrupted the warm conversation between mother and daughter. Jessica jolted in surprise, her body instantly tensing as she heard the sound of footsteps she knew all too well walking toward their room.

The bedroom door opened slowly, revealing the figure of Theo wearing a black leather jacket with a very cold and arrogant expression. He glanced at Laura, who was lying weakly on the bed, then shifted his gaze to Jessica, who immediately stood tall with a protective stance in front of her mother.

"How is your mother this morning, Jessica?" Theo asked in a tone that sounded friendly but was very fake.

"She... you can see for yourself that my mother is sick. When will you treat my mother? You promised you would provide treatment for her," Jessica replied in a sharp tone, trying to hide the fear spreading through her body. "And why don't you release us immediately? Didn't you say you wouldn't bother us anymore if I submitted my resignation letter?"

Theo walked closer, then sat on the only wooden chair in the corner of the room casually. "Relax, Jessica. In a few days, there will be a medical team under my control coming here to treat your mother. Make sure you, your mother, and your sibling always obey me and don't try to escape. You will know the consequences later."

"I am just ensuring you all stay in a safe place. Besides, I just received good news from Madeline at the office."

"What good news?" Jessica asked with full vigilance.

"Madeline is doing a great job there. That smart Raymond Craig doesn't suspect her at all," Theo chuckled, a laugh that sounded very dry and cruel. "The security investigation conducted by Raymond’s people was passed by Madeline very easily. All our plans are running very smoothly thanks to your sudden resignation."

"You are truly outrageous, Theo," Jessica hissed with burning anger. "You are exploiting my Mommy’s illness and holding my sibling hostage just to satisfy your personal vendetta against Mr. Raymond!"

Theo stood up from his chair, walking slowly toward Jessica until only a few centimeters remained between them. "Personal vendetta? This is not just a personal vendetta, Jessica. This is about justice. David was a very important person in my life, and Raymond eliminated him without mercy. So, it is only fitting that Raymond also feels the same painful loss."

"Mr. Raymond will never let you win," Jessica replied bravely, looking directly into Theo’s dark eyes. "He is far stronger and smarter than you have ever imagined."

"We shall see," Theo smiled cynically, gripping Jessica’s jaw gently but with a deadly threat. "When Madeline manages to get all the important documents and disrupt his security system from the inside, no matter how strong Raymond Craig is, he will surely fall apart. And you... make sure you stay quiet in this house if you still want to see your mother get her medicine."

Theo released his grip roughly, making Jessica stumble backward slightly. The man then turned his body and walked out of the room, closing the door with a very loud thud, leaving a grim silence inside the room.

Jessica collapsed to the floor, her tears breaking out instantly in the silence of the old house. She hugged her own knees with a feeling of utter devastation. On the bed, Laura could only watch her daughter with eyes filled with deep sadness, praying in her heart that a miracle would save them all from the vortex of Theo and Madeline’s evil plan, which was now targeting Raymond Craig’s life.