Chapter 178: Conditions
Juan sneered. "Not here?"
"My people saw Chloe brought into this place with their own eyes."
"And you're saying she's not here?"
"Do you think we're idiots?"
Zach spread his hands, the picture of innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"This is a church. A sacred place."
"What's the meaning of all these people surrounding it?"
"Enough talk!" one of Juan's bodyguards growled. "Mr. York, let's just storm in and search the place!"
"I don't believe we won't find her!"
Zach's expression darkened.
"Search?"
"On what grounds?"
"This is my property. You think you can just barge in and search it?"
"Is there no justice?"
"Justice?" Juan let out a cold laugh. "In the York family, we make the rules!"
"Tear this place apart!"
At Juan's command, the bodyguards surged forward.
But suddenly, dozens of men in black poured out of the church.
Each one carried a weapon, glaring at Juan and his men like predators.
The two sides faced off. The tension spiked instantly.
Zach stood on the steps, looking down at Juan, a cold smile playing on his lips.
"Want to search?"
"You'll have to get through me first."
Juan's face darkened.
Looks like this won't end peacefully.
---
Outside the church, both sides were on edge.
Zach stood on the steps, looking down at Juan with a sneer.
"Thinking of forcing your way in?"
"Mr. York, are you sure about that?"
Juan's expression was grim.
He hadn't expected Zach to have this many men.
And they all looked vicious—clearly not people to mess with.
If it came to a fight, who knew who'd win.
Just then, Zach smiled.
"How about this."
"I'll give you a chance."
Juan frowned. "What do you mean?"
"You want to save your daughter, right?" Zach said leisurely. "I can let her go."
"But there's a condition."
Juan's heart tightened. "What condition?"
"Simple." Zach's gaze drifted past him, looking into the distance. "Bring me Reuben."
"As soon as Reuben shows up in front of me, I'll release your daughter immediately."
Reuben?
Juan froze.
Why does he want Reuben?
Is there bad blood between them?
Juan's mind raced.
He knew exactly who Reuben was.
Hand him over?
Even if he had the ability, he wouldn't dare.
But...
Chloe was still in their hands.
What if Zach killed her?
Juan gritted his teeth.
"Fine! I agree!"
The words tumbled out.
Zach raised an eyebrow, looking mildly surprised.
"That easy?"
"It's a deal." Juan's voice was firm. "But you have to guarantee Chloe won't be harmed."
"Don't worry." Zach smiled. "As long as Reuben shows up, I promise your daughter won't lose a single hair."
"Good."
Juan took a deep breath.
"We're leaving."
He turned and led his men away.
Behind him, Zach watched them go, a playful smile curling his lips.
Reuben. Long time no see.
---
The York Villa.
Juan rushed back into the living room.
"Dad! Dad!"
Terry was leaning back on the sofa, his face still pale.
Seeing Juan's frantic state, he frowned.
"What's the rush? Slow down."
"Dad, I found Chloe!" Juan said urgently. "Zach's got her—she's at the church on the outskirts!"
Terry sat bolt upright. "Really?"
"Yes!" Juan nodded. "I saw it myself. That church is a Holy Grace Church stronghold!"
"What about Chloe? How is she?" Terry asked urgently.
"She's... she's okay for now." Juan hesitated. "But Zach said we have to trade Reuben for her."
"He said if we hand over Reuben, he'll let Chloe go."
Smack!
Terry's hand cracked across Juan's face.
The sharp sound echoed through the living room.
Juan's head snapped to the side, his cheek burning.
"Dad..."
"You fool!" Terry trembled with rage. "Who do you think Reuben is? You think you can just hand him over?"
"He helped us so much, and you turn around and sell him out?"
"You've dragged the York family's name through the mud!"
Juan held his face, looking aggrieved. "But Dad, Chloe's still in their hands!"
"If we don't hand over Reuben, what happens to Chloe?"
"Are we just supposed to watch her die?"
"You—!" Terry was too furious to speak.
He took a deep breath, forcing down his anger.
"Fool!"
"Who do you think Zach is? You think handing over Reuben will make him release Chloe?"
"He'll only push harder!"
"When that happens, not only will we lose Chloe, we'll be done for too!"
Juan opened his mouth to respond, then swallowed his words.
He knew he'd been too impulsive.
But thinking of Chloe in the hands of those criminals made his chest tighten with panic.
"Then... what do we do?" Juan frowned. "We can't just abandon Chloe."
Terry sighed.
"Go get Reuben and Skylar."
"What?" Juan blinked. "Why bring them here?"
"Just do what I say!" Terry snapped. "This is serious. We need to discuss it with them first."
Juan was reluctant, but he nodded.
"Yes, Dad."
He turned and left.
Terry leaned back on the sofa, rubbing his temples.
His head throbbed.
This whole mess was giving him a migraine.
---
Soon, Reuben and Skylar arrived.
As soon as they sat down, Terry got straight to the point.
"Reuben, there's something I need to tell you."
Reuben nodded. "Go ahead."
Terry sighed and explained Zach's condition.
"...That's the situation."
"This Zach is clearly coming after you."
"I know this has nothing to do with you. We dragged you into this."
"But rest assured, even if we have to give everything we've got, we won't let anything happen to you."
Reuben listened calmly, his expression unchanged.
Like he'd expected this all along.
But Skylar frowned.
Zach wants Reuben?
What kind of grudge do they have?
After a moment of silence, Reuben spoke.
"I can go."
"What?" Terry froze.
"Reuben, you..."
"I'll go trade myself for Chloe." Reuben's tone was calm. "But I have one condition."
"What condition? Name it!" Terry said immediately.
"Have Juan come with me." Reuben looked at Juan.
Juan blinked. "Me?"
"Yes." Reuben's smile was cold. "You're Chloe's father. If you don't go, it wouldn't be right."