Chapter 273: Ransom of the Heart

Chapter 273: Ransom of the Heart
Elena's POV

Hours later, I found myself staring at the ceiling of Reginald's apartment, my mind racing despite my exhausted body.

This is the second time I've ended up in Reginald's place when trouble finds me.

Teresa entered the room, her face grim with concern. "Ms. Huntington, I've contacted our security team. They report unusual activity from an underground organization in the East District that might be connected to this situation. Locating Mr. Donovan will require more time."

I nodded, trying to maintain composure. "Understood. Keep searching."

She left me alone with my thoughts, which immediately returned to Donovan. The image of him covered in blood was seared into my mind—his defiant eyes contrasting with his battered face. My stomach clenched at the memory.

Donovan, where are you? Are you still safe?

My phone suddenly rang, startling me out of my thoughts. I grabbed it with trembling hands, my face instantly draining of color when I saw an unknown number.

Reginald, who had been watching me from across the room, immediately noticed my reaction. "What is it?"

"A blocked number," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Without hesitation, Reginald extended his hand. "Give it to me."

I passed him the phone, watching as he opened a video file that had been sent. The footage showed Donovan looking utterly defeated, his once-pristine white shirt now stained with dried blood, his eyes half-closed from exhaustion or pain—possibly both.

A male voice off-camera laughed coldly. "Donovan, you've finally fallen into my hands. I've waited years for this day."

A man wearing a white dress shirt approached Donovan. As he turned slightly, revealing his profile, I felt my entire body go rigid with recognition.

"That's—!" I gasped, but before I could finish, the video abruptly cut off.

Reginald's expression darkened as he looked up from the phone. "You recognize the man in the video?"

My voice shook as I answered, "That's the same man who was hunting Donovan years ago.

"No wonder Ryan and Elbert managed to capture Donovan," I continued, the pieces falling into place. "This man must have found them and joined forces."

A chill ran through me as I recalled what little I knew of Donovan's past. That man harbored a deadly vendetta against Donovan. Now that he's found him, there's no telling what extreme measures he might take.

Reginald's face grew increasingly grim as he analyzed the situation. "They're trying to lure you out."

"But I have no choice," Taking a deep breath, I reached for my phone and dialed Elbert's number. Each ring felt like an eternity.

"Well, well," Elbert's mocking voice came through the speaker. "Have you finally changed your mind about saving him?"

I kept my voice steady and cold. "You should know that dead men can't earn you money."

He laughed, the sound grating against my nerves. "Elena, I'm not surprised at all about your unclear relationship with that man. But this isn't just between us anymore..."

I heard raised voices in the background before Ryan's voice suddenly took over the call. "1 billion in cash, delivered to the specified location. You must come personally." The call ended abruptly.

I analyzed what I'd heard in the background. "They're definitely with that underground organization. From the ambient noise, they must be in some crowded, noisy location."

After a moment of silence, I looked up at Reginald. "The only solution is for me to deliver the ransom myself."

"Absolutely not!" His voice rose sharply. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that would be?"

I met his gaze with unwavering determination. "If I don't deliver the ransom, Donovan will certainly die. He saved my life once. I can't stand by and watch him die."

No matter what, I can't let Donovan die because of me.

Reginald's eyes flashed with anger. "Why? Is that man so important to you? Important enough that you'd risk your life for him?"

Looking directly into his eyes, I answered without hesitation. "Yes. He was by my side throughout those five years. I can't possibly watch him suffer and do nothing."

Something shifted in Reginald's expression. "Is there nothing I can do to make you forget the past? If I begged you not to go today, would you stay?"

The question caught me off guard. I looked away, unable to hold his gaze. "We're talking about different things."

Reginald stared at me for a long while, his rigid posture suddenly softening. Without a word, he stepped aside.

Though he said nothing, his actions spoke volumes.

I quickly walked to the door and glanced back at him.

His eyes were downcast, his bangs hiding his expression, making it impossible for me to read his emotions. I hesitated for a moment, but ultimately continued on my way, leaving without looking back.

Outside, Teresa was waiting by the car.

"Did you find anything about Serafina?" I inquired.

Teresa nodded. "Serafina's father has some undisclosed business dealings with Ryan. More interestingly, Serafina specifically requested to join the Huntington family business—she seems to have ulterior motives."

"Serafina's identity is indeed peculiar," I mused. "I'll visit Aunt Miley first. You bring Serafina in—I need to ask her some questions personally."

"Understood, Ms. Huntington," Teresa confirmed.

---

At the hospital, I observed the corridor from a distance, frowning at the unfamiliar men stationed outside Miley's room. Those must be Ryan's surveillance people. I'll have to find another way in.

Then I slipped into the staff changing room.

Ten minutes later, dressed in a nurse's uniform, I pushed a medication cart into Miley's room with practiced confidence, avoiding the watchers' attention.

Miley's eyes widened when she saw me. "Elena? Why are you dressed like that?"

I put my finger to my lips. "Keep your voice down. There are people watching outside."

Miley immediately lowered her voice. "Those men must be Ryan's people."

She reached for her phone. "I'm calling Ronin."

Ten minutes later, the surveillance team had been removed.

I sat down beside her bed. "Aunt Miley, I plan to deliver the ransom personally."

"Have you lost your mind?" Miley exclaimed. "They're obviously targeting you! Going there is walking straight into their trap!"

"Even if I avoid this confrontation," I reasoned, "they won't stop coming after me and the children. I can't keep Ethan and Zoe in hiding forever."

"Even if Ryan and Elbert, those two scoundrels, are colluding with gangs, their reach doesn't extend to America. Ronin could absolutely use this as grounds to arrest them..." Miley suggested.

"No one can guarantee they won't do something desperate before that happens," I countered. "I need to be prepared."

Miley sighed in resignation. "You stubborn child. No one can talk you out of anything once you've made up your mind."

She finally relented. "I'll have Ronin send people to watch over you. Promise me you won't take any risks alone."

"I promise," I assured her solemnly.

My phone vibrated. Teresa's message confirmed they had Serafina.

"I'll notify you before I make any move," I told Miley as I stood to leave. "Don't worry."

Miley still looked concerned. "Be careful. Don't try to be a hero."

As I left the hospital, my mind raced with plans. I needed to confront Serafina - she might know about Ryan and Elbert's dealings.

At an abandoned warehouse, I found Serafina tied to a chair, her fear quickly turning to rage when she saw me.

"Elena, you've gone insane!" she screamed. "How dare you do this! When I get out, I'll make you pay!"

I approached slowly. "If I were really the monster you think I am, would you speak to me this way? Aren't you afraid I might silence you permanently?"