Chapter 204: Goal Achieved, Immediate Change of Face
"Come in!"
The man who opened the door was Quincy, Knox's right-hand man. He had drafted the contract according to Knox's instructions and was well aware of its contents.
Quincy greeted Bianca with a blank expression, unable to hide the disdain in his eyes.
Bianca felt the contempt but endured it, digging her nails into her palm to keep herself composed. She had a goal to achieve, and once she became Knox's cherished woman, she would make sure to deal with Quincy.
She suppressed her emotions and approached Knox with a smile.
"Mr. Green, I'm here as requested. Can we talk about how to save Hayden?"
As Bianca spoke, she moved closer to Knox, who was sitting on the sofa, attempting to sit beside him.
Knox remained impassive. As she was about to sit next to him, he didn't move but spoke with cold authority, "I have a cleanliness issue. Sit across from me. I don't want to be contaminated."
Bianca's expression stiffened, but she obediently sat across from him. She opened her mouth to speak again.
Knox glanced at Quincy, "Give her the documents."
Quincy took a contract from his briefcase and placed it in front of Bianca.
"I have other matters to attend to. Sign the contract, and I'll arrange for Hayden to be brought back," Knox said in a deep voice.
Bianca intended to scrutinize the contract. Although she might not fully understand it, she thought of taking a picture and sending it to a company lawyer she knew. However, Knox seemed impatient and in a hurry.
She understood that if she asked for time to consult someone, Knox might leave immediately. So, she quickly scanned the contract with her limited legal knowledge, searching for any red flags.
Finding nothing obviously wrong, she signed the contract.
Knox signed it as well after she did. Feeling relieved, Bianca couldn't help but ask directly, "Mr. Green, now that the contract is signed, can we rescue Hayden immediately? I'll be at your service for anything you need."
Knox suddenly laughed, a mocking smile on his face. "Yes, the contract is signed. But rescuing him? No rush."
His sinister smile and strange words made Bianca realize something was off. She had been too confident.
She frowned and asked urgently, "Mr. Green, what do you mean? The contract states you agreed to save Hayden. Are you going back on your word right after signing?"
"So what if I am?" Knox retorted with a half-smile.
Bianca's face turned ugly. "A contract is legally binding, isn't it? And Mr. Green, do you find it amusing to toy with me? We have no personal grudges. Why treat me this way? Even if you don't believe Emily, I have no ill intentions!"
Her emotions grew increasingly agitated. Despite her red eyes, she stubbornly stared him down.
Any other man might have softened seeing her like this. But Knox was ruthless and cold-blooded.
"I never said I wouldn't save him. But you should look at the contract more carefully. I said I'd save him, but I didn't specify if he'd be dead or alive. So, what's the rush?" Knox spread his hands, feigning innocence.
Bianca was stunned by his words. How could someone be so shameless?
"When I said saving him, I meant alive. If he's dead, why would I need your help? If that's the case, the contract is void. I'll find someone else. No need to trouble you, Mr. Green."
She realized he was just playing with her. Furious, she stood up but felt reluctant to leave.
Since he liked Emily so much, she decided to provoke him. "You like Emily, don't you? Too bad she seems to prefer Mr. Smith. And Mr. Green, by delaying Hayden's rescue, you risk becoming the villain in Emily's eyes. She might never forgive you."
Bianca knew Emily had cut ties with the Johnson family, but she said it to irritate Knox.
She turned to leave.
"Stop!" Knox called out.
Bianca felt a flicker of hope. Maybe her words had worked.
She turned, feigning arrogance. "Mr. Green, have you reconsidered?"
"Sorry, no. I just wanted to remind you that the contract is effective once signed. You can't back out. From now on, you're my slave. Remember to be at my beck and call."
Bianca couldn't believe her ears. Knox's cold eyes and serious expression showed no hint of lying.
She staggered back, "How can you do this? Did Emily put you up to this? I knew it! She can't stand seeing me do well. She's manipulating you!"
Her emotions spiraled out of control, laughing and crying hysterically.
Knox suddenly stood, gripping her throat with a bloodthirsty gaze. "Who gave you the right to insult Emily? I'll make you pay for the suffering you caused her. The contract is no joke. You'd better read it carefully."
He shoved her away forcefully.
Bianca fell, coughing violently, tears streaming down her face. This time, they were real. She had almost thought she was going to die when he choked her.
Knox was terrifying. For a moment, she believed he truly wanted to kill her.
"Get out!" Knox ordered, not sparing her another glance.
Bianca struggled to her feet, her legs weak. She clung to the table, inching her way out.
"Ms. Johnson!" Quincy called after her, causing her to flinch in fear. "Is there something else?" she asked, trembling.
He handed her the contract, his tone mocking. She had forgotten it was now in effect.
Bianca left in a daze, unsure how she made it back to the Johnson Villa.
Cleo noticed something was wrong with her but was most concerned about Hayden.
"Bianca, what's wrong? Why do you look like that? Did something go wrong with Hayden?"
Bianca took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "It's... it's complicated. Knox is playing games with us. He signed the contract but he's not going to help Hayden right away."
Cleo's face turned pale. "What are we going to do? We can't just leave Hayden like that!"
Bianca shook her head. "I don't know yet. But I won't give up. I'll find a way to make Knox keep his word."
Cleo nodded, though worry was etched on her face. "Just be careful, Bianca. Knox is dangerous."
"I know," Bianca replied, her voice determined. "But I don't have a choice. I have to save Hayden, no matter what it takes."