Chapter 83 Accident
A faint smile curved at the corner of Anna's lips. She didn't rush to answer me. She seemed to be contemplating something.
I watched her lift her cup and take a sip before she looked at me unhurriedly. "What kind of proof do you want?"
Answering a question with a question? She really was something. Only now did I belatedly realize that Melissa and I combined might not even be a match for Anna.
From everything I knew, Anna had no connections or background. Her family circumstances were actually a stain on her record. Yet somehow, she'd managed to stand out, make it to the big city, and make someone like Edward—a born prince—bow down for her.
You had to remember, Edward was ruthless enough to abandon his own brother to compete for affection. What kind of charm did Anna possess? Maybe it was the thrill of conquest.
I forcibly made myself calm down. Anna was unexpectedly formidable, which meant I needed to bring her into my camp even more. She absolutely could not become an enemy.
Decision made, I relaxed slightly. "Since you asked, I'll be direct. I went to great lengths to meet you because I want us to be allies. As a show of good faith, you can deal with Sabrina however you want, and I'm willing to tell you everything I currently know."
This was a lie, of course. How stable could any partnership be without keeping some cards close to the chest?
Anna raised an eyebrow, seemingly waiting for me to continue. I cleared my throat and laid out everything about how Liam had asked me to be his girlfriend to use against Anna.
I didn't tell her about Liam's ambitions. I also didn't mention the friction between the two brothers. As the culprit who'd caused Liam years of suffering, Edward would absolutely never voluntarily bring it up to maintain his image in front of the woman he loved.
Liam might very well tell Anna to gain her sympathy. But definitely not right now. He'd only reveal it when Anna's favor started tilting his way. So I could safely exploit this information gap.
After hearing my account, Anna's emotions leaked through despite her control. Her cool, detached face gradually filled with anger, her breathing quickening noticeably.
I spoke up at the right moment. "I didn't agree to Liam's proposal. I won't team up with another man to gang up on a woman I admire."
Anna's lashes trembled lightly, waves rippling through her eyes. She seemed moved.
Time ticked by. Just as I was considering whether to add fuel to the fire, Anna spoke.
"If possible, I hope you'll agree to Liam's proposal."
"What?"
I was somewhat stunned.
Anna took a deep breath, as if finding this difficult to say. After some struggle, she continued, "If you don't agree, Liam will just find someone else. If that person is you, I won't waver at all."
I understood. My face immediately lit up. "Does this mean you agree to work with me?"
Anna nodded reservedly. "You detest Sabrina. I'll use Edward to help you deal with her. In exchange, I need you to get information from Liam that benefits me. That's the foundation of our cooperation. Can you do it?"
I nodded repeatedly. This was the best possible outcome.
Thinking of Melissa, I couldn't help feeling troubled. I still didn't know exactly how Melissa had kept Liam occupied.
Anna keenly picked up on my emotional shift. "What's wrong? Since we're allies now, we shouldn't hide things from each other. You can speak freely."
I shook my head with an awkward laugh. "Don't read into it. Just some personal stuff."
After reaching our understanding, Anna and I exchanged more information. From her account, I roughly guessed Anna's goal.
Initially, Anna had been Edward's prey. But the perfect hunter often appears in the form of prey. Edward and his gang of spoiled rich kids had wanted to humiliate Anna, but unknowingly gave themselves away in the process.
Anna didn't mention the hardships involved, but I inexplicably felt sorry for her. In a way, I could deeply empathize with her. Except Anna had won this hunting game, while I had lost completely.
Heaven had given me a chance to live again—I absolutely could not lose this time.
Through Edward, Anna had built a successful career and completely cut ties with her family of origin. The Johnson family not allowing them to marry actually suited her perfectly.
And Liam himself was actually one of Anna's chess pieces too. Before his identity was exposed, Edward had always known his girlfriend had a persistent secret admirer—her underclassman, younger than him, with good looks.
Edward just never imagined that person would turn out to be Liam! Now the struggle between them would only intensify. And if Anna wanted to profit from it, I would be her best helper.
In exchange, I also told her some about the grudges between Sabrina and me.
I glanced at the time. Only ten minutes remained until the maximum time limit Melissa and I had agreed on. I didn't dare gamble on it. After all, Liam was a lunatic.
With this thought, I quickly said, "Let's call it here for today. When they make new moves, we can discuss further."
Anna seemed somewhat puzzled by my rush to leave, but she didn't press. She stood and gave me a hug. "Alright. Looking forward to working with you."
We left the meeting place one after another. Since I was worried about being exposed, I'd chosen a rather secluded location. So even though it was only just past nine PM, there were hardly any pedestrians on the street.
I looked up at the intersection not far away, figuring once I reached it, I could blend into the crowd. After just a few steps, cold sweat suddenly broke out on my back.
I instinctively quickened my pace. Glancing back, I saw it was just Anna behind me. My anxious heart had just started to settle when a figure abruptly emerged from the shadows and struck toward Anna's neck.
My pupils dilated sharply. I was about to shout a warning when I saw Anna's expression mirrored my own shock. Before I could think further, I sensed danger and tried to dodge, but searing pain at the back of my neck beat me to it.
Before my consciousness completely scattered, I dimly saw Anna also being knocked unconscious and stuffed into a burlap sack.
Who had kidnapped us?
When I woke again, I couldn't move my whole body. The dull ache at the back of my neck reminded me that what had just happened wasn't a dream.
I struggled to open my eyes and survey my surroundings, only to discover it was almost dawn. And all around us was desolation—it looked like an abandoned factory in the suburbs.
Anna beside me hadn't woken yet. I tried inching closer to her bit by bit. The ropes binding me constantly scraped against my skin, the scattered pain making me involuntarily suck in a sharp breath.
Anna seemed to be startled awake. Her eyes flew open. Our gazes met, and I smiled bitterly.
After all, my current situation was also hers.
Anna was calmer than I'd imagined. She looked around, and seeing no one, lowered her voice. "Where are we?"