novelxo Chapter 1535
Ben gripped Jamie's chin tightly, his voice firm and unyielding.
When Jamie had disappeared from his life, he had exhausted every possible means, called in countless favors, and poured his energy into finding her. But he had failed.
Just when he was on the verge of giving up, he had met Winnie. It felt like fate had stepped in, intertwining their paths once more, as if destined for a lifetime of entangled love and hate. If that was his reality, then he would play along with it. "Instead of plotting ways to escape from me, why don't you focus on apologizing? Show me some sincerity, and maybe I'll make your life a little easier," Ben said.
Jamie's lips curved into a bitter smile. She knew what he wanted.
He wanted an apology and an attitude of remorse. But she also knew she had no leverage to stay by his side.
Even if she played along now, making him happy temporarily, there was no future for them. Mrs. Lucas's disdain for her was an insurmountable mountain, and she couldn't see a way around it. They would never truly be together again. Her silence spoke volumes.
Ben's expression darkened further. "Don't think I'll let you off. Jamie, you're staying here with me. And since you care so much about Charlie, start behaving. Please me, and I'll help you find him. Otherwise, even if I know where he is, I won't tell you."
Winnie had cut off communication, and Jamie had no idea where she had taken Charlie. Trapped here with no connections or resources, even hiring a private investigator was out of reach. Ben had the power to find Charlie, and he was using it as leverage to force her into submission.
"Ben, you can do whatever you want to me, but please, don't drag Charlie into this," Jamie pleaded, her voice laced with pain.
The more her anguish showed, the
more Ben clung to it, using it to provoke her further. "Drag Charlie into this? You don't seem to mind at all. I see you eating, drinking, and living comfortably. Losing Charlie seems to have lightened your load, hasn't it?"
For some, a sick child might indeed feel like a burden, but Jamie had never seen it that way. She knew arguing with him would be pointless. It was better to let him say whatever he wanted. Eventually, he would tire of it.
Ben's phone suddenly rang. It was a work call. He had no choice but to step out and handle business. Before leaving, he turned back with one last warning. "Behave yourself while I'm gone. Don't make me angry, or you'll be the one who suffers."
Jamie watched him leave, then sank onto the bed, her thoughts consumed by Charlie. She missed him terribly and had no idea how he was doing.
Suddenly, the silence of the room
re
was broken by the ringing of her phone. Jamie grabbed it
instinetively, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the calleDID.
It was Winnie.
If Winnie was calling her, it meant she was willing to negotiate. There was hope for Charlie!
Jamie answered eagerly. "Winnie, where is Charlie?"
Instead of answering, Winnie's cold voice shot back with a question of her own. "Where is Jack Green-no, Ben Lucas? Are the two of you still together?" Thinking back to those days, Winnie felt as if her heart was being torn apart.
She had been so naive, so foolishly trusting of those two people.