I quietly moved closer, my heart skipping when I recognized James' voice.

A rush of relief flooded through me.

When I had been tied up, James had just stepped away to the bathroom and I'd been worried about him.

But now that I knew he was okay, my chances of escaping seemed much brighter.

However, as I listened to his conversation with the person outside, my hope shattered.

"Sis, did you get the money? Hurry up and give me my share!"

"You still have the nerve to say that? Didn’t you win five million? How come you can’t even come up with three million? Are you trying to scam me?"

"Sis, I swear I didn’t! I went with him to claim the prize. He’s just being stubborn. You’ll have to use stronger tactics!"

"Yeah, and earlier, he pretended to be President Miller’s brother. He’s really asking for it. But... he’s not bad-looking and he reminds me of my first love. It’d be a waste to just get rid of him! Hehe…"

The moment I heard those words, a chill ran down my spine.

For the longest time, I had believed James was completely unaware of what was happening. I had been counting on him noticing my absence and rushing to call the police to save me.

But to my horror, I now realized he was in on it all along.

I had treated him well and trusted him, so why would he betray me like this?

Was it really just for the five million?

I couldn’t bear to listen to their conversation anymore.

Instead, I threw all my energy into rubbing at the rope, desperate to break free. If I escaped, there was no way I’d let him get away with it.

Before long, I had managed to cut through one of the ropes.

A surge of joy rushed through me and I was just about to finish the last one when I heard keys turning in the door.

Panic gripped me. "This is bad!"

I grabbed the broken rope and quickly pulled myself back to my original position.

The door creaked open and in stepped a plump middle-aged woman who promptly yanked the tape from my mouth.

"Little handsome guy, if it weren't for me, your legs would’ve been broken by now and your face would be a mess. Aren’t you going to show some gratitude?"

I fought the urge to gag and asked, "How exactly should I show it?"

Without warning, her greasy, clammy hand brushed against my cheek.

"How about you come with me from now on? I’ll promise you a life of luxury and that three million? You’ll never have to worry about it again. What do you say?"

I was boiling with rage.