Chapter 3

Right now, we were on the outskirts of the city, so the airport wasn't too far away. As long as I could get out of this bus, I would be able to make it onto the plane if I ran.

I reluctantly took out my phone and tossed it at Zachary, then swiftly turned to run out of the bus.

However, Zachary suddenly yelled, "Seize him!"

Immediately, Natania and the others grabbed hold of me.

He threw my phone at my head viciously and let out a cold snort. "I knew he was up to something! He bought a ticket for Carula that will depart at two in the afternoon! He's clearly using this opportunity to escape!"

When the others saw the flight reminder message that I received on my phone, they yanked me back to my seat by my collar and flung me back onto it.

"Adrian, don't blame us for what we'll do if you dare ruin this opportunity for us to get rich!"

"You'd better behave! Otherwise, we'll do anything necessary to get you there, even if that means tying you up and abducting you!"

Natania procured a length of rope from who knew where and proceeded to tie me tightly to the seat.

"I just knew you wouldn't behave! Don't even think about running! Zachary has already promised that our whole class will be there for the interview, and that means all of us, including you!"

I struggled for a while, but the ropes showed no signs of loosening.

My body went cold, and I could only stare at Natania's back as she eagerly sought out Zachary to claim credit for her actions.

With an order from Zachary, the bus driver turned back onto the highway.

As the bus sped up and left the city further behind us, my heart plummeted to my feet.

…

Upon arriving at the factory, our classmates chattered and laughed happily as they took their luggage from the bus.

Some were discussing what they planned on doing with the salary after the two months were up, while others were already smiling widely at the thought of how they would be getting management positions in the company once they graduated.

Only I stood there, staring at the oddly run-down-looking factory while my guts quivered in fear.

No matter what, I had to escape from here by today. Otherwise, tomorrow, I'd die here just like I did in my previous life!

Zachary pulled me forward by the rope. Since I couldn't break free of the restraints, I could only warn my fellow classmates with vague words.

"Why are the machines here all so old and shabby looking? Zachary, are they even safe to use?"

The others paused briefly when they heard that, but Natania quickly jumped to Zachary's defense.

"You're just overreacting! The Fuller family is the wealthiest family in the entire city of Bayville! Those machines just look old, but are definitely the most advanced machines around!"

A worshipful look entered the others' eyes as they added, "That's right! As if the Fuller family would have anything subpar! Zachary was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so how dare a broke nobody like you slander him?"

"Zachary is giving you a great opportunity by offering you this job. If you dare say another bad word about him, we're going to ostracize you!"

Zachary initially panicked a little at my questions, but when he heard how everyone was defending him so vehemently, he laughed arrogantly and yanked me closer by the hair.

"Adrian, I'll forgive you this time since I know you come from a poor family and haven't seen much. However, for slandering my family, you'll have to get down on your knees and lick my shoes when it's time to receive your salary!"

I hissed at the pain radiating from my scalp. Watching the others gleefully fill in the job application forms, I finally lost all hope.

As they were all busy, none of them had any mind to pay me any attention.

Sure, Zachary had taken away my phone, but I still had a smart watch that could make calls!

Hunkering down in a corner, I stealthily dialled 911.

The instant a voice came over the line, I said lowly, "Help! There's illegal labor activity going on here, and I'm in danger! We're currently at Peach Street—"

Before I could finish saying the address, Zachary rushed over, ripped my watch off, and smashed it against the ground.

"Adrian, how dare you call the police!"

The others stopped filling in the forms and swung around to shoot me resentful gazes.