第3章

I hadn't even finished dialing.

Derek snatched my phone and smashed it on the ground, shattering it.

"Calling the police?

"You signed the agreement and took my money. If the cops show up, they'll be arresting you."

He lowered his voice, his glare vicious.

"And don't think I'm bluffing. Even the cops around here show me respect!"

I wasn't the type to scare easily.

When boys at school bullied girls, I was always the first one to charge in swinging.

"Then don't stop me.

"Let the police investigate. If I truly owe your mother a kidney, I'll go with you.

"If I don't, you won't lay a hand on me."

I glared right back.

"If you're really in the right, what are you afraid of?"

Murmurs against him rippled through the crowd.

Derek's face twisted.

He checked his watch, then forced out a single tear.

He turned to the crowd, his voice breaking.

"I'm really not afraid of the police.

"It's just that if my mother doesn't get surgery now, she'll die.

"The police will have procedures to follow. My mother doesn't have that kind of time..."

I cut him off with a cold laugh.

"You've spent all this time arguing with me. Aren't you worried your mother is already dead?"

Derek glared at me and shouted, "If you hadn't broken your word, do you think I would want to do this?

"Serena, you're coming with me right now!"

He signaled to his men.

I swept my gaze over the crowd and darted behind a young man.

He was tall and powerfully built.

"I'm not going anywhere.

"If you take me by force, that's kidnapping."

I peered out from behind him.

"If you've got the nerve, wait for the police to question you."

I pleaded with the young man, "Please help me.

"I don't know these people. They're trying to kidnap me and traffic my organs. Please call the police!"

He said nothing and didn't call the police, but he didn't step aside either.

With his arms crossed, his broad back formed a solid wall between us.

Derek's face flushed with rage as he glared at me.

"Serena, if you refuse to save my mother, then give me back the full $1.5 million. Right now!"

He thrust out his hand, all five fingers spread.

I gave a cold laugh.

"You wired the money to Nathan Mercer. Go after Nathan Mercer.

"It has nothing to do with me."

Derek's face went ashen, and he pointed at me.

"How can it have nothing to do with you?

"He's your biological brother. He said he gave you every penny.

"Serena, don't push your luck."

My expression hardened.

When I returned to my biological family, I learned that my birth parents were dead and my older brother was the only family I had left.

We were practically strangers, but after two weeks of his care and concern, I had begun to feel that I belonged somewhere again.

Had all of it been an act?

Had he sold me out?

"Nathan made the promise and took your money. Take it up with him."

I said coldly, "I don't have time for this.

"I'm leaving."

Derek pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Don't think you can walk away. I'll have him come here and settle this face-to-face!"

He said into the phone, "Come over."

Less than a minute later, a man approached us.

It was Nathan Mercer.

He had clearly been hiding nearby, watching and waiting.

A woman followed behind him.

She was the biological daughter the Ashford family had only recently brought home.

Vivian Ashford.