Chapter 214: The helplessness

Evelyn’s heart nearly stopped. "Ian."

Cedric stood nearby, watching calmly. Then he pulled out his phone. He began recording.

The camera captured every blow, every scream, and every tear on Evelyn’s face.

Cedric watched the recording for a few seconds before sending the video to Elias.

Elias was driving toward the location Ian had given him. His hands were tight around the steering wheel.

His mind was filled with one thought: ’Bring her home.’

His phone suddenly vibrated. A message appeared on the screen.

He assumed it was from Ian.

He pulled the car to the side of the road and picked up the phone. The moment the video opened, his blood ran cold.

Ian was on the floor. Several men were beating him.

Elias’s face turned pale with rage.

In the corner was Evelyn. Her eyes were red from crying, her face swollen. Her hair was messy, and her dress was soiled.

Elias’s heart ached. He had never seen Evelyn in such a helpless state before.

Then another message arrived.

’Dr. Whitmore and Evelyn are with me. Come here alone if you want them to be safe. I don’t know how long Dr. Whitmore can handle this. And your sister... well, these men are wild. They won’t be able to control themselves for long. And don’t try to act smart. If you bring anyone with you, I’ll kill them right away.’

Elias’s eyes turned murderous. He slammed his phone against the dashboard.

"Bastard, I’ll kill you." His voice shook with fury.

His hands tightened around the steering wheel until the veins stood out on the back of his hands.

"Cedric Sterling. You are dead."

He grabbed the phone and dialed a number. "Have you reached?" he asked.

"Sir, we have already encircled the whole building," a man replied. "We spotted seven people inside. All armed. We are waiting for your order."

"Wait. I’m coming."

He slammed his foot down on the accelerator.

The car shot forward.

"Cedric, you are not walking out of this."

Meanwhile, inside the abandoned building, Evelyn watched Ian lying motionless on the floor.

Her tears wouldn’t stop.

"Ian..." She could barely speak.

Cedric slowly turned toward her. A cold smile appeared on his face.

"Now... it’s your brother’s turn. Let’s wait for him."

Evelyn glared at him, hatred burning in her chest.

"Cedric, you are making a grave mistake. You still have a chance to step back. Let us go. And my brother will spare you. But if he arrives here, he will destroy you completely."

Cedric gave her a mocking stare. "Let’s see who will regret their decision." He flicked his fingers toward his men. "Seal her mouth. She talks too much."

One of the men immediately approached Evelyn.

"No." She struggled against the ropes.

But the man grabbed her face and forced a cloth into her mouth before tying it tightly behind her head.

Evelyn groaned and violently shook her head from side to side, trying to get away from him.

"Keep quiet," the man threatened. "Don’t make a noise."

Cedric’s another command came. "Tie him." He looked down at the barely conscious Ian. "Don’t let him cause any more trouble."

He walked out of the room, his phone pressed against his ear.

The men dragged Ian toward the corner.

Ian’s body was already covered in bruises. They forced his hands behind his back and tied his wrists tightly. Then they tied his ankles.

"Now stay here silently." One of the men leaned over him. "If you make another noise, we’ll beat you again."

Dropping that warning, the men walked out of the room.

The door closed behind them.

Ian lay on the dirty ground, breathing heavily. His whole body ached. Even the slightest movement sent sharp pain through him.

Evelyn looked at Ian through tear-filled eyes.

Evelyn moved toward him. Worry was written all over her face.

Ian’s face was swollen. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. One eye had already begun turning dark blue from the impact of the punches.

A cut on his temple was still bleeding, and blood ran down the side of his cheek. Bruises covered his arms. His shirt was torn in several places.

Seeing him in that condition, Evelyn couldn’t stop her tears.

She couldn’t bear the distance anymore. Slowly, she shifted her body across the floor.

The ropes around her wrists and ankles made every movement difficult, but she kept going. She dragged herself a little closer, ignoring the pain in her knees and the rough floor beneath her.

Ian noticed her struggling. He sat upright.

Pain shot through his body, and he nearly collapsed again. But he ignored it. He dragged himself across the floor until he reached her.

"Are you okay?" he asked, searching her face.

When he saw the red marks on her face, regret clawed at his heart.

"I am sorry." He swallowed painfully. "I couldn’t stop them from taking you away. I was late."

Evelyn shook her head, feeling helpless.

’Why did you come? Why did you put yourself into danger?’

She wanted to ask so many questions. But the gag prevented her from speaking.

He coughed. His chest hurt with every breath. Still, he forced himself to speak.

"Don’t cry." He gave her a reassuring look. "Everything will be fine. We’ll go out of here."

Evelyn blinked her tears away. She knew her brother would find them and take them out of here.

Ian glanced at the door. Then he lowered his voice further. "I already shared the location with Elias. He will be here soon."

She nodded frantically. She pressed her forehead against his. A muffled sob escaped from behind the gag.

"Eve, please don’t be mad at me," he whispered. "I have nothing to do with Maya. Trust me."

He looked into her eyes. "I didn’t know she would come to the restaurant. If I knew, I would have never booked a table there."

He looked at her with sincerity. "I only wanted to spend time with you. I swear."

She closed her eyes. A silent sob shook her body.

Yes, she had been angry with him. She had resented the thought of him being with Maya. She had doubted his feelings.

But all that anger suddenly seemed meaningless.

The man in front of her had followed her into danger without a second thought. He had been willing to risk his life just to make sure she was safe.

A man who didn’t love her would never have done that.

Her doubts finally disappeared.

She leaned against his shoulder. Her tears continued falling.

’I forgive you, Ian. Once we go out of here safely, I’ll tell you how much I love you.’