The other Hills employees watching this exchange grew worried. Though they were genuinely confident in their project, if Mr. Aleen already had a favorite from the start, their best efforts might be useless.
"Mr. Hill, are we just running interference?"
"Yeah! We've worked so hard. If we end up just being filler, it's too unfair."
"If we lose because we're genuinely outmatched, that's one thing. But if it's because of other connections... that's really frustrating."
"Enough! Just do your jobs properly. Don't worry about the rest," Mrs. Hill snapped. Complaining now was pointless. Mr. Aleen clearly favored Janelle, and there was nothing anyone could do to change that.
Soon, Janelle received a call. Normally, she wouldn't answer a call at this moment. But because it was Sara's number, she picked up.
The voice on the other end wasn't Sara's. It was a man's.
"Miss Rovella, Miss Winston is currently in our possession."
"Let me speak to her." Janelle's entire aura instantly turned icy. They dared to touch Sara?
"Miss Rovella, no need to get agitated! We just wanted to invite Miss Winston for some tea."
"Tell me. Who ordered this?" Janelle shot a glance towards Mrs. Hill. Was it her? Or Westin and his group?
"Miss Rovella, don't get excited! If you get excited, we might get excited too. Miss Winston is quite the beauty! If something were to happen..."
"State your terms." Janelle's voice was cold.
"Leave the bidding session right now. Just follow my instructions." He wasn't about to reveal their location directly. Rumors said this woman was vicious; he needed to be extremely cautious.
"Let me hear her speak first," Janelle demanded, her voice frosty.
The man held the phone to Sara's ear. Sara had something stuffed in her mouth and couldn't speak. The man pulled it out.
"Miss Rovella wants to talk to you. Say something! Or she might think you're dead."
Sara refused to speak. The man punched her hard in the side. Sara grunted in pain but still refused to utter a word. Today was too important for Janelle; she couldn't cause any disruption. Otherwise, she'd never forgive herself.
"Sara, are you alright?" Hearing the grunt, Janelle's fists clenched.
Sara remained silent.
"Sara, speak. I'm worried about you." Seeing Sara persistently refuse, the man punched her again.
"Sara!" Janelle urged.
Sara finally spoke. "Janelle, don't worry about me! They won't dare hurt me badly! If you leave the bidding now, you're playing right into their hands."
"Janelle, I know how important Blue Whale Co., Ltd. is to you. Don't worry about me!"
A final slap cracked across Sara's face, splitting her lip. Stupid! Sara cursed herself. If she'd been more careful, she wouldn't have been captured.
The man took the phone back. "One hour. If Miss Rovella doesn't show up on time, I'll start by cutting off one of Miss Winston's fingers."
"Miss Winston is a fashion designer, isn't she? Wonder if she can still draw with a finger missing?"
"Good. You just wait," Janelle said, her voice promising retribution. She was ready to unleash carnage.
Sara started crying. "Janelle, I told you not to come! Did you hear me? Don't come!" If this project failed, Janelle wouldn't get Blue Whale Co., Ltd. back. She absolutely couldn't let that happen.
"Sara, be good. I'll come get you home soon," Janelle said firmly before hanging up.
Erik had just stepped away to the restroom. Returning, he saw Janelle giving instructions to Jiang Chao.
"If I can't make it back, you present in my place. This project must be won."
"What's wrong? Little Junior Sister, what happened? Where are you going now?" Jiang Chao was deeply concerned. He'd never seen his junior sister like this. Something serious must have happened.
"Senior Brother, I'm counting on you and Linda here. I'll be back soon." The project had to be won, and Sara would be brought back.
Jiang Chao was still uneasy and wanted to go with her. "Leave this to Linda. I'll go with you." Something terrible must have happened to make his usually detached junior sister so furious.
"No need. He'll handle the project. I'll go with her," Erik said, taking Janelle's hand. "It's alright. Whatever it is, we'll solve it together." She was never alone; he was behind her now.
"Mr. Lorenz, take care of her." Seeing Erik, Jiang Chao felt relieved. With Erik's capabilities, no one could harm her. He had the absolute power to protect the little junior sister.
The two hurriedly left. Seeing her depart, Bruce Aleen chased after them. How could she leave at such a crucial moment?
"Miss Rovella! What happened?"
Janelle's expression was glacial. "Young Mr. Aleen, I have an urgent matter to handle. Please inform Mr. Aleen to put our presentation last. I will make it back."
"What is it? Do you need my help?" Janelle was always so composed; he'd never seen her this angry.
"It's fine, no need. Just do me this favor." Without waiting for his reply, Janelle left with Erik.
Mrs. Hill watched her go, a surge of satisfaction rising within her. Hah! Competing with her? Janelle was still too green. Even if she couldn't get hold of Madalyn, Sara was always in Graham City. As long as Sara was in her grasp, she didn't believe Janelle would dare disobey. Weren't they best friends?
The attendees below saw Janelle leave and began murmuring.
"Miss Rovella leaving now... surely she doesn't mean to give up?"
"Who knows? With her gone, our chances just got better. Best if she never comes back."
"True."
"Didn't I tell you to focus on your tasks?" Mrs. Hill snapped at her team. "Don't worry about the rest. This project will be the Hills'." In business, winning was everything. She never cared about the methods used. She only wanted the result. As for Janelle... sooner or later, she'd end up like her mother – a madwoman scorned by all.
It took over ten minutes to get from the venue hall to the underground garage. During this time, Janelle told Erik about Sara's kidnapping.
Erik held her hand tightly. It was cold. She was terrified for Sara, her closest friend.
"Don't worry. Sara will be fine," Erik stated, his voice a promise.