Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 2013

"Even if you don't care about yourself, you should think about your child. If Zac and Chandler keep fighting, your baby might not even make it into the world," Helen continued, pressing her point.

This was Julia's only child, and she knew she had to protect it at all costs.

Her resolve faltered, and for a moment, she almost agreed without a second thought. But just as the words were about to escape her lips, she hesitated, noticing the eager expression on Helen's face.

Helen was Chandler's woman, after all. Given his manipulative nature, there was no way his partner could be as genuine and kind-hearted as she appeared.

"Is something wrong?" Helen asked, her smile unwavering. "If you have any other conditions, feel free to share it. I'll do my best to accommodate you."

Julia shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't trust you."

"If that's the case, I won't force you. Let them be the hunter and the prey, and let them meet their end," Helen said, waving her hand dismissively. "James, take Ms. Sparks to the basement and ensure she's well taken care of."

Julia didn't react with anger. Instead, a faint smile tugged at her lips. She had been right to doubt Helen—she had almost walked straight into her trap.

She stood up quietly and followed James out of the room.

After Julia walked a few steps, Helen called out with a cold smile, "So, tell me, do you think Zac is the hunter or the prey?"

The hunter, even wounded, could still strike. But the prey only had one escape—death.

Helen's words lingered in the air, a cruel metaphor that cast a dark shadow over Zac's fate, forcing Julia to face a harsh and unforgiving truth.

"Enough. Take her away."

…

A touch of confusion edged into Zac's voice. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you scared?"

"Maybe just a little," Chandler answered in a calm, almost indifferent tone. "I was thinking—if you never intended to spare Jenson's life, then whether or not I do this live stream, the result will be the same. So, there's no real reason for me to go to Times Square."

"No!" Zac's frustration boiled over, his teeth grinding as he grudgingly gave in. "Fine. We'll stick to the original deal. If you do it by midnight, I'll release Jenson."

"Now, that's more like it. A man of his word is worth trusting."

Enraged, Zac slammed the phone down. Seven years had passed, and he still couldn't gain any leverage over Chandler.

Despite his anger, Zac quickly composed himself, exhaling slowly. He fixed his gaze on the distance, his eyes narrowing with a quiet resolve.

"Chandler, you can hold onto that lofty attitude for now, but it won't last much longer. After today, the name 'Chandler Newton' will be forever tied to fear, and you'll never look down on me again!"