Chapter 117 - Why did he come?

The man smiled at Clara, who was now sitting down comfortably opposite to him, with her products resting on her lap. "That's right. Raymond Leonard." he affirmed, only to see Clara's mouth make an 'O' shape.

The leader smiled again and turned to face  his boys that were still on their feet, with their masks yet to be removed, "was it a clean one?" he asked, hoping they were not followed.

One of them replied that Clara didn't scream nor struggle to attract attention. And the place isn't crowded, since she makes a turn towards an alley.

The man looked at Clara, as if proud of her, "what about Leonard? have you contacted him?" he asked.

"Yes sir, I have sent him an email", one of them replied.

Clara felt disappointed. 'So these guys are just normal kidnappers who crave money, and here she is, believing that someone will just show up and be the mastermind behind her abduction.

And what the hell did they mean by my lover, Leo? I'm sure he would be glad if you guys could help him get rid of me. I should at least eat their food before leaving. What an annoying day." she thought, feeling like she has been worried all those while for nothing.

Clara assumed Leo would be glad to get rid of her, because she had this feeling that he's cured.

But first of all, she wanted to clear something, "you got it wrong guys, he is no lover of mine, he is my boss." she said, glad that she broke their fantasy of expecting Leo to come and save her and give them money.

They all chuckled at her word. They had discovered this information from the sharp tongue lady who was among the people watching the live interview on the street then.

"We will see about that soon." The leader said and brought out a cigarette from his pocket. He lit it up and began smoking.

Clara didn't want to argue with them. She wanted to eat their food to cure her disappointment and leave the place, "can you at least feed me? I'm starving." she said.

"Since miss is very cooperative, why not?" the leader said and turned to face his boys, "get her something to eat." he said to one of his boys.

....

Leo was busy working on his laptop in his office when he received an email from an anonymous sender. He opened it and stood up immediately in shock.

He saw Clara's eyes closed in a picture, with two masked men beside her. There is also a message beneath the picture.

'Bring 10 million dollars to saint meler, or you will never see your lover again. And mind you, if you involve the police, you will get her in pieces.

Call this number when you are there ***********, you have five hours, tick tock! tick tock!

Your five hours starts from now.'

Leo felt like his whole soul had left him as he read the message from the anonymous sender. He felt fear gripped his heart, with the thought of Clara getting hurt.

If that happens, he won't be able to forgive himself for bringing her trouble. 

10 million dollars is nothing to him, he only wanted Clara untouched. He knew where the saint meler was, there is only one place with that name, so he has no issues with locating the area.

It's a bit far from town and might take up to 40 minute or an hour driving to get there.

He asked Mike to come in immediately, with his heart beating hard against his chest. 

"Sir, you called for me." Mike said as he entered his office.

"Get me 10 million dollars within 30 minutes." Leo said.

Mike stared at his unsettled expression and, "alright sir, but is everything okay?" he asked.

Leo frowned at him, "do as you are told and don't question me." he said.

"I'm sorry sir." he apologized.

Mike quickly left to get the money.

....

About an hour and a few minutes later, Clara had just finished eating her food and was busy complimenting it in her head.

It took them a while before they arrived with the food, as the place is a bit far from town.

It tastes good and she could tell that the amount they are expecting from Leo is very much, for them to give her such a luxurious treat.

They stared at her, as she bit into the chicken thigh and wiggled her brows in pleasure, till the whole food vanished like she had something taking it inside her stomach.

Despite this, her flat stomach didn't swell and remained the same, as the top she had on, was a fitted type.

She was still picking her teeth with her tongue and making some sort of hissing sound, when the guy standing by the window screamed in delight.

"He's here! He's here!" the guy exclaimed, making Clara's expression turn serious.

She had heard from the guys that they gave him 5 hours, but it's not even up to 2 hours yet.

She blinked and couldn't believe it. She slowly stood up and walked towards the window, where the other guys had also moved to, to see for themselves.

It seems these guys aren't very experienced. Because she's calm, they totally let down their guards.

Clara got there and saw him. Even though it's from afar, she could see how unsettled he looks. 

She also felt unsettled and her heart tightened. 'Why did he come?'