Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1179

"If they were willing to trade themselves for you once, they'll do it a million times over. This place is no different from Subterra Vanguard's maximum-security wing," he said, his hands clasped behind his back as a sadistic smirk twisted his features. "Don't even think about escaping. There is no way out."

Leaving her with that final threat, he stormed out of the room, vibrating with fury.

The moment the door locked, she effortlessly slipped free of her restraints and spat out the gag.

He was right about one thing. A quick glance around confirmed the lab was built with reinforced, military-grade materials. Without heavy explosives, breaking out using sheer physical force was mathematically impossible.

"Tsk."

She let out a cold laugh and simply flopped backward onto the cot.

If you get knocked down, you might as well get comfortable.

Staring up at the ceiling, the arrogant smirk slowly faded from her lips.

Luella and her sister had definitely gotten her parents back to the Sigma Network base in Eclara City. Under their protection, her family was untouchable.

But... Shanley.

Just thinking his name sent a sharp, agonizing pinch through her heart.

She had promised him. She told him she was going to bring her parents back, and then she was going to marry him.

She broke her promise.

Knowing his temper, he was probably losing his mind right now. And his body was still completely wrecked. If he pushed himself too hard, he might actually end up permanently paralyzed.

Shanley... just hold on a little longer. I'll make it out of here.

She mouthed his name silently, slowly closing her stinging eyes.

Truthfully, Corvus's sedative wasn't entirely useless. She had been burning through sheer willpower to stay lucid until she knew her parents were safe. Now that the adrenaline had vanished, her exhausted nervous system shut down, and she slipped into a heavy sleep.

...

Shanley sat frozen in his chair. After going completely without sleep, food, or water for over twenty-four hours, he looked hollowed out. His face was a ghastly white, giving the distinct impression he might actually drop dead at any second.

"I can't find her." He slowly raised his face. His eyes were completely bloodshot, resembling a wounded, desperate animal, and his voice was a broken, shredded rasp.

Seeing the sheer devastation in his eyes, Jimmie lost any desire to yell at him. He sighed heavily. "He needs her for his experiments. He's not going to kill her anytime soon. Besides... my parents want to see you."

Jimmie paused, then added, "They might have some information that can help."

Hearing that, Shanley forced himself out of the chair, swaying dangerously on his feet as he pushed himself forward.

"Where are you going?" Jimmie frowned.

"To change." Shanley turned his head, forcing a weak, agonizing imitation of a smile. "If I'm going to ask for their daughter's hand, I should at least look the part, shouldn't I?"

Jimmie was speechless.

The man was practically offering up his own life on a silver platter; it was the ultimate dowry. If his parents didn't give him their blessing, Jimmie would personally drag his sister down the aisle for him.