Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1355

"Keep your hands clean," Old Mrs. Blake said evenly. "A man with no leverage held against him is the only man who survives the long game. The second you hand someone a weapon to use against you, your downfall is just a matter of time."

Sebastian's heart did a subtle jolt.

The old fox. He had merely tested the waters, completely avoiding direct language, and she had instantly read his lethal intent.

Old Mr. Blake chimed in. "Dropping her in Africa settles the debt. She'll have enough to ensure she doesn't starve or freeze, but she'll never have the resources to buy a ticket back. Even if she tries to stir up trouble overseas, who's going to listen to a madwoman? If she gets herself killed over there, that's her own doing. Sebastian, whatever bad blood exists between you two, she is still your biological mother."

Sebastian stayed silent, offering no argument. He simply checked his watch.

11:00 PM on the dot. The casino crew should be rolling out right now.

At a normal speed, the drive to the manor would take about forty minutes. Traffic would be dead at this hour. They wouldn't be late.

Sebastian took a slow sip of the expensive tea his father had poured, steadying his nerves.

He silently prayed that tonight would go smoothly, permanently closing the chapter on his disastrous connection to Debbie. After tonight, he would never have to look at her again.

Africa wasn't a playground. Without real money, life there would break her.

At 11:00 PM, outside the casino, Elias Ashford and Julian Reed finalized the transaction details.

"Don't worry," Elias said confidently. "I've brought my own security detail to escort the convoy. Nothing will go wrong."

Julian had already witnessed Debbie's abrasive, shrewish behavior since pulling her out of the basement. Even while screaming in agony with a severed hand, she had never stopped hurling insults. He had seen her throw money around the high-roller tables, but he had never realized she was this much of a nightmare.

Elias chuckled. "I've dealt with every kind of degenerate. It's fine."

The group piled into the waiting SUVs. Bella's eyes lit up as she spotted the convoy pulling out from a block away.

She immediately grabbed her burner phone and radioed her crew. "Move out."

She had already mapped out the best kill zones along the route. Once her hacker killed the cameras, she would strike and snatch Debbie right out of their hands.