Unemployed Family? Hidden Tycoons Dote On Her novel Chapter 655

Arabella didn't say another word. She simply gave a curt nod. "Alright."

But deep down, she knew—judging from the way those two were acting—it had to be Zack and Sarah behind this. And she was sure they were the only ones who'd come after her like this right now.

"They're really pulling out all the stops." Frowning, she lifted her gaze to the two kidnappers. "They paid you to take me out. What if I pay you more to walk away?"

If this was about money, maybe a bigger offer would make them change their minds.

"No deal." The shorter one shook his head firmly. "We stick to our word."

"Your word?" Arabella let out a cold, sarcastic laugh. "You really think killing me will just... work out fine for you?"

"Enough talking. Stalling isn't gonna help you. No one's coming," the taller one cut in, catching on to what she was trying to do.

The short guy added, "Yeah, that friend of yours? We ditched her miles back."

Arabella shot them a look of pure disgust.

They had the nerve to bring up Brielle? They knew Brielle was her friend, and all they did was lose her in traffic. She honestly couldn't tell if these two were extremely confident or just plain stupid.

"Run out of things to say?" the short guy taunted smugly. "That's right. Don't try anything clever. It won't fly."

Arabella stayed silent, mind racing as she weighed her chances of getting out of this on her own.

She wasn't counting on Brielle to save her. Her focus was on saving herself.

Her eyes swept across the dim, cluttered warehouse, searching for any opening, any advantage.

Then, unexpectedly, her eyes landed on Andy. Her breath caught in surprise.

What was Andy doing here?

Once Andy saw that Arabella had spotted him, he started gesturing excitedly toward her.

Arabella understood immediately and responded with a subtle, almost imperceptible nod.

Now that contact was made, Andy hurried back to Matthew.

"Mr. Stewart, Dr. Hamilton saw me. I signaled her to keep them distracted while we move in. She agreed," Andy reported in a hushed tone.

"Got it," Matthew grunted, already striding toward the warehouse entrance.

As they neared the door, Andy tried pushing it gently, then grimaced. "Mr. Stewart, it's locked from the inside."

Those two really weren't leaving her any way out.

Matthew's expression darkened. If they forced the door, the noise would alert the kidnappers—and put Arabella in even more danger.

But short of breaking it down, there was no other obvious way into the warehouse.

"What's the plan, Mr. Stewart?" Andy whispered anxiously.

Before Andy could finish his thought, Matthew's gaze lifted, scanning their surroundings with narrowed eyes.

"Where is she?" Matthew asked, voice low.

"Back left corner. Two hostiles inside. One's armed with a blade; the other doesn't seem too bright," Andy summarized quickly.

"Meow..."

A soft, plaintive cat's cry came from somewhere nearby.

The short guy relaxed. "It's just a stray. Nothing to worry about."

"Check it anyway," the taller one insisted.

"Come on, the door's locked tight. What's there to worry about? Let's just wrap this up instead of wasting time," the short one protested, trying to hurry things along.

The taller one hesitated a moment, then nodded tightly. "Fine. Make it quick."

"You got it. I'll pin her down. You make it clean," the short one said. He stepped forward and made a grab for Arabella.

But Arabella was ready. She drove her foot hard into his stomach.

The man instantly doubled over, groaning in pain. "Oof—my gut!"

"Useless," the tall one spat, glaring at his partner.

Then he tightened his grip on the knife, his jaw clenched. "Don't take this personally."

He lunged forward, blade aimed at Arabella. She twisted out of the way just in time.

But she was trapped in the corner, with little room to maneuver. After dodging a few more slashes, her movements began to slow, fatigue setting in.

By then, the short one had recovered. He lunged again and managed to grab Arabella's arm, yanking her off balance. "Think you're slick? You have no idea how much that kick hurt. If I don't finish you now, I won't be able to live with myself!"