“Most of the surveillance around the crossroad where you two parted ways Last night was destroyed, but we found footage from a store camera. It caught a glimpse of a car, license plate ending in (59418. We suspect this vehicle may have been involved in Mrs. Anderson's abduction."

Hearing the license plate number, Theodore's voice turned icy.

"It is

Jasper's car."

In a poorly lit basement, Ariana's consciousness gradually came back She tried to move but found herself tied to a bed. Fear swelled in her as she remembered the kidnapping from the night before. Panicking, she tried to break free but the ropes only seemed to get tighter with her struggles.

As she thrashed, the rusty door creaked open, and a masked figure cloaked in black stepped in.

Seeing him, Ariana tensed up, her voice shaky as she asked, “Who are you? What do you want?"

The black-clad man moved closer to her without saying a word. He reached out, touching her bare skin here and there, until finally his hand rested on her stomach.

Terrified, Ariana tried to shy away from his touch, tears welling up in her eyes as the rough ropes grazed her skin.

As she tried to escape, she noticed a small tattoo peeking from the man's cuff, a sight that made her gasp.

“Jasper?”

Hearing his name, the man paused for a moment, then gave a Low laugh before removing his mask. It was indeed Jasper.

“Ariana, you recognize me so easily. I'm so touched. No wonder I loved you before," he said.

Ariana looked at him, her face a mix of fear and disgust.

"Huh! Your manipulation wasn't Love. You never Loved me, you used me!"

She drew back slightly, summoning the courage to ask.

“What do you want from me?"

Grinning, Jasper replied, "Relax, I just want to play a little game."

His words sent a chill down her spine. More so, Jasper was supposed to be locked up, so why was he here? The thought was downright terrifying.

Jasper's eyes lingered on Ariana's stomach, his grin widening.