“The baby's still young, isn't it?”

Caught off guard by his words, Ariana went stiff. She shot him a fierce glare, asking through gritted teeth, “How do you know?"

Instead of answering, he gave her a creepy smile.

“Why don't you come with me? That way, I might be a little nicer to your baby."

Ariana knew too well how deceptive Jasper could be. He was not one to keep promises, and she knew that even if she agreed to protect her baby, he wouldn't spare them. Besides, she found the idea of being with him repulsive.

“Fuck off!" she shot back, fear mounting as she waited for his reaction.

Jasper seemed unbothered by her defiance. He leaned in, reaching out to touch her cheek.

“I never thought you'd fall for that crazy guy. How interesting."

“What are you doing? I said get away from me!" Ariana writhed in fear and despair.

Jasper seemed unfazed. He let go of her and stood up straight, his voice barely above a whisper.

“There's no need to rush. I want to see just how much Theodore cares about you."

Night had fallen, and a hospital room was eerily dark

Only the sound of Theodore's incessant tapping could be heard.

After a long while, his phone finally rang, breaking the silence.

Theodore immediately answered the call, asking solemnly, "Jasper?"

A mocking Laugh sounded through the phone, and the other party said, “What? I'm not Jasper. Don't waste my time. Is the money ready?"

"Fine, I've prepared the money. Promise me you wouldn't harm her,"

Theodore replied seriously, his eyes dim.

“No problem," answered the other party while smiling. He then said in a sinister tone, "But you must place the money in three different locations. When we have the money, we'll let her go. By the way, don't even think about calling the police. And tell your men to stop searching. We are monitoring your every move. If you want Ariana to return unharmed, you'd better do as you're told."

With that, the call disconnected.