“Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to keep an eye on Ariana?" he asked coldly.

“Don't worry. She can't escape," Jasper sneered as he stared at Darian.

Darian snorted and handed him a plane ticket.

"After you release Ariana tomorrow, go to the pier and take a boat to Milpon Island Airport on the third. I'll be waiting for you."

Jasper took the plane ticket and studied it.

“On the third? Father, are you leaving first?" he asked with a smile.

A hint of panic flashed in Darian's eyes at the news, but he masked it swiftly.

"Theodore is a heartless man. Since we have his wife, he won't show us mercy. We should split up to be safe. I'll head to Milpon Island with the cash and wait for you there."

Jasper looked at Darian, and then began to laugh.

“Dad,” he said, his voice steady, “Are you trying to abandon me?"

Darian's face shifted, feigning anger.

"What nonsense are you spouting? You're my son. Why on earth would I abandon you? If I had such intentions, why would I fight to get you out?"

Jasper had no comeback to that.

“Go if you must," he finally said, “But Ariana comes with me."

Darian's eyes bulged.

“Are you out of your mind?" he said.

“Ariana is a ticking time bomb. She'll bring nothing but trouble.”

Recognizing the determination in Jasper's eyes, Darian voiced his irritation.

"There's no way we're dragging her along. If you can't bear to hand her back to Theodore, then kill her."

With those words hanging in the air, he drove Jasper out.