Chapter 4: Held Hostage

I thought that with the evidence right in front of them, the women would eventually believe me.

At the very least, Ivan would be forced to explain himself.

However, Serena just pulled him into a comforting hug. "Don't be scared. If you were threatened, tell me. I'll protect you."

Yuna was equally agitated as she chimed in, "Don't worry, Ivan. I believe you."

Laura said nothing, but she shot me a sharp glare.

As for Ivan, beloved by them all, he bit his lip until his eyes turned red.

'No, this can't be happening. They actually saw the recording. I have to make them think Leon forced me to leave.'

A shiver ran through his body as he looked at Serena.

"I don't know what happened," Ivan whispered. "I only remember being grabbed from behind. When I woke up, I was alone."

Serena's expression immediately softened.

"You don't have to explain anything. I believe you."

I almost laughed.

The evidence was right there, yet they still chose to believe whatever Ivan said.

I looked at the system in my mind.

'Target Serena Gale's Relationship Value: 7%.'

A bitter smile appeared on my face.

Even now, her Relationship Value was rising because she thought Ivan had been harmed.

Ivan suddenly looked at me.

"Leon, I know you hate me, but please don't hurt anyone else because of me."

His words made Yuna's expression turn murderous.

"Leon, what else did you do?"

"Nothing."

"You're still lying!"

She rushed toward me.

This time, I didn't step back.

I simply stood there and waited for her to finish whatever punishment she wanted to give me.

But before she could touch me, a notification sounded in my mind.

'Warning. Remaining life span: 71 hours.'

I froze.

Only seventy-one hours remained.

I suddenly had no desire to waste even one more minute arguing with them.

"Move."

Yuna stared at me in disbelief.

"What did you say?"

"I said move. I have somewhere to be."

Serena stepped in front of me.

"You're not going anywhere until you explain where your men took Ivan."

I stared at her quietly.

"I didn't take him."

"Then why did he disappear?"

"Ask him."

Ivan's face immediately paled.

"Leon, why are you trying to make everyone suspect me?"

I heard his thoughts clearly.

'If Leon leaves, I need to make sure he cannot expose me before the three days are over.'

My eyes narrowed.

So Ivan was already planning his next move.

Suddenly, several men in black entered the garden.

They surrounded me before I could react.

Yuna coldly pointed toward me.

"Take him to the old guesthouse. Don't let him leave."

I looked at Laura in disbelief.

She didn't stop them.

Serena looked away as if she couldn't bear to see me.

I allowed the men to drag me away.

There was no point resisting.

If they wanted to lock me up, so be it.

The old guesthouse was dark and abandoned. They pushed me inside and locked the door from the outside.

I sat down against the wall and closed my eyes.

For the first time in twenty-six years, I felt completely free.

I no longer needed to prove my innocence.

I no longer needed their love.

I only needed to survive three days.

Then I could return to my real parents.

I whispered, "Mom, Dad... wait for me."

A notification suddenly appeared.

'Refund calculation complete.'

I opened my eyes.

'Laura Sawyer: Ten years of life refunded.'

'Yuna Sawyer: System points refunded.'

'Serena Gale: Inheritance recovery initiated.'

My breathing stopped for a moment.

The system continued.

'All previously sacrificed resources will be returned to the host before departure.'

A faint smile appeared on my face.

Outside the guesthouse, I suddenly heard hurried footsteps.

Then Ivan's anxious voice echoed through the door.

"Leon! Open the door! We need to talk!"

I didn't answer.

Ivan's voice became more desperate.

"Leon, please! I know you're angry, but you can't do this to me!"

I leaned my head against the wall and closed my eyes.

He had finally become afraid.

But this time, I had nothing left to lose.

After a long silence, I calmly replied, "Ivan, enjoy the life you stole from me while you still can."