One night stand with my president(chapter 550)

 Chapter 550: Only Three Days

"Don't worry, Miss Hensley," the man said, his voice calm. "Mrs. Mendoza is safe with me. She's well-fed and well-cared for. Not a single hair on' her has been harmed."

Adeline took a deep breath and said, "If you dare to harm my mother, you should know the consequences. The Mendoza family will stop at nothing to bring your organization down. As for you, my father might just throw you into the sea to feed the sharks."

The man laughed again.

His voice was smooth, and when he laughed, it sounded even more captivating.

But Adeline, whose heart was as cold as stone when it came to all men except Harrison, had no interest in such things. 

Especially now, with her mother being held by this man, she couldn't afford to think about anything else.

"I thought you'd say something like, 'How much did the person who sent me offer? I'll give you double,' the man teased.

Adeline sneered.

She had almost said exactly that.

But then she realized that if this organization was truly willing to sell out anyone for money, they. wouldn't have risen to this level.

"Miss Hensley," the man continued, "this is really simple. If you come to visit me, I'll release Mrs. Mendoza immediately. And I guarantee she'll leave unharmed."

Adeline fell silent for a moment before responding, "Let me speak to my mother."

She needed to confirm Gracie's safety first.

"Of course," the man replied quickly. "Please wait, Miss Hensley."

Adeline pursed her lips, her frustration growing.

How could this man still pretend to be a gentleman?

She would rather have a conversation with a rough, foul-mouthed man than deal with someone so insincerely polite.

Soon, Adeline heard Gracie's voice.

"Adeline."

"Mom!"

The moment she heard her mother's voice, the others around her gathered closer.

"Mom, are you alright?" Adeline asked, her voice trembling with concern.

"I'm fine," Gracie said quickly. "I'm fine. Adeline, don't listen to him. Don't come here. I can't let you get involved in this."

"Mom..."

Adeline had thought she was calm.

But hearing Gracie's voice broke her composure, and she couldn't stop the tears from falling.

She forced herself to hold back her sobs so Gracie wouldn't hear them. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll get you out of there. Don't be reckless, and don't let them hurt you."

"Don't worry," Gracie reassured her. "I know what to do."

Adeline wanted to say more, but the phone seemed to have been taken from Gracie's hands.

A moment later, the man's voice came through again.

"You really have such a deep bond, don't you?"Even I'm starting to feel moved."

Adeline clenched her teeth and said coldly,

"Don't make me find you."

"Really? I'm looking forward to that day," the man said with a smile. "Miss Hensley, I mean it. I'm looking forward to meeting you."

Adeline didn't respond to his words.

There was the sound of a lighter from his end, followed by, "But Miss Hensley, don't think I'm some kind of saint. My patience is limited. I'm giving you three days. If you don't show up within three days, I can't guarantee whether Gracie will lose an arm or a leg."

Adeline's heart clenched.

She knew well that this man was capable of anything.

Someone who could build and manage an organization like his was definitely no saint.

They truly had only three days left.

"I'll be waiting for your answer, Miss Hensley.

Goodbye."

With that, the man hung up the phone.

Adeline stood frozen, the phone still in her hand.

Her usual calmness seemed to have evaporated, and for the first time, she felt a twinge of panic.

"Adeline, are you alright?" Alberto quickly patted her on the shoulder.

"What did they say?" Joyce asked.

Sensing the shift in Adeline's mood, Connie hurriedly brought her a glass of warm water.

Adeline took a few sips before speaking. 

"They said they're giving us three days. If I don't come to exchange myself for Mom, then..."

She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

But everyone knew what she meant.

Alberto punched the wall in frustration, his eyes burning with rage.

"I'll make him pay," he said in a grim tone.

With that, he turned and walked away.

Connie looked after him with concern.

But at this moment, she couldn't stop him.

As a son, he couldn't ignore his mother's safety.

Even she was worried about Gracie now.

Adeline held the glass in her hands, staring at the remaining half of the water. Then, she suddenly spoke. "I wish I could take Mom's place."

Joyce and Connie froze, their hearts sinking.

"Adeline, you can't do that," Joyce said quickly, grabbing her hand.

"I know you're worried about Gracie, but if you really went to take her place..."

Joyce didn't even know what to say anymore.

She didn't want Adeline to put herself in danger, but what about Gracie? She really turned her back on Gracie?

Forget about the Mendoza family-if it were her, she couldn't do it.

Honestly, if it came down to it, Joyce would be willing to exchange herself for Gracie.

If she felt that way, how could Adeline, Gracie's own daughter, feel any differently?

Adeline remained silent, her hands trembling slightly.

Earlier, she had been able to stay calm and rational.

But now, after hearing Gracie's voice and the man's threats, she couldn't stay calm.

"Adeline, just wait. We still have three days," Connie said softly. "I believe that Alberto and Isaac will do everything they can."

"Yeah," Joyce said, trying to comfort her. 

"You know the Mendoza family's strength in Yewhaina. We'll get Gracie  out of there safely within these three days. But if you go to trade yourself now, you're walking right into their trap."

As Joyce finished speaking, Connie's phone rang.

It was Isaac calling.

Connie stepped outside to answer.

Joyce stayed by Adeline's side.

"Harrison..." Adeline spoke suddenly.

Joyce froze.

"I miss him," Adeline said quietly.

Normally, she missed Harrison, but now, in this helpless moment, she missed him even more.

"Adeline..." Joyce's heart skipped a beat.

Adeline had been so focused on finding Gracie that she probably didn't even know what had happened to Harrison in Orianto.

If she found out, it would only stress her more.