“Joseph,” I breathed when the call finally connected. My voice sounded broken even to my own ears. “It’s me. Tell me honestly—do you still want to marry me? If you do… then help me pay the ransom for my daughter. I’ll follow every condition you set.”
For a few seconds, there was nothing but silence. Then he laughed. Slow. Mocking. Cruel enough to make my chest ache.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Joseph said lazily. “Looks like you finally realized you picked the wrong man. So… regretting choosing that jerk over me now?”
I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing myself to stay calm. “If you called just to ridicule me—and not to help—then we should end this conversation right now.”
“Easy, easy,” he replied, his tone shifting though the arrogance never quite left. “Don’t get so worked up, Amara. I said I’d help, didn’t I? But don’t forget what you just offered. Once I step in, you belong to me. No backing out this time. No running.”
“Yes,” I whispered, my throat tight. “Just make sure my daughter comes back alive.”
“Good,” he said softly. “Send me everything you have on the kidnappers. Five days. Be ready—I’ll come for you myself.”
The call disconnected.