Chapter 1: A Life-and-Death Choice

The warehouse's iron door slammed shut, echoing through the space and kicking up dust.

Alice Savoy lowered her head to hide the smile in her eyes, her body trembling slightly as soft whimpers escaped from deep within her throat. "Oliver, I'm your fiancée."

The kidnapper's voice was rough and gravelly, reverberating through the empty warehouse like sandpaper against the eardrums.

"Hurry up! You can only choose one. Who will it be?"

Oliver Howard's lips trembled, sweat dripping onto the floor.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails nearly pierced the skin of his palms. "Clara, I choose Clara Savoy!"

As soon as Clara Savoy was untied, she stumbled into Oliver's arms.

She looked up triumphantly, giving Alice a taunting smile. The curve of her lips was like a sharp knife, sealing Alice's fate.

"Useless," the kidnapper spat, grabbing Alice by the hair and forcing her to look up.

Alice's hair was a mess, and her smoky makeup was smeared by tears and dust, making her look like a ridiculous clown.

The kidnapper gripped her throat and raised a knife. "I'll kill you now!"

Oliver didn't stop him. He held Clara tightly and quickly left, not looking back as if a monster was chasing them.

Alice closed her eyes, but a barely perceptible smile tugged at her lips.

Once they were gone, the kidnapper, Calvin Fisher, removed his mask and quickly untied Alice. "Sir, did I do okay? Did I blow my cover?"

"Good, proceed as planned," Alice's voice was cold, a stark contrast to her earlier distress.

She pulled out a small mirror from her pocket, touched up her makeup, and brushed the dust off her clothes with disdain. "This place is filthy. I need a good wash. And this makeup, I need to get a waterproof one next time."

"Send the video to Henry Howard. Tell him the ransom must be paid in full."

"Got it, you can count on me!" Calvin assured, patting his chest.

In the grand ballroom, the crystal chandeliers sparkled brilliantly.

Henry Howard sat at the head of the table, the empty seat beside him conspicuously reserved for Alice.

His long fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, the dull sound revealing his inner anxiety.

His phone vibrated, displaying an unknown number.

Henry answered, and a video popped up showing Alice bound tightly, her smoky makeup making her look comical.

But her eyes were unmistakably familiar.

"Mr. Howard, your nephew's fiancée is with me. Transfer ten million dollars within an hour, otherwise." The kidnapper's voice was rough and smug.

Henry stood abruptly, the chair scraping the floor with a harsh sound, veins bulging on the back of his hand.

"Where's Oliver?" Henry's voice was low and strained.

Henry's assistant found Oliver in a corner, cozying up with Clara, oblivious to others.

Oliver, determined to break off his engagement with Alice, impatiently gave the assistant the address, muttering, "What a hassle. Things would be so much better if she were dead. She's not even worth Clara's little finger."

Henry strode out of the ballroom, his voice cold. "Get the car. We're going to the abandoned warehouse on the west side of town."

The driver started the engine, and the car sped off like an arrow.

In the car, Henry kept replaying the video, Alice's face, smeared with smoky makeup and tears, making his chest tighten as if a heavy stone was pressing down.

He couldn't help but urge the driver, "Faster, drive faster!"

In the warehouse, the smell of gasoline filled the air, pungent and unpleasant.

Alice was tied to a wooden chair, surrounded by dry wood.

Flames licked at the wood, crackling loudly, the firelight casting a red glow on her face.

Alice coughed, the smoke making her eyes water.

She silently counted the time, estimating that Henry should be arriving soon.

Alice closed her eyes, relaxing her body, letting the smoke envelop her.

Outside the warehouse, the screech of tires was sharp and piercing.

Henry jumped out of the car, seeing the warehouse engulfed in flames and thick smoke, his heart sank.

"Alice!" Henry's voice was hoarse as he shouted, rushing towards the warehouse without hesitation, the heat of the flames hitting him like a wave.

Inside, the fire raged, burning beams cracking and threatening to collapse at any moment.

Henry stumbled through the smoke, finally finding Alice collapsed on the ground.

Flames licked at them, smoke choking.

Henry pulled the burning beams off Alice, lifting her and running out of the inferno.

Alice clung tightly to Henry's shirt.

Henry looked down, seeing her smoke-blackened face and those familiar eyes in the dim light.

Memories flooded back, making him dizzy.

With the warehouse on the verge of collapse, Henry had only one thought, 'I shouldsave Alice.'

He carried her, shielding her with his body, and ran out of the flames.

At the hospital, in the intensive care unit, Henry sat by the bed, looking exhausted.

"How is she?" Henry's voice was hoarse.

The doctor removed his mask. "The burns aren't severe, but she inhaled a lot of smoke. She's not in immediate danger."

Looking at Alice steady breathing, Henry sighed in relief.

Alice's eyelashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes.

Henry's brows furrowed.

Her eyes were too distinctive.

He remembered those eyes in the dim firelight, so familiar, like the woman from his fleeting dreams.

"Henry," her voice was weak.

"How do you feel?"

"I'm okay. Thank you for saving me." Alice struggled to sit up.

Henry held her down. "Don't move. Rest."

Alice's eyes flickered. "Those kidnappers..."

"I'll handle it. Don't worry." Henry's tone was firm.

Alice hesitated. "But I'm scared. I feel like there's more to this."

Henry was silent for a moment. "I'll protect you."

Alice grabbed his sleeve. "Really? Can we not call the police? I'm afraid it will cause trouble."

Henry's eyes darkened. "I'll investigate this myself."

A sly look flashed in Alice's eyes before she put on a pitiful expression. "I'm hungry."

Henry was taken aback, then instructed his assistant Ethan Ross, "Get some light food."

Ethan nodded and left.

With just the two of them in the room, the atmosphere was ambiguous.

Alice secretly observed Henry, noting his tired but still handsome and appearance.

She slowly got up and walked to the bathroom in the room.

The sound of running water filled the air.

Suddenly, a scream echoed.

Henry jumped up and rushed to the bathroom.