“LET me go! What are you going to do with me?!” she screamed as she tried to break free from them.

The two men held her shoulders. “Miss, stop what you’re doing because we don’t have any bad intentions towards you!” the man on her right side said.

“No intentions? Then, what is this? Isn’t abduction!”

“Not the other way around,” the guy on her left side added.

“This is an abduction!” she insisted.

“Say whatever you want to say, Miss, but we’re just following orders.”

“I said, let me go! We’re not rich! You will not get any ransom from my family!” she whined.

She gasped slightly when the two men tightened their grip on her arm. “If we were really bad people, we would have gagged you and tied your hands earlier!”

“And you also shouldn’t even see our faces right now,” the guy added.

She stopped in her tracks. The man has a point. The men who actually abducted her did not look like goons because of their good posture and appearance. They look like secret agents in the movies she watches. A black and white suit and black sunglasses. But she still shouldn’t be complacent.

“Then where are you taking me?”

“Don’t worry, just be kind and you will be able to go home safely. Our boss just wants to talk to you,” added the man sitting in the front next to the driver’s seat.

“T-tell me, who is your mastermind?!” Meredith asked again.

“Be patient! You will meet him when we get there.”

She just kept her mouth shut and didn’t take any more action to save her life from harm. All she did was pray silently, hoping that she can return alive to her mother.

MEREDITH was amazed when she saw that the men who kidnapped her took her to a place like a palace. It has a wide beautiful garden and a fountain in the middle. 

“Let’s go inside. Our boss is excitedly waiting for you,” announced by the man who seemed to be the leader of the men who were with him earlier in the car.

She was also amazed when she saw at least ten maids lined up on both sides of the way they were walking, who was now bowing to them as they made their way into the mansion.

“Kindly inform Don Warrick that his guest is here,” the man said to the butler.

“Right away, Sir!”

When they got inside, she was even more amazed because she couldn’t see anything else around but only gold colors. From pieces of furniture, curtains, chandeliers, and the grand staircase. The mansion is only two stories tall but its ceiling is so high and so spacious that even a hundred people or more can fit.

She sat on the soft sofa where her snacks is ready on the center table. She even swallowed when she saw how delicious the cake was in front of her. It was not just an ordinary cake. She wanted to taste it but shook her head afterward. She must not let her curiosity dominate her about the things she sees.

Who is the mysterious leader of those who brought her there, named Don Warrick? And what do they need from her?

She silently prayed. “Lord, please guide and keep me away from danger.”

“Welcome to my humble home, young lady.”

She turned her gaze to the grand staircase when she heard that voice.

“I-it’s you?” Her eyes widened in shock when she saw the old man she met the last time.

“I’m glad you still remember me, kid.”

She looked at the old man confused. “Y-you’re that old man I accompanied at the park last time, right?” she said.

Because his appearance now is far from his appearance when she first met him. This is no longer the old beggar that she saved and helped. From what she could see now, he was a respectable person.

The old man smiled and nodded. “Let me introduce myself.” He bowed and introduced himself. “Call me by the name of Don Warrick. It was nice to meet you again.”

He pointed to the man beside him who was with her earlier. “And this is Manolo, my right hand.”

The man named Manolo bowed and introduced himself. “Good morning, young lady. I am glad to finally meet you.”

She also bowed slightly to them as respect.

The old man sat in the single chair on her right side while holding his cane.

“Is there something on my face?” she asked confused.

Who wouldn’t be if the look that the old man was giving her was like longing and pity because she noticed that there were tears in his eyes. And the feeling she feels right now is fear for an unknown reason even though its aura is not that scary.

She immediately shook her head at that thought. 

“N-nothing, ija. I just remembered something about my past.”

“I-if that’s the case, what do you need from me? Why did you bring me here?” she asked nervously.

The old man smiled. “Well, because of the kindness you showed me before in the park, I want to reward you.”

“R-reward me?”

“Yes!”

She frowned. “F-for what?”

“In exchange for saving my life. No matter what or how much it costs, I will give it to you. Just say it!”

She rubbed her nape as shyness enveloped her. “I-i’m not asking for anything in return for saving your lives, Sir. Thanking me that day was enough.”

The old man seemed amazed at what she said. “You really impress me, ija. And now that I have proven the attitude you have, I can say that you are the one I have been looking for for a long time."

She swallowed at the old man’s last statement. It looks like he’s hitting on her. 

God! She never dreamed of marrying a rich old man who could easily die. 

With that in mind, she quickly picked up the plate in front of her containing the cake and quickly tasted it, then bottom up the drink.

“Oh! Take it easy, ija,” the old man said worriedly.

“C-can I go home now?” she said bending down while playing with her fingers between her thighs.

She didn’t want to stay in that place anymore, especially when she knew what might happen to her. He will definitely force her to be his wife. And she was really terrified at that thought.

No! She is not even at the right age. 

“Oh! I’m sorry, but we’re still waiting for a guest.”

She looked up at him. “W-what? W-we’re still waiting for someone?”

“Grandpa!” A manly voice interrupted them.