Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth! - Chapter 99

Chapter 99: Watch It

Vanessa adjusted her sunglasses as she approached the entrance of the police station, her every step exuding confidence.

She barely spared a glance at the people around her, dismissing them all as insignificant.

Her sleek, tailored suit and pristine appearance made her stand out, and she knew it.

As she reached the door, it swung open, and she almost collided with a tall, broad-shouldered man stepping inside.

Chris whom Vanessa had almost collided with stopped abruptly, his eyes darting to her face.

“Watch it,” Vanessa snapped, not bothering to hide her irritation.

Chris raised a brow at her tone. “Excuse me? You’re the one who wasn’t paying attention,” he said wondering why she was acting all high and mighty when she was the one who had bumped into him at the door.

Did she think that simply because she was a lady then everyone was supposed to pamper them and apologize even when they were in the wrong? He mused, looking at her with a cocked brow.

Vanessa huffed, brushing an imaginary speck of dust off her sleeve. “Do you know who I am? You should watch where you’re going,” she said wondering who the fool was and why he seemed to be expecting an apology from her.

If he wasn’t standing at the doorway long enough, she wouldn’t have bumped into him like that. He must’ve stopped to look at her hence the commotion.

Chris’s jaw tightened at her overbearing attitude, but he forced a smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Oh, trust me, lady, I’ll make sure to stay out of your way next time,” he said with eyeing her.

Vanessa smirked, clearly enjoying the exchange, before flipping her hair over her shoulder and strutting into the station like she owned the place.

Chris muttered under his breath, “What a piece of work,” shaking his head as he followed behind her into the lobby.

Inside, Vanessa approached the front desk, her voice cutting through the low hum of activity. “I’m here to see Jake Thompson,” she announced, her tone firm and commanding.

Chris, who had just stepped inside, froze at the name.

His instincts flared as he turned his head toward her, suddenly alert. Jake Thompson? Isn’t that Emma’s ex husband? The same guy that happens to be Claire’s and Alex’s nephew.

The same person the kidnappers had demanded his release in exchange for Emma’s? What was this woman’s connection with someone like Jake?

Could Alex or Claire know her? Who was she? If only Alex or Claire was here, it would’ve made things easier. He thought, still frozen in place.

He watched as Vanessa leaned casually against the counter, her polished nails tapping rhythmically on the surface. The officer at the desk gave her a curt nod, gesturing for her to wait in the seating area.

How was he supposed to ask Alex or Claire who she was? Could she describe her to them?

He smiled when suddenly a thought hit him.

“There’s a way I can get to know if they know her or not,” Chris thought as he discreetly pulled out his phone and snapped a quick photo of Vanessa.

He didn’t know who she was, but something about her demeanor and the fact that she was here to see Jake—made his gut churn.

He needed to know she wasn’t someone he’d regret letting go. He told himself as he forwarded the picture to Alex with the caption, [Do you know her? I met her at the station and she came to see Jake] before tucking his phone back into his pocket.

Chris waited until Vanessa had been led away before making his way to another officer, his mind racing.

If that woman had anything to do with Jake, there was a chance she was somehow connected to Emma’s disappearance.

He cleared his throat as he reached the desk. “I’d like to file a report for a kidnapping,” he said, his voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface.

The officer nodded, pulling out a form. “Name of the victim?”

“Emma Sterling,” Chris replied, his mind already calculating his next steps.

Whoever that woman is, she’s not just here for a casual visit. And if she’s connected to Jake, she’s probably involved in all of this. He had to keep an eye on her till Alex replied his text.

Chris glanced over his shoulder, watching as Vanessa followed the officer leading her to the visiting area, her strides relaxed and confident.

From his little observation, she didn’t seem worried—if anything, she looked like someone pulling strings from behind the scenes and was probably here to give Jake feedback.

Not for long, Chris thought, turning back to the officer. I’m going to find out exactly who you are, lady.

Vanessa followed the officer into the visiting area and after the officer left her, she sat down to wait for Jake.

As she waited, her eyes scanned the room, calculating and cold. She didn’t let herself dwell on doubts or second-guess her decisions or all she had done so far.

This was for Jake. No one crosses us and gets away with it, she reminded herself.

When Jake finally appeared, escorted by an officer, a small smile tugged at her lips. He looked haggard but still managed a grin when he saw her.

“Vanessa,” he said, his voice low and relieved. “Finally. Tell me you’re doing everything you can to get me out of this mess,” he said looking her over.

Vanessa leaned forward, her voice soft yet firm. “Of course, Jake. You know I’d do anything for you. As we speak, Emma is tucked away nicely as our bargaining chip. All that is left is fir Alex to agree to my demands and you’d be free.”

Jake frowned, his brows knitting together when he heard what she had said. “What do you mean bargaining chip? What have you done?”

Vanessa smirked, leaning back in her seat, a glint of pride in her eyes. He must be happy and wanting to know all the details. Vanessa thought proudly.

“Well, I had the bitch kidnapped, Jake. She’s the leverage we need to make Alex drop the charges. It’s simple—Alex loves her, so we use her to get what we want.”

Jake’s heart skipped a beat at her words. He sat straighter, the color draining slightly from his face. “You what? Vanessa, you kidnapped Emma?”

Though he was mad at her for moving on so early and to his uncle, he didn’t like the idea of someone hurting her.

Why was he feeling that way? He mused, waiting for Vanessa to respond.

Vanessa tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Yes, Jake. I had people kidnap her. It’s the perfect plan. She’s the key to getting you out of here, can’t you see? What’s the problem? You don’t like what I did? It’s for you, babe,” she said, a frown of confusion creasing her brows.

What was wrong with him?

Jake rubbed a hand over his face, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. This wasn’t what I wanted, he thought, unease creeping into his chest.

The thought of Emma being kidnapped and locked away to suffer like he had been suffering fir the past few days made his stomach churn and he didn’t know why.

“Why Emma?” he asked quietly, his voice tinged with something Vanessa couldn’t quite place.

Vanessa leaned in, her tone casual but her words venomous. “Because Alex loves her, Jake. Isn’t it obvious? The fool would do anything for her, and now he has no choice but to do what we want.”

Jake clenched his fists, his mind racing. “Okay, fine,” he said, forcing his voice to stay steady. “But she’s not hurt, right? You’re giving her food and taking good care of her? You’re not going to hurt her?”

Vanessa’s lips curled into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Who said anything about her not being hurt?”

Jake’s heart sank, a sickening feeling settling in his stomach. “Vanessa,” he said sharply, his tone shifting. “You can’t hurt her. She’s just leverage, that’s it.”

Vanessa’s smile widened, her voice dripping with cruelty. “Oh, Jake, don’t be naive. That girl deserves everything she’s getting. Do you have any idea what she’s cost us? She and Alex humiliated you, turned you into a joke. She’s going to pay for that in every way possible. What better chance than doing it after we get what we want?”

Jake stared at her, his mouth opening to argue but no words coming out. He didn’t like the sound of this, not one bit. This wasn’t the plan, he thought, dread swirling in his chest.

Vanessa leaned back, crossing her arms smugly. “Don’t worry, Jake. By the time I’m done with her, you’ll be free, and she’ll be nothing but a bad memory for everyone involved.”

Jake swallowed hard, his jaw tightening as conflicting emotions battled within him. I just want out of here, he thought desperately, but a part of him couldn’t ignore the growing pit of guilt in his stomach.

Vanessa stood, smoothing down her dress. “Trust me, Jake,” she said sweetly. “Everything is under control,” she said before turning to leave.