With that pleasing thought in mind, Monica let out a triumphant smile. She cast a glance toward her three prisoners and left the room. Nina and Maya were by Sophia’s side while she slept. They attempted to work out what was going on.
Maya was of the opinion that, like them, Sophia was tricked by Monica.
“Such an evil woman!”
Nina thought differently, “But did you see the strange look on Grandma’s face when she walked in just now? It looked like she was manipulated by Monica. Let’s ask her when she wakes up later.”
“Okay.” Maya nodded in agreement.
They continued to keep watch as Sophia slept.
After an hour, the older woman finally opened her sleepy eyes.
“Grandma, you’re awake?”
“Grandma, are you feeling okay?”
Nina and Maya each grabbed onto her arms and asked anxiously.
Sophia looked at both of them, still in a daze. “Where are we? What happened to me?”
“This is Monica’s lab, Grandma.”
“Why are you here, Grandma? Were you also tricked by Monica?”
Their questions alerted Sophia, who straightened up her body. As she started to assess the shabby laboratory that they were in, her mind drifted back to her last memory in a café with Monica.
“It’s slowly coming back to me. I remember I was talking to Monica, and then…”
At some point during their meeting in the café, Monica raised a finger in front of her. Sophia noticed a peculiar pattern on that finger, and soon after, she felt as though the pattern was spinning fast before her eyes…
That was all she could recall.
Sophia looked at her granddaughters and sighed. “Indeed, I was tricked by Monica.” Are you guys all right? Did she hurt you?”
Sophia checked Nina and Maya to make sure they were unharmed.
“We’re okay, Grandma, but Monica said she wants everyone in our family dead, and that is all because Grandpa killed her father. Is that true?”
Sophia looked like she had swallowed a bitter pill. She looked at them pensively and replied, “Yes, your grandpa did her wrong. I can understand if she still holds resentment against both of us. But to take her anger out on so many people is just wrong.”
“But Grandma, why would Grandpa do such a horrible thing to Monica’s father?”
“That’s a long story. Please let me rest for a bit and I’ll tell you later.”
Sophia was hesitant to tell them what really happened. If she told them what Jonathan did in the past, that would really stain their image of him.
Jonathan would have wanted her to keep her mouth shut.
However, looking at their innocent faces, Sophia felt obliged to reveal the truth to them. After all, they were very much wrapped up in this mess as she was.
Before she could make up her mind, the door swung open as Monica walked in.
“I see you’re already up,” said Monica. Her voice was full of contempt.
Sophia slowly stood up. “Why did you bring us here for?”
“What a stupid question. To take revenge, of course,” Monica replied matter-of-factly.
“Come for Jonathan and me if you want your revenge. We’re the ones who are responsible. The kids are innocent. Please let them go, and I’ll stay. If that’s still not enough, take Jonathan also. We owe you one life, and now we’re paying you back with two,” Sophia pleaded.
“Two lives for one?” Monica laughed dryly. “I don’t think so. Even if your whole family goes to hell it still won’t quench my thirst for your blood. My initial plan was to first take down Jonathan, then slowly, everyone in your family, and finally the Seet Group. But then I came up with a better idea; I can use you guys as bargaining chips to force Jonathan to destroy Seet Group. Then I’d make him watch as I slaughter you one by one. But don’t worry, he won’t be devastated for long, since he will be finished off soon enough to meet you guys in hell. This is such a good plan it’s exhilarating. So, if you think I will change my mind and let you go, don’t hold your breath.”
