In contrast to the lively wedding scene, the Olsen Residence was eerily quiet after the festivities. The servants were busy cleaning up under the guidance of the butler and the housekeeper.
When the housekeeper saw Laura, she was surprised. “Why were you at the wedding, Mrs. Olsen?”
“Oh, I wasn’t feeling well. I’ll leave soon,” Laura replied.
“Make sure you don’t lose track of time,” the housekeeper reminded her.
Laura nodded in agreement and went straight back to the master bedroom. Zach, still hungover from the previous night’s socializing, hadn’t woken up yet. It was clear that he didn’t care about Liana’s so-called wedding.
Laura approached cautiously, checking to see if he had awakened before turning to leave. She entered the small study room, opened the secret compartment, and entered the hidden room. She descended the dimly lit staircase step by step. The fear from the past resurfaced, and she struggled to control her nerves as her hand trembled.
The hidden room was dimly lit and secluded, untouched for a long time. Spider webs and dust were scattered everywhere.
Laura stood in the vast basement, her gaze falling upon the various torture devices hanging on the walls. She couldn’t help but shudder.
Every time she saw the devices, she would curse Zach.
“Josie…” Laura called out as she walked.
Her voice echoed throughout the empty room.
“Are you here? If you are, make a sound.”
However, as Laura searched, there was no response. It seemed as though she was the only one in that place. Josie isn’t here, but it makes sense. Only Mark and Claudia know about this vile and dirty place. There’s no reason for anyone else to have kidnapped Josie. So where exactly is she?
“What are you doing here?” A venomous voice suddenly echoed from behind.
“Ah!” Laura jumped in surprise, turning around to find Zach, dressed in his pajamas, standing on the stairs, watching her with a cold gaze.
Zach stared at her wide-eyed. When he looked at someone like that, it was incredibly unsettling.
Laura had seen him in that state before, and that was when he was hitting her. She forced herself to remain calm. “I’m looking for something.”
Zach glanced at the torture instruments. “Did you come to the hidden room to search for things? It seems like you’re asking for trouble.”
“I dare you.”
“Damn it! You really think I wouldn’t dare!” Zach raised his hand abruptly, his face twisted with malice.
“Hit me, then.” Laura walked straight up to him, standing before him. “Liana is married to Dexter now. Soon, the entire Olsen family will be under their control. Without me, how will you compete with them?”
As she spoke those words, a smile appeared on the corners of her mouth, like a poisonous flower blooming on the edge of a cliff.
Zach glared at her, gritting his teeth in frustration. Yet, the slap he had poised in the air never landed.
“Are you scared? Mr. Zach, I truly feel sorry for you. Despite being a son, your parents don’t value you. You’ve gained nothing. Wouldn’t you say you’re worthless?”
With a fiery provocation, Laura declared, having already seen through this outwardly strong but inwardly weak young master.
At times, she even thought that it was right for Mark not to grant Zach any power. Zach truly lacks intelligence.
“Shut your mouth! My father wouldn’t be so foolish as to hand over the Olsen family to an outsider!”
“Let’s see if Dexter has the ability or not. Regardless, he’s more capable than you.” After provoking him, Laura walked past him and left the hidden room.
Zach followed her, grabbing her hand as if he had finally sobered up. “Listen, you must help me. The Olsen family is mine. If you assist me in reclaiming it, I will grant you a divorce, giving you the freedom you desire. But if you refuse to help me, don’t blame me for being heartless!”
Half submissive, half threatening, Laura responded with a cool, amused chuckle. “Understood. Let’s pack up. It’s time for us to leave.”
