The Villain's Wife

143

Zhou Jintao's Residence.

The thick aroma of Jintao's unfinished coffee made him frown. Its bitter taste lingered in his mouth, reminding him of Lisa's message a few hours back.

He swallowed his saliva, his Adam's apple bobbed as he stared at his phone. For the umpteenth time, he read the text message. His hand trembled.

"They have Lanying." He whispered. He stood from his seat and started to pace in his study. Lisa is coming for him and is using his daughter as leverage. He bit his lips as he continued to ponder about Lisa's words when he called him. "Why?" he asked himself. "Why me?" Kang was the one who targeted Lisa and his mother as well as his father. Why would he punish him first instead of that crazy Zhou Kang?

Moreover, Lisa was also using his daughter to get to him! How could he involve Lanying in all this?

He remembered how his son failed to find Lanying in Seoul. He thought she was only hiding, something that she often did. He never expected that something like this could happen. How the hell did Lanying got close to Jennie? Were they together this entire time?

Questions flooded his mind as he remembered the news of Jennie's accident. They never mentioned that someone was with her inside the car other than her driver who was also injured.

Was it all plan by Lisa? Was this a trap? But why? Questions and more questions piled up inside his mind as he cursed in confusion.

A knock interrupted his thoughts. "What is it?" he asked, trying his best to maintain a calm tone. He could not let anyone in this house know that Lisa is holding his own daughter hostage. He could not let his brother or father knew of this matter.

"Brother!" Kang did not even ask for his brother's permission. He strutted inside the room and beamed at his brother. "I missed you!" He sat on one of the leather seats in Jintao's study.

"Why are you here?" Jintao wanted to slap himself as he realized the meaning of the words that came out of his mouth. "I - I mean... I was really busy. So... you know the year just started and... there's a lot of planning for the company." He sat opposite to Kang.

"Oh! I totally understand. Forgive me for disturbing you.\" Kang gave an apologetic smile. However, this only made Jintao frowned. His heart drummed faster as he wondered if Kang was here to discuss Lanying's capture. What if they were already aware of this matter? He lowered his head as he attempted to hide the fear in his eyes.

"I just want to celebrate with you! I brought wine!" Kang's excitement was understandable. Jintao understood how his brother wanted to dispose of Jennie. Her death would mean it would be easier for Kang to eliminate Lisa. However, to Jintao, Jennie's death was akin to a death sentence. Jennie was supposed to help him get out of this despicable family.

Lisa Manoban.

The name made him frowned inwardly. Lisa asked to see him and ask him to bring the things that Jennie wanted. This made him more confused. Was it possible that Lisa is aware of his and Jennie's deal before? Does Lisa want his help to destroy the Zhou Family? But isn't he grieving? Did he think that the Zhou Family was responsible for Jennie's death?

"Kang..." he started as he looked at Kang. "Be honest with me... Are you involved in Jennie's accident?"

"My..." the smile on his brother's face vanished. "I am offended." Kang dramatically shook his head. "How could you think that I have the capability to... hurt a helpless woman? Do you really think that lowly of me?"

Jintao tensed as he realized his accusatory question. Yet, he maintained a blank expression. "Can you blame me?" he asked. Kang was ruthless, and both of them knew that.