"Can''t you control yourself? We already gave you money before. Can''t you go find some other woman to satisfy your urges? We''re in the middle of serious business here, and all you can talk about is women. Are you not right in the head? If you really can''t control yourself, I''ll help you out. How about that?"


    The skinny man forced a grin and remained silent, even taking a few steps back. The leader''s mention of helping out was apanied by a pointed stare at the man''s lower body. He even held that sharp little knife a little tighter. He might not have much of a future to look forward to if he were to mention having some fun with udia again.


    "I was just kidding with you. You go on with your business. The other guys and I''ll go guard the door," the skinny man interjected before making a hasty exit.


    Only when the sound of hurried footsteps faded away did udia feel some relief. She could not speak anymore. Tears streamed down her face uncontrobly. It was as if a floodgate had opened inside her, causing her to tremble and cry uncontrobly.


    "Tell me, how did you develop feelings for this girl? Or wait, are you just pulling my leg? Come on, spill it. How did you two hit it off?" The leader seemed oddly enamored with the idea of love.


    "I don''t know what her feelings are for me, but both of us muste out of this unharmed. I''ll do whatever it takes to fulfill your demands," Lucas said calmly, locking eyes with the leader. Suddenly, the leader felt a chill running down his spine.


    ''How can a boy as young as him have a resolve that even some grown men don''t have?'' he thought.


    Even though the leader was a ruthless criminal, he could not help but feel a hint of fear when faced with Lucas.


    "You rich folks always know how to sweet talk. How do I know I can trust you? First, tell me where the card is. Once we get the money, we''ll know how to proceed," the leader responded skeptically.


    "When you guys brought me here, I had a backpack on me with at least three cards inside. Each card has a bnce ranging from 40 to 70 thousand dors," Lucas replied calmly.


    The leader took a sharp breath, utterly surprised. He had not expected that while they were busy trying to extract money from the Rivera family patriarch, they had a walking ATM right in front of them. Did rich kids like him really carry around so much cash?


    "You''re not lying to me, are you?" the leader asked incredulously, pointing his knife at Lucas, hoping to see a hint of guilt on his face.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    However, Lucas just smiled faintly.


    "These are all earnings from my investments. If you don''t believe me, you can check it out. Besides, I can''t escape, and you can''t just leave me. What are you afraid of?" Lucas responded calmly.


    "Who said I''m afraid? Don''t get too cocky, kid. I have my limits too! Push me too far, and you''ll see!" the leader growled, his anger ring up.


    He pped Lucas across the face with his knife and then backhanded him, repeatedly striking until Lucas grunted and fell to the ground. Only then did the leader feel some relief from his pent-up frustration. "Don''t try anything funny, kid! Your life is in our hands now. I''m warning you, don''t speak out of turn again. I''m not afraid of you!" the leader warned, his voice filled with menace.


    Lucas remained silent, not uttering a word.