Chapter 5

After I pulled my shares, I also withdrew the technical support and sales teams.

Seeing this, other shareholders quickly followed suit, pulling their investments.

Hayes Industries' stock instantly crashed.

The shadow of bankruptcy loomed, and the Hayes Industries office building became eerily silent.

Tori stood where her father had jumped years ago, her expression one of utter despair.

I was waiting for the show to begin when I suddenly received a call from Leo's caregiver.

"Mr. Thorne, it's bad! Mrs. Hayes forced her way into the hospital and took the young master!"

Enraged, I dialed Tori's number. "Where's my son?!"

Tori's laughter was maniacal. "He's on the Ferris wheel."

"As long as you stabilize the stock price and reinvest, he'll come home safe. Otherwise..."

Her voice was laced with poison. "If the Ferris wheel has an accident and the child falls to his death, it's only right that I, a heartbroken mother, sue for compensation!"

I roared, "You're crazy! If anything happens to Leo, I'll make you and your mother wish you were dead!"

Tori shrieked, "Threats are useless! Alex Thorne! I married you and had a child only to save Hayes Industries! Now you want to destroy it over a small matter, so I'll destroy what you care about most!"

With that, Tori hung up.

My mind went blank for a moment. I sped towards the amusement park like a madman.

Finally, when I reached the base of the Ferris wheel, my blood ran cold.

The Ferris wheel's window had been pried open, and Tori was holding our son, suspended high in the air with one hand.

Half of Leo's body dangled outside, his face pale.

Tori called me. "I know you're watching. Transfer two billion to Hayes Industries' account immediately, then bring the tech team back, or I'll push him out!"

"Fine! I'll transfer it now!"

My hands trembled as I made the transfer, my eyes fixed on the dizzying height.

The moment the money hit her account, Tori's lips curled into a smirk, and then she abruptly let go.

Leo still had a smile on his face as he plummeted towards the ground.

My eyes widened in terror. I instinctively lunged forward.

"No—!"

My son was left dangling in mid-air, swaying back and forth, a thin rope suspending my last breath.

The next second, she placed a knife against the rope.

"If you kneel and beg me, I'll pull our son back up. Otherwise..."

Leo was turning blue from the rope constricting him, crying out "Daddy" repeatedly.

I knelt on the ground without hesitation.

Tori held up her phone, laughing maniacally. "Thanks to Lucas's idea, I get to see the high and mighty Mr. Thorne looking as pathetic as a dog!"

"Weren't you so tough with me yesterday? How come you're on your knees now?"

Tori laughed as she pulled the rope up. The moment she descended from the Ferris wheel, the people I had arranged for rushed out of the shadows and immediately pinned her to the ground.

I tenderly held my son in my arms, my gaze sharp as I looked at the wildly struggling Tori.

I had originally shown her mercy, not wanting to destroy everything she had, considering she bore me a child.

But she actually dangled our son from a Ferris wheel for an assistant.

In that case, she shouldn't blame me for destroying everything she holds dear!

I had arranged everything the moment I received that call.

Coming alone was merely to buy Arthur more time.