Chapter 1107 A Psychological Battle
Zophie brought Natalie to the container where Yumi was at. It was humid in the container, and there was a lightbulb illuminating the inside. However, it was dim, and it could not light up all the corners of the container.
Natalie still caught sight of Yumi, who was curled up in the corner. She was tied up with nylon ropes, and she had duct tape over her mouth. The moment she locked eyes with Yumi, tears welled up in Natalie’s eyes.
Yumi was younger than her four biological children, but because she was the last member of the Jankovich family, she had to be far more mature than someone her age should be.
Yumi saw Natalie, too, and for a moment, she stiffened. She then began shaking her body like a frustrated tiger cub, seemingly trying to free herself from the ropes that were restraining her.
“Mm… Mm…”
Zophie knew Yumi was trying to tell Natalie to leave the place immediately. It was at that moment she felt glad that she had taped the girl’s mouth before leaving. Otherwise, the girl would have ruined her plan.
Zophie angled her body a little and said nonchalantly, “Natalie, I’ve brought you here, so can you give me the jade key now?”
“Zophie, do I look like someone you can easily fool?” Natalie questioned as she continued to keep the gun trained on the back of Zophie’s head. She made no move to shift it away.
“You’re… breaking your promise!”
“How can I not when I’m up against a woman like you?” Natalie retorted. “Get over and untie Yumi right now.”
“Natalie, do you think I’m stupid?” Zophie did not move. “You’ll pull the trigger on me once she’s free! Yes, I’ve underestimated you, but I hope you don’t underestimate me either. Don’t you dare assume that I’m helpless just because you’re pointing a gun at me! Push me any further, and I won’t mind for all three of us to die tonight!”
Natalie did not expect Zophie to keep her cool even in a situation like this. Even so, she said calmly, “Tell me what you want, then.”
“My life, or the jade key. One of these has to be mine!”
“Okay.” Natalie pursed her lips. “Zophie, which one do you want first?”
Hearing that, Zophie tensed up.
She had been thinking of ways to make Natalie agree to it. Little did she expect Natalie to agree to it so easily.
Even though Zophie wanted to avenge Gale, she had grown greedy for the jade key. If it was something even King wanted, it certainly had to be something priceless. If she could get the key and pass it to King, Zophie was sure that King would agree to let her leave Blaze and return her freedom for the rest of her life.
After a moment of hesitation, Zophie answered, “The jade key. Give me the jade key first.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I am.” A pause later, she continued, “Give me the jade key, and I’ll untie the girl.”
Natalie stood still after hearing her answer, deep in her thoughts.
Zophie quietly waited at the start, but soon, she grew impatient. “Natalie, are you done thinking yet, or would you rather die with me than hand me the key?”
Both parties knew they had a bargaining chip in their hands.
Yet, neither wished to be the one to take the risk of handing the token over first.
It turned into a psychological battle.
For the two of them to be in a stalemate, both had to be equally smart and flexible.
Their battle would be one of wits and state of mind.
Whoever became greedier first, whoever became rash first, and whoever lost their rationality first would take the first step toward failure.
Natalie was intentionally making Zophie wait. She wanted Zophie to lose her wits in anxiety.
Only when Zophie impatiently urged her did Natalie slowly say, “Sure, I can give you the jade key, but you’ll have to let Yumi go right away. Then, you’ll have to pass her to the substitute who was pretending to be me while I keep an eye on you.”
