"Fine," she said, her voice steadier now. "But you leave my family out of this. Do you understand?"
The leader raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her attempt to negotiate.
"You're in no position to make demands," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
"But I'll play along—for now. Just remember, one wrong move, and your husband and kids pay the price."
Adele's jaw tightened, but she said nothing. She turned towards Ross, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how to navigate this impossible situation.
As she approached him, she could see the calmness and perhaps arrogance in his eyes, the way his hands tried to break free as he struggled against the ropes that bound him. She knelt beside him, her voice soft but urgent.
"Listen to me," she whispered. "We're going to get through this. Just stay calm, and do exactly as I say."
Ross nodded, his breathing slow and relaxed.
