Stella hesitated, feeling tempted by what Martin Riley had said. It was indeed Hyland Riley's long-held wish, but she always felt wary around Martin. After all, he wasn't a simple man.
"Martin Riley, don't try any tricks with me. If you're the hostage, I can't touch you."
"What do you want me to do then?" Martin asked.
Stella tossed a knife at Martin's feet, her eyes filled with hatred. "Stab yourself first."
"No way!" Crystal Foster immediately objected, clutching Martin's arm tightly. "I won't agree to this. Don't do it"
She looked up at Stella, her voice urgent. "Hyland Riley ended up like this partly because of me. Let me trade places with Otto. Would that reassure you?"
Stella shook her head, her gaze fixed on Martin. "No, it has to be him."
She moved the knife in her hand closer to Otto. "I'm not negotiating. If you want this child to live, do as I say. I have nothing to lose so...beware."
Otto's face turned pale with fear, but he stubbornly held back his tears.
