I pulled out a burner phone I’d bought from an underground market and sent text messages to the remaining people who had returned home.
Playing on their love for cheap thrills, I sent each of them a “you’ve won” message.
Luring them to a secluded suburb.
The group, emboldened by their numbers, walked right into the trap, even though they knew it might be one.
Seeing the dilapidated mansion, they showed no hesitation; instead, their interest piqued.
They just thought someone was playing a prank on them, inviting them for a grand
adventure.
Someone bravely shouted, “Hello? Anyone home?”
An echo immediately resounded through the empty rooms, making some of them even
more excited.
“Damn it, who’s trying to play ghost here?! I’m even more intrigued now!”
“Since we’re here, why don’t we go inside and check it out?”
“Maybe we can even film some unique content and upload it online to get views!”
At this, someone else chimed in, “Yeah, yeah! How about we just film a suspenseful short video? I think the atmosphere here is perfect for it!”
The few of them were bold and skilled; they decided to act immediately.
They pushed open the door together and walked into the house.
08:57 Sun, 24 Aug
<
Just as the group was excitedly exploring, I sent in the local thugs I had already pre–positioned there. They tied them up and threw them into a van.
That’s when everyone realized the seriousness of the situation.
They desperately slammed their heads against the car doors.
But it was useless.
The van’s soundproofing was excellent; no noise from inside could be heard.
The car’s privacy was also top–notch; the windows were specially treated, allowing vision
from the inside out, but not the other way around.
And the vehicle was long enough to accommodate all of them.
I appeared when they were at their most terrified.
Everyone’s eyes widened in shock.
I told the driver to roll down the window.
Someone immediately asked,
“Harper, what are you doing here?”
“Wait, why are you fine?!”
Realizing the truth, their faces turned uglier than if they’d eaten a fly.
“You’re with them, aren’t you?!”
I wagged my finger, making an ‘N‘ sign.
“I’m not *with them. They’re here because *I* hired them.”
“You people, back in school, you always helped Chloe bully me. Do you know how much I hate all of you?”
08:58 Sun, 24 Aug
“No! No, we know we were wrong! Please, let us go!”
“Yeah, Harper, we really messed up! We’ll never bully you again!”
As they clung to a sliver of hope, I ordered the driver to slowly roll up the window.
“Too late.”
Seeing my heart of stone, they started lecturing me about criminal law.
“No! You can’t do this! This is illegal!”
I scoffed, a cold laugh escaping my lips.
“Illegal? What law? I’m not killing you. I’m just sending you all to my family’s branch in Africa, arranging a little job for you so you can peacefully work in the mines there.”
Their eyes widened like saucers.
Someone immediately blurted out, “You crazy b*tch! You’re insane! We’re still students! Who’s going to do that kind of back–breaking work in some godforsaken place?!”
“If we ever get out of this, we won’t let you off the hook!”
I smiled, revealing Chloe’s latest update.
“Chloe said the same thing once, but now she and those other few are stuck overseas and can’t come back, can they?”
My triumphant expression completely shattered their will.
Everyone broke down.
Their mouths hung open, unable to utter another sound.
They could only watch as the car window slowly closed, until it was sealed shut, and their faces were no longer visible.
After they were gone, my world finally went quiet.
08:58 Sun, 24 Aug
<
Their parents had reported them missing.
But in such a vast world, with no surveillance and no tracking, finding a person was incredibly difficult.
I looked at the burner phone the police had traced and tossed it into the water.
From that moment on, my life was completely free of those scum.
88
Years later, I returned home after getting my PhD and unexpectedly ran into Chloe again.
She had changed drastically, matured.
She said that during all those years abroad, only one belief had sustained her: revenge
against me.
How pathetic. Perhaps she hadn’t had a chance to go home and see.
After those scumbags went to Africa, I collected evidence and exposed everything about
Chloe’s father’s computer repair shop. His acts of using his job to implant viruses in
people’s phones and steal their money–I leaked every single detail.
The police raided his shop, and he’s now in prison.
As for Chloe’s mother, I caught her evading corporate taxes and reported her.
She’s also in prison now.
Without the support of her parents, what could Chloe possibly use to seek revenge against me?
Right, she could still fight me physically.
But during my PhD studies, I also took self–defense classes.
So, was the current Chloe still a match for me?
I didn’t even consider her a threat.
“Go home! I’m being kind by letting you live so you can wait for your parents to get out.”
“What did you *do* to them?!” she shrieked.
I barely spared her a glance, my voice dripping with disdain.
“Don’t blame them, blame yourself for being so useless. They’re paying for your debts. You dragged them down.”
“You demon! I’ll kill you!”
It seemed she still didn’t appreciate the chance I’d given her. Well, I guess I’ll just have to send her to join her family in prison.
As she lunged at me, I easily trapped her, pinning her to the ground.
Then, I freed a hand and called the police, reporting her for attempted murder.
The police arrived and took her away.
The moment she was gone, my sky brightened.
I seemed to see a vibrant, multicolored rainbow.
It was like a beacon of justice, illuminating my path.
Mom, Dad, this time, we’ll never be separated again.
[The End]
