Her Mysterious Mogul Hubby (Charlotte and Zachary)

The question jolted Francesca. Then, she muttered under her breath, "There's no way Danrique would've sent it. It must be the president's doing."

"He actually knows my number and even knows that you're with me?" Anthony was stunned.

"The second you and Mr. Lincoln stepped into Xendale, you had no way of escaping his radar." Suddenly, something seemed to click in Francesca's mind. "He's probably also aware I returned to S Nation with you. In that case, does that mean he has long known that Mr. Lincoln wanted to find him and seek revenge? Could he have deliberately set up that press conference to lure Mr. Lincoln into his trap?" That made Anthony's hair stand on end. "That's so scary. Everything about the political world is terrifying. It feels as though others are monitoring my every move. There's a motive behind everything those people do and say."

Francesca cradled her head in her hands. "Indeed. I must remain calm and composed. I have to. I can no longer pay heed to anyone's provocations at this time."

She was thoroughly racked with guilt. Back then, I was too trusting of the president's wife, thus allowing others to take advantage of it. I was framed and thrown into jail, dragging Ms. Layla and Sloan into the mess and causing their deaths. One should learn from one's mistakes. I can't act so rashly again.

"Yes, you're absolutely right," Anthony said while nodding emphatically. "Ms. Layla and Mr. Lincoln approved of Danrique's character, which means he's not a bad person. It's just that the situation he's in and his status will attract danger to those around him."

"I suppose so," Francesca murmured, struggling to gather herself.

Just as her thoughts were running wild, William called again. Francesca told him about the recording and discussed rescuing Lincoln.

Upon hearing that, William immediately said, "It has to be a plot by the president. You mustn't fall for it. Recordings can be edited, and it's easy to take things out of context. Besides, even if Danrique did say those things, it could be a form of strategy. After all, one can't falter when negotiating with one's rival. He can't possibly beg for the president to release him, right?"

"What you say does make sense," Francesca replied, digesting his words. "But what do we do now? Is there any other way to rescue Mr. Lincoln?"

"I'm afraid not. The only way is to wait," William responded.

Francesca grew anxious. "How long do we need to wait? Ms. Layla is dead because of me. I can't let anything happen to Mr. Lincoln. Forget it. I'll come up with a rescue plan on my own." "Don't do anything reckless. Now is not the time to be rash," William quickly advised. "Ms. Layla and Sloan were too impulsive, which led to their tragic end. Had they calmed down and waited for a while, Gordon would've brought people to rescue you. Since Gordon and the others are familiar with the layout and traps of the underground prison, it's possible to avoid any mishaps. I know you won't like to hear this, but I still have to say it. You may possess many incredible skills, but you're still no match for the military. The current situation is unfavorable for Danrique. The president has gained the upper hand. If the president wins this battle and Danrique loses, not only will Mr. Lincoln be in danger, but also you, Anthony, and even the orphans. I'm not trying to be a scaremonger. All this isn't an exaggeration. You have to understand that the moment something happens to Danrique, the president will wipe out everyone who has anything to do with him. He'll spare no one, including Mdm. Norah and the other servants. If that happens, the Lindbergs' blood will spill like a river, and neither you nor your family and friends will have any chance of surviving."

Francesca gulped, shocked by his dark words.

I did think about what would happen if Danrique lost, but I definitely didn't anticipate that things would become so bad and cruel. William's warning made her realize that she had been too naïve.

"On the surface, it appears as though both sides are merely engaging in a tussle over public opinion and power. In truth, it's war!"