Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 406: The Plan for Self-Rescue

Chapter 406: The Plan for Self-Rescue

Eric glanced at the maid coldly, his tone steady. "I don’t trust you."

The maid, caught off guard, had no choice but to eat the food herself, proving it wasn’t tampered with.

Satisfied, Eric finally set aside the game console. Ever since being brought here, everything on him had been confiscated. That meant even if his phone had a tracking device, it wouldn’t help John and the others locate him.

What Leonard didn’t know, however, was that Eric’s leather shoes contained a hidden micro-signal transmitter.

Yet even if John and his team found the signal, what then? Leonard’s basement was nearly impenetrable, known only to the man himself and the maid assigned to "serve" Eric.

From what Eric could deduce, the maid hadn’t even been aware of this basement until she was assigned to him. She hadn’t left the basement once since then.

Eric realized that if he wanted to escape, the maid would be his key.

The maid undoubtedly knew the entrance to the basement, but how could he manipulate her into leading him out?

Outside, four guards stood watch, armed with stun batons and other weapons.

It was impossible to fight his way out alone. Still... Eric was confident he could find another way.

...

After thirty minutes of observing the maid for any reactions, Eric finally began eating his meal.

The maid stood by, her eyes glued to him. His refined demeanor, his sharp features exuding an air of innate nobility—it all made her heart race.

What a handsome, elegant man. she thought. If I could win the affection of a man like this, wouldn’t that be amazing?

Eric suddenly looked up. "Your name is Anne, right?"

The maid’s face flushed as she nodded quickly. "Yes, dear. My name’s Anne. Feel free to call me that anytime."

"I hear Leonard is quite the playboy?" Eric asked, his smile polite but probing, his voice crisp like a clear stream.

Anne, flattered by the attention, nodded eagerly. "Oh, yes, the young master is very much a playboy."

"Is he at the villa today?"

"Hmph, no. He left early this morning. I heard he’s off vacationing with some celebrity," Anne said with a hint of resentment.

Anne came from a humble background and considered herself lucky to work at Leonard’s estate. She had hoped to catch Leonard’s eye, but the opportunity had never come.

If she couldn’t become Leonard’s lover, becoming this handsome Country S man’s companion seemed like an excellent alternative. After all, if Mr. Nelson allied with Leonard, her status might elevate to that of a "Mrs." overnight.

Anne’s smile grew brighter. Over the past few days, Eric had been distant and indifferent toward her. But now...

Anne noticed Eric’s gaze subtly sweeping below her collarbone. Men... always pretending to be upright. Deep down, he must want me just as much.

"How long have you been working here?" Eric’s voice softened, his tone tinged with an alluring hint of intimacy. "And has Leonard ever... touched you?"

Anne quickly shook her head. "No, sir... how could you ask such a sensitive question? I... I’m still a virgin!"

Watching the maid’s bashful expression, Eric masked the trace of disgust flickering in his eyes.

He set down his utensils. Over the past four days and nights, he had carefully studied Leonard’s patterns. The man frequently left the estate, spending his time partying, bungee jumping, and indulging in thrills.

Yet beneath the guise of a carefree playboy lay a calculating and deeply concealed nature.

Eric knew he couldn’t afford to wait any longer.

If Leonard devised a new plan or if John and the others failed to act in time, Eric would truly become Leonard’s pawn, a toy for others to manipulate at will.

He had to act—now.

Eric smiled at Anne, his eyes gleaming with calculated charm. "Do you want to know what kind of woman men desire the most?"

Anne’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Of course I do!"

"Good. Then play a game with me," Eric said, his grin teasing yet dangerously captivating.

Anne giggled, anticipation clear in her voice. "What kind of game? Come on, tell me!"

Eric leaned in slightly, his expression turning sly. "If you can seduce one of the guards outside and get him into bed, I’ll give you anything you want."

Anne’s eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Nelson, are you serious? You... you have *that* kind of kink?"

Eric didn’t flinch, his voice low and unapologetic. "Absolutely. Watching others is my guilty pleasure."

Even as he spoke, his stomach churned. The words tasted bitter, but this ruse was his only option. Deception was his only weapon in a place like this.

Anne, despite her shock, quickly regained her composure. She wasn’t a stranger to such situations. Seducing men was second nature to her; she had played this game countless times before.

But she hesitated, glancing nervously toward the basement door. "But... they’re professional bodyguards. This isn’t going to be easy."

Eric tilted his head, his voice laced with mock encouragement. "That’s not my problem, is it? You’re clever, Anne. A small challenge like this shouldn’t scare you. Or do you think I’d try to trick you? Look around—do you see me escaping on my own?"

He gestured casually toward the bed in the room. "If it helps, you can even use that. Consider it my support."

Anne’s cheeks flushed a deep red.

"No way! Pick something else!" she said, flustered. Even with her history, she couldn’t bring herself to degrade herself in front of a man as sophisticated as Eric.

Eric quickly adjusted his approach, his voice softening. "Then let me borrow your necklace. Just for a little while."

Surprised by the sudden change in tone, Anne hesitated for a moment before unclasping her necklace and handing it to him.

Eric took the necklace and examined the small, silver ring pendant with an almost tender touch. His mind worked quickly. This was the opportunity he needed, and he couldn’t afford to waste it.

Standing up, Eric moved to the light switch and dimmed the room, leaving only the glow of a wall-mounted lamp. The room now bathed in a soft, calming light, Eric’s voice took on a hypnotic quality.

"Anne, lean back on the sofa and relax," he said soothingly.

Eric and Connor were classmates back in the day. Connor had an exceptional talent and was now a renowned hypnotist.

During his free time, Eric had picked up a few techniques from Connor. Those years in school were far from wasted for him.

However, Eric never possessed Connor’s level of talent in this field, only managing to grasp the basics.

Even so, in this situation, hypnosis was still the safest option.

Anne reclined fully onto the sofa, her body visibly relaxed. "What’s next?"

"Relax, and focus on this ring," Eric said, his voice unusually soft and soothing.

Anne’s eyes fixated on the ring as Eric began to sway it rhythmically.

As she watched the ring swing and listened to Eric’s gentle voice, she felt an overwhelming sense of calm wash over her, her body and mind sinking into deep comfort.