Upon hearing Carter’s words, Madeline smiled softly. “Thank you for your compliments, Mr. Carter, but I don’t need them. I don’t need you to think I'm special, and I certainly don’t need your admiration. On the contrary, you repulse me.”

Carter’s lips seemingly curled. “Is that so? Is that why you won’t tell me where Shirley is?”

“That’s right, I won’t.” Madeline maintained her cool as she looked into Carter’s inscrutable eyes. “However, if you intend to abduct me now to exchange for her, go ahead. I can’t compete with a man’s strength anyway.”

Carter had initially considered this. If Madeline would not speak, he would similarly use this method, abducting her so that Jeremy would exchange Shirley for Madeline.

However, he had not expected Madeline to have already seen through his thoughts and intentions.

Admiration flashed across Carter’s eyes. “Eveline, you’re indeed extraordinary, but I won’t abduct you.”

He walked toward the door to the passenger’s seat and said, “Mrs. Whitm