CHAPTER 11

Elena’s POV

I couldn’t stop shaking when I stepped out of the taxi. The hospital stood tall in front of me.

I kept my hood low as I walked inside, my heart beat fast, afraid someone would recognize me. I shouldn’t be here. If Lucien found out, he would lose control, but I couldn’t sit and wait anymore. I needed to find my son.

A cleaner was mopping the floor near the nurse station. He looked older, with a tired face and kind eyes.

“Excuse me,” I whispered, and stepped closer. “Were you here that night… the night a little boy was taken?”

He looked up sharply, his mop stopping mid-air. “You mean the missing child? Yes, ma’am. Everyone here still talks about it.”

My throat tightened. “Do you remember anything? Please… anything at all.”

He sighed and looked around, making sure no one was listening and then he leaned closer. “There was something strange that day. A woman came before it happened. Well-dressed. Expensive perfume. Blonde hair.”

My stomach dropped “Blonde?”

He nodded slowly. “Yes. She spoke to the head nurse, then disappeared down the hallway toward the children’s ward. After that, everything went crazy. The boy was gone.”

I blinked fast, and tried to breathe. “Do you remember her face?”

He rubbed his chin, thinking. “Not clearly. But I saw her once before… in the news, I think. Some business events. Stone Enterprises, maybe?”

The world around me stopped for a second and my ears rang.

Stone Enterprises. Lucien’s family.

“Madelina,” I whispered before I could stop myself.

The man frowned. “What did you say?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly and forced a weak smile. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

I left before he could ask more and my legs felt weak. I rushed outside, holding the wall to steady myself.

Lucien’s stepmother. What was she doing in the hospital the day Jace was taken?

It didn’t make sense, she barely spoke to me. She acted like I didn’t exist, but if she was there… then maybe she knew something.

The next day, I went to the Stone mansion and I stood in front of the large glass doors, my hands were cold. The guards let me in after a call and everything about this place was cold, like the air didn’t move here.

Madelina sat in the living room when I entered, she wore a silk gown, her blonde hair shining under the chandelier and a cup of tea sat beside her. Her lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Elena,” she said softly. “What a surprise.”

“I came to ask you something,” I said and my voice shook but I didn’t stop. “Why were you at St. Luke’s Hospital the day Jace was kidnapped?”

Her smile faded for a moment and then it returned, slower this time. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken. I have no reason to visit a hospital.”

“I’m not mistaken,” I said, my heart beating fast. “Someone saw you there. The same day he was taken.”

She leaned back, crossing her legs. “You shouldn’t listen to janitors, dear. People like that say anything for money.”

“Then tell me the truth,” I whispered. “Why were you there?”

Her eyes sharpened. “You’re shaking, Elena. Maybe you need rest.”

“I needed answers,” I snapped, louder than I intended. “You knew something that day. You were there before it happened. Why?”

Her lips parted in a faint laugh. “Careful, my dear. You sound like a woman losing control.”

I clenched my fists. “If you did something to my son…”

“Your son?” she cut in smoothly. “That’s a strong word for a boy you refuse to talk about.”

I froze.

She stood slowly, walking toward me, her perfume filled the air.

 “You don’t belong in Lucien’s world, Elena. You’re a shadow trying to stand in the light. And the higher you climb, the harder you’ll fall.”

My chest tightens. “Is that a threat?”

“Just advice.” She smiles again, touching my shoulder gently. “If you love your son, maybe it’s time you stop asking questions.”

Her hand lingered for a moment before she walked away.

I stood there, unable to move and her words echoed in my head, twisting and burning.

The next morning, I dragged myself downstairs, my eyes were still swollen from crying, but I tried to smile when I saw the housekeeper, before I could sit, the front door opens.

Valeria walked in, her heels clicked loud on the marble floor. She was wearing a sharp white suit, her red lips curved into a sweet, poisonous smile.

“Oh, I hope I’m not interrupting breakfast,” she said dropping a folder on the table. “Lucien, I brought those business files you asked for.”

Lucien frowned. “I didn’t ask for any.”

“Oh?” Valeria tilted her head, and pretended to be surprised. “Maybe I misheard. But since I’m here, I might as well join you.”

I tried to keep quiet, but her eyes kept darting to me like she was enjoying this. She sat too close to Lucien, and leaned forward, speaking softly. I could tell she wanted me to see it.

I grip my spoon tighter.

“So, Elena,” she said suddenly, her smile never fading. “How’s married life? It must be nice having such a powerful husband.”

Lucien’s jaw tightened. “Valeria.”

“It’s just a question,” she said innocently. “You’re such a lucky woman, Elena. Not everyone can handle being in his world.”

“I’m fine,” I said quietly, and forced a small smile.

She reached out to touch Lucien’s arm. “You really should take her out more. Poor thing looks pale.”

That’s when I almost lost control and I could feel the anger rising, but I swallowed it back. This was what she wanted.

Lucien cleared his throat. “Valeria, I have work to do.”

“Oh, of course.” She stood, smoothing her skirt. “Elena, dear, don’t take things too seriously. You know what they say, the higher you climb, the harder you fall.”

She smiled sweetly and left

I sat still, trying to keep my hands from trembling.

Lucien stood up without looking at me. “Don’t let her get to you.”

I nodded, but I didn't speak and he walked out with that calm face he always wore but I could feel his anger in the air.

When he was gone, I rushed upstairs to check the jacket again. It was still there, stained and cold and I touched the blood with my fingers and bit my lip hard.

That night, I sat by the window, waiting, the house was quiet and everyone was asleep. My phone suddenly vibrated on the bed.

I grabbed it fast.

A strange number flashed on the screen and my stomach twisted and I answered with shaking hands.

“Hello?”

A rough voice said. “You have one day.”

I froze. “Who is this?”

“You want your son back? Then do what we say.”

My throat dried. “Please... please don’t hurt him.”

“Tomorrow night, you will take a file from Lucien Stone’s office. A confidential one. We willl tell you which. If you fail..”

“No, please….”

“You’ll never see your child again.”

The call cuts.

My whole body started shaking and I dropped the phone and pressed both hands to my face.

What should I do?

If I stole from Lucien, he would never forgive me, but if I don’t… they would kill Jace.

The following day in the evening, I quietly opened the bedroom door and stepped into the hallway.

The mansion was silent and I walked barefoot, my heart rang louder with every step and I reached Lucien’s office door and slowly turned the knob.

I walked in, praying not to make a sound and I opened the drawer where he kept his files, flipping through them with trembling hands.

“Come on,” I whispered. “Please, where is it?”

Then I heard footsteps.

I turn around fast.

Lucien was standing at the door.

His face was cold, his eyes were sharp as glass.

“Elena,” he said quietly. “What are you doing in my office?”