The Pursuit

Chapter 7

Alice

His desperate voice echoed behind me as I stormed out, clutching Leo tightly in my arms… but I didn’t look back. I couldn’t. Just the sight of him made my stomach churn.

Now that I knew who he truly was… what kind of monster he’d always been, I made a silent vow to leave this place and never return.

But of course… fate had other plans. 

I strapped Leo into the passenger seat and hopped into the car, ready to pull away when the gate slid shut right after the last car drove in.

My blood boiled over as I rolled down the window. “Can't you see I'm trying to drive out? Open up the gate!”

One of the security men stepped forward, his expression caught somewhere between duty and sympathy. “I’m really sorry, ma’am. But the boss gave a direct order. You can't leave.”

I froze.

So this was it. Now he was using his guards to trap me here?

Fine. If he wanted war, he’d get it.

I snatched Leo’s hand and pulled him out of the car, flagging down the first cab I could find. But as soon as we were on the road, I glanced back, and my heart sank. A black car was tailing us.

I tugged at the cab driver, my heart racing. “Faster! We're being trailed.”

The driver checked his side mirror and his face went pale. “You’re right. Who are you, ma’am? I… I don’t want trouble.”

“Then just drive,” I snapped, my eyes darting between Leo and the car behind us. I wrapped my arms around him protectively.

Leo looked up at me, his voice small. “Mommy… is daddy chasing us?”

“Shhh. Don't call him that.” I whispered, holding him closer.

For the whole time, my mind wasn't at rest, and each time I turned, the car was still behind us, trailing so closely and swiftly.

Finally, after what felt like hours of tense, gut wrenching silence, the cab pulled up in front of a hotel. It was the same hotel I had checked into earlier for the Apex Capital deal.

I didn’t waste a second. I grabbed Leo and rushed inside, just in time before the trailing car could catch up.

Once we were safely in the room, I booked the next available flight out, my fingers trembling as I packed our bags. I wasn’t going to spend another night in this city. Not with everything that just happened.

Leo walked up to me, his eyes scanning the half-packed boxes scattered around the room. “Mom… are we leaving already?”

“Yes, baby. We’re leaving.” I looked up from the clothes I was folding, my gaze meeting his. “We’re going back home. Back to where we belong.”

His little brows pulled together in confusion. “But why so soon?” He chewed nervously on his fingers. “I thought you were staying the whole month to finish the deal with Apex Capital.”

I sighed deeply. The questions were coming too fast now, and though I was getting sick of it all, I didn't want to scare him off.

Setting the shirt gently into the box, I pulled him into my arms and settled him on my lap.

“Listen, sweetheart,” I said gently, running my fingers through his soft curls, “Mommy has some other important things to take care of back home. The Apex deal will have to wait, okay?”

He nodded slowly, though I could still see the curiosity dancing in his eyes.

I kissed his forehead before setting him down again and returning to the last of the clothes. After a few more minutes, we were done and now heading towards the elevator, hand in hand… when a voice stopped me cold.

I froze.

It was faint, but oddly familiar. I strained to listen, my heart already pounding in my chest.

“She’s still here,” the voice said. “The receptionist confirmed it. Find her! We’re running out of time.”

My blood ran cold.

It was him. George Brooks.

Why was he still coming after me? Was he here to finish up what he started six years ago? Was he here to remind me how much of a desperate harlot I had been in my drunken state? 

I dragged Leo gently towards the service elevator, hiding in the narrow corner, my breath muffled and shaky.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, the loud sound echoing off the walls.

Panic surged through me. I quickly pulled it out and hit the volume button so hard until it went straight to vibration.

Then I exhaled, finally taking a glance at the screen to find out who had called. 

It was an unknown number, but something within me told me it was George… so I didn't pick it. I ignored the call and shoved the phone back into my pocket, but the goddamn phone wouldn't stop vibrating.

Furious, I hauled the phone out once again, glaring at the screen for nearly a minute before finally swiping to answer. And voila, my thoughts were just as right… It was really him.

His panicked voice hit my ear the moment the line connected. “Alice? Alice, can you hear me?” His breathing was ragged, rushed.

I rolled my eyes and tightened my grip on the phone. “Yes, I can hear you. What now, George? Here to ruin what little peace I’ve managed to build over the years?”

“No… Alice, please, just listen,” he said, his voice suddenly softer, almost pleading. “I know this sounds insane, but you’re not safe. Not alone.”

I scoffed. “Exactly. Which is why I’m leaving. Anything else?”

“You don’t understand,” he pressed. “You can’t just leave. Not like this. It’s not safe out there.”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “What could possibly be more dangerous than being trapped in this twisted nightmare?”

He exhaled deeply, then paused… just for a moment. But it was enough to send a chill running down my spine.

“Ever since you left the country six years ago, Thomas has been hunting for you. He tore the entire city apart, Alice. He turned everything upside down trying to find you. But he never did.”

He paused once again, like he was trying to let the words sink in. 

“And now… I think he knows you’re back.”

My heart skipped.

But before I could speak, he said something else that left me utterly breathless.