Mimi's breath rushed out in quick, violent bursts as she stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Scarlett. She could feel the weight of her rage pushing against her breast and the tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. "Where is he, Scarlett?" she asked, her voice cutting with the sort of fury she had not let herself have in days. Where's my son? Scarlett's smile was icy and knowing as she casually leaned against the wall. She had been waiting for this, relishing every second of Mimi's suffering. "Oh, Mimi," she purred, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Your inquiry is incorrect. "I'm asking the only important question!" Mimi's hands balled up at her sides. "Tell me where he is!" Scarlett's eyes sparkled with delight as her grin widened. Mimi, you're still considering control. But you have lost. This was never about you personally. It's always been about power, mine, not yours. Her heart racing, Mimi stepped forward. Scarlett's stare moved over her like a snake measuri
Jaxon typed furiously on his keyboard, the blue glow of his computer throwing a faint light on his face. Every step took him to an abandoned warehouse on the city's outskirts, tucked away in a lost industrial sector, he had tracked the source of the call. "Got you," he said, his eyes combing the specifics on his screen. This was the last fight, the location where all would either finish or erupt into disorder. Mimi's name appeared on the screen as his phone buzzed on the desk. The gravity of the scenario bearing down on him made him pause before responding. Mimi had already experienced enough. Jaxon remarked, his voice firm, "We have a site." A former storehouse on the outskirts of town. The coordinates are being sent to you right now. Stay put; I'll put together a team. Mimi's voice broke across the line. Jaxon, no. I'm not sitting about. I'm going with you. I must. Feeling the moment's strain rise, Jaxon gritted his teeth. Mimi, this is larger than you. I cannot let you endange
Mimi sat in her kitchen, shaking as the phone vibrated again. Scarlett's name appeared on the screen, and dread pooled in her stomach. "What do you want now?" Scarlett's voice was a controlled, vicious whisper, like a puppeteer tugging on strings. Mimi, I've already said what's at stake here. Keep quiet; everything will be alright. Disobey me and I'll make sure Simeon is never seen again. Her knuckles white, Mimi held the phone closer. You are not telling the truth. I will not surrender to you. Scarlett chuckled, her voice chilly and hollow. "You believe you have a say?" I now run everything. You will never see him again unless I let it. You are too late to remedy anything. Mimi's heart beat in her bosom. "You can't do this," she said quietly, her world appearing to shatter. You are not allowed to take him away from me. Scarlett's voice fell even lower, oozing contempt. Mimi, you are not in charge. You never have been. Remain quiet and help. Your only option is to say that. Tear
Mimi's phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, interrupting the silence. Looking over, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of the message appearing from an unidentified number. Trembling hands made her swipe the screen to start the video. Her breath caught as the video began. Simeon sat there, his little body bound to a chair, gagged, and clearly afraid in the dark light of an unknown room. His eyes were large, frantic, and full of dread. Though she couldn't pull herself away from the TV, tears filled her eyes. The message in the video was chilling: "If you want him back, you must obey." The room spun around her, the walls seeming to close in. Clutching the phone to her chest, Mimi's hands trembled. The reality of what she was witnessing was nearly too much to grasp. Her kid, her son, was in peril. "No!" Mimi said, her voice almost inaudible and her eyes fixed on the television. "What have they done to him?" She shut her eyes for a second, attempting to absorb the tragedy playing o
"Scarlett, you're taking too long," Damon said softly but firmly. Walking towards her, the offensive smell of his cologne filling the space. His steps were purposeful, like a predator closing in on its meal. Scarlett set her teeth. I am trying my best. Damon, perfection cannot be rushed. He stopped just before her, his shadow covering her. The clock is ticking. Leaning forward, he let his breath brush against her ear. You have already got plenty of chances. You know what is at stake here. Her heart quickened. Though Damon was impatient, she had wanted to put off this time. She had no choice but to move now. Scarlett murmured, her voice steady despite the storm within, "I'll handle it, Damon." All I want is more time. Damon's eyes narrowed with impatience. Scarlett, should you be unable to do it, I'll find another person who can. His voice growing annoying, he came even nearer. This is your last chance to... Don't blow it. Swallowing hard, she let fear consume her insides. Her wo
James reclined in his office chair, the burden of his thoughts heavier than ever. The sterile white walls of his penthouse appeared to shut in on him, and for a brief minute, he could hear only the hammering of his own heart. Reaching for a glass of water, his hand shook so violently that he spilt it all over his desk. "God, what have I done?" He spoke almost inaudibly. Mimi and Simeon. Every passing day made the family he had once believed in, the life he thought he could save, all seem to drift further away. Scarlett's hold on him grew tighter, often reminding him of his shortcomings. The false promises, the engagement; it was all starting to overwhelm him. His mind kept returning to the one that had started everything rolling. The time he had choose to be quiet. Knowing full well it would cost him everything, he accepted Scarlett into his life. Why did I let this occur? James grumbled, massaging his eyes. Unlocking his phone with trembling hands, he went for it and skimmed thr