MasukMorning had barely begun when the city started moving again under Daniel Blackwood's orders.No longer confined to the city center alone.This time, the search expanded into the outskirts, connecting roads between districts, and even areas Alina had passed through over the past several months. Checkpoints were set up at various points. Blackwood's private security vehicles mixed with police cars conducting quiet inspections.Daniel didn't want to create a stir in the media.He only wanted to find one person.Alina.---At the hideout apartment, Emma had just finished getting ready to head out."I'm going to pick up a few things," she said, pulling on a light jacket.Richard rose from his chair. "Be careful."Emma nodded."I'm only going to the convenience store. Won't be long."Alina, sitting on the sofa, looked over at her too."If anything feels dangerous, just come back. Don't push it."Emma smiled faintly."I know."She grabbed a cap and a mask, then left the apartment.---Severa
Elsewhere, Clarissa's phone vibrated just as she finished pouring herself a cup of coffee.She glanced at the screen briefly.A message from Vanessa, one of the women in her socialite circle who had often attended charity events with her."Clarissa, have you heard? Apparently Mrs. Blackwood escaped from the hospital. My husband just got back from the police station. All units are being asked to assist with the search quietly."The cup in Clarissa's hand nearly slipped.Her heart beat hard.She read the message again twice, even three times.Then quickly typed a reply."Seriously?"The response came almost instantly."Yes. Apparently this is an order from above. Alina's name has even been entered into the internal search list. Don't tell anyone, okay."Clarissa didn't reply again. She stood frozen.*"Alina escaped? That woman left the hospital and ran?"*Clarissa's first reaction was shock. But then a smile spread across her face.Clarissa was glad to hear that Alina had fled. That way
Night had not fully fallen when the entire city began to move on a single command.Daniel Blackwood did not know the meaning of surrender.The moment he left the hospital, he returned directly to Blackwood Enterprises headquarters. The top floor of the building transformed into an improvised command center. Dozens of screens lit up simultaneously, displaying city maps, traffic camera footage, vehicle position reports, and digital data refreshed every few seconds.Marcus stood at the large table alongside several members of the security team."We start from the hospital," he said, pointing to one of the screens. "Check every camera facing the exits. Don't miss a single minute.""Yes, sir."Dozens of recordings began playing at once.In the adjacent room, the technology team was tracing the phone signals of Richard, Emma, and Adrian. Every electronic transaction they might have made went directly onto the inspection list.Daniel stood with his back to everyone, his hands resting against
Richard's car stopped in front of an old apartment building standing in the outskirts of the city.The building was not luxurious — it looked ordinary compared to the properties usually owned by the upper class.The exterior paint had faded in several places, while the parking area held only a few vehicles belonging to residents who appeared to live simple lives.That was precisely why Adrian had chosen this place.Inconspicuous.Not drawing attention.And most importantly, not connected to anyone Daniel might suspect.Richard turned off the engine and glanced at his daughter."We're here."Alina didn't respond right away.She stared at the building for a few seconds before finally giving a slow nod. Her body was still exhausted. Her head still felt light from everything that had happened since morning. Yet for the first time in a very long time, her chest didn't feel tight with the same fear.Richard got out first, then helped Alina out of the car.They entered the building through a
Richard's car surged out of the hospital basement, breaking into the blinding midday sunlight.Alina rested her head against the window, still catching her breath, her hands gripping the edge of the seat. Her heart was pounding so hard she could hear it in her own ears. They had made it out. But she knew this was only the beginning."Where are we going, Papa?" she asked, her voice unsteady.Richard gripped the steering wheel, his eyes darting quickly to the mirrors. "Papa isn't sure yet. The important thing is we put distance between us and there. Daniel must know by now. And he'll be deploying everyone he has."As if in answer to that fear, Richard's phone buzzed again. Emma's name appeared on the screen. He answered quickly, switching to speakerphone."Emma? Where are you?""I'm out of the hospital," Emma replied, her breathing still uneven. "I'm in a taxi now. What about you two? Are you safe?""We're on the road," said Richard. "But we need somewhere to go. Somewhere Daniel won't
Alina knew they had no time.Daniel was surely already on his way. Every second they wasted was a second bringing that man closer. And once Daniel arrived, every opportunity would be sealed shut."We have to move now," said Alina, her voice quiet but firm. "There's no time to put together a perfect plan. If we wait for Adrian or Ms. Fontaine, Daniel will get here first."Richard looked at his daughter, then nodded. "You're right. But what do we do?"Alina was already sitting upright, her hands moving to the IV line attached to the back of her hand. Fortunately, her condition had improved considerably over the past few days — her body was no longer as weak as when she'd first arrived. She drew a breath, then with a swift motion pulled the IV line out herself, wincing slightly as the needle came free."Alina—" Emma almost protested."I'm fine," Alina cut her off, pressing a cotton swab to the injection site. "Emma, I need you to create a distraction. The nurses at the station, whoever's
At the opposite end of the corridor, in the master bedroom that had just become hers, Clarissa Sterling stood before the large mirror with a practiced confident smile.Maroon lingerie—delicate lace that barely covered anything, with strategically placed details—hugged her body perfectly. She turned
Alina struggled—hands pushing Daniel's chest desperately, head trying to turn away from the lips pressing firmly against hers.But Daniel's hand behind her head was too strong. His position too calculated.She couldn't break free.Water from Daniel's mouth flowed—carrying the bitter medicine forcib
At ten past five in the evening, Alina's bedroom door opened slowly.Mrs. Helen entered with a dinner tray—chicken soup, white rice, and warm tea. But what made Alina's heart beat faster wasn't the food.Under the napkin covering the tray, there was something rectangular in shape. Small. Hidden.Mr
Mrs. Helen stared at Alina for a long time with an expression full of internal conflict.Twenty years.Twenty years Mrs. Helen had worked for the Blackwood family. Twenty years of keeping secrets, following orders, not interfering in family matters that weren't her business.Twenty years she had en







