LOGINAdriana buried her face in Francesco's chest, and the faint, cool scent that clung to him steadied her more than she expected."It's over now, Adriana."Francesco himself hadn't recovered nearly as quickly. His arms stayed locked around her, refusing to loosen.Fear still clung to him like a specter, chilling him to the bone. If they'd been two minutes later—if he hadn't found her before that three-minute countdown ran out—he would have lost her forever. The thought alone left his limbs numb with delayed terror."Mars, straight to the hospital." His voice came out rough. Then, after a beat, he said, "Tell Chris that Adriana and Maeve are both fine. Tell him to go home."It wasn't that he cared what happened to Chris—it was that Chris's health was fragile, and if something went wrong with him now, Adriana would only end up worrying about that too. She'd already spent more strength than she had to give. She shouldn't have to fear for anyone else tonight.He twisted the cap off a wa
Adriana sat alone in the dust of the abandoned factory, running through Milo and Maeve's futures over and over in her mind. Milo was full of endless energy—he ate well, slept soundly, and was always finding ways to make a mess. Just yesterday, he'd splashed bathwater all over Heidi. Maeve, on the other hand, was sharper—sometimes when they were drinking milk together, she'd manage to swindle her brother's bottle away.The two children had only just learned to walk. They trusted her so completely, depended on her so entirely. And she loved them—deeply, desperately—and needed them just as much.When the bomb's countdown hit the final five minutes, she suddenly realized how fast time had flown. She hadn't even figured out how she would face that moment if she never saw her children again. She wasn't afraid to die—but she was terrified of never seeing their smiles again, of them being left unprotected when they were wronged, of them growing up unable to even remember her face. These
Could it be Sophia?The thought had barely surfaced before she dismissed it. Sophia was too smart to do something so foolish—something that would only dig her own grave.Adriana pressed her hands to her forehead, her mind a tangled mess. If she couldn't figure out who was behind this, there was no guarantee they wouldn't target Milo or Maeve again. They'd already learned that the children were her most vulnerable weak spot.The wait stretched on, each minute dragging like an eternity.Meanwhile, Chris was still trying every possible way to reach Anna, but she was clearly avoiding him. No matter what he tried, she gave no response, as if she'd vanished into thin air.In the other car, Francesco's phone rang. Sophia's name flashed on the screen. He answered, his voice urgent. "Any new leads?""Why are you asking me for help? Aren't you afraid I'm the one behind it?" Sophia's tone carried a hint of amusement."Consider it a favor. I don't have time for games right now."Francesco
On the other side, Adriana followed the kidnapper's instructions and arrived at the designated abandoned factory complex. The place was empty, the floor covered in a thick layer of white dust—like a blanket of decayed snow. The air reeked of rust.She looked down. Only one set of footprints led into the corner. Following them, her eyes landed on a square device, emitting a rapid, rhythmic beeping. A timed bomb.She took a deep breath, and the dry dust rushed into her nostrils, making her double over in a coughing fit. But her fear for Maeve—and her guilt—had long outweighed any fear for her own life.Not caring about the filth on the floor, she sat down cross-legged beside the bomb. She trusted Francesco. Even if she died, Milo and Maeve would want for nothing.She even felt a flicker of relief—thankful she had told Francesco the truth, that he knew the children were his. Otherwise, in a situation like this, she wouldn't have known who to entrust them to.Chris would surely treat
Mars's words carried clearly through the phone. Isabel's voice came through again, this time laced with sharp mockery. "So your little bastard child has been snatched and brought to Mitaly?""None of your concern."Francesco hung up directly. If it wasn't the Este family, there was no point continuing the conversation.Mars hesitated. "Sir, why not ask Madam Isabel for help?""She wouldn't help. If anything, she'd use this to pour fuel on the fire."Francesco didn't want to talk about his mother any further. "What else did Sophia say?""She found that some underground faction in Heatherton City has deep ties to that syndicate. Here's the information on the leader—his main businesses are loan-sharking and underground gambling."Gambling?Those two words triggered a name in Francesco's mind. He pushed the door open, strode over to the other car, and knocked hard on Chris's window."Where is Anna?"Chris froze. Caught off guard, it suddenly hit him—he hadn't been in contact wi
Before Adriana could respond, a sharp, piercing cry from Maeve cut through the line—like a needle driven straight into her eardrum.Adriana's eardrums stung, and her heart seized in her chest."I'm coming right now. Don't you dare touch my daughter!"Her hands fumbled for the door handle, trembling so badly that it took her two tries to push it open.Chris grabbed her wrist. "I'm going with you."Adriana pulled free. "No. Don't do anything."Before stepping out, she turned back to Francesco, her voice strained and raw. "If something happens to me, please raise the two children. Protect them.""I won't let anything happen to you."Francesco got out of the car with her, his warm hand steadying her shoulder. "I'm contacting my mom right now. If it's really them, I'll trade myself for Maeve. Trust me."Adriana looked up and met his calm blue eyes. She saw his resolve. For some reason, she felt a trace of calm settle over her. She nodded, her voice hoarse. "If they're after me, use
"I tripped and fell. It's nothing serious."Daisy smiled, but the movement tugged at the injury on her face, making her wince.Adriana leaned in for a closer look. Besides the bruising, it was visibly swollen."You really have to be careful. You're so beautiful—can't risk damaging that face," Adr
In the blink of an eye, the day of Grandma Rosie's memorial arrived. Adriana got to the cemetery early, confirming the arrangements with the staff.Dew clung to the grass beside the graves, soaking her pant legs as she walked. She settled on a bench to dry off, lifting her gaze to a sea of headston
Of course it wasn't fine. Even a man who kept a mistress wouldn't bring her to an occasion this respectable.Chris was a well-known figure in their circle, and Joan came from a good family herself. Back then, the prospect of a marriage alliance between the Slater and Hill families had been common k
"Oh—Edward, did you just tap the voice recorder?"Joan snatched the phone away, uneasily glancing at Chris."Chris, I'll delete it right now. Edward was fiddling with my phone while he was eating. Who knew it would record Adriana's words?"Chris said nothing. His expression tightened, his eyes li







