Semua Bab Not yours anymore Mr ASHFORD : Bab 11 - Bab 17

CHAPTER ELEVEN Mia watched him walk out of her office and let out a big sigh. She couldn't believe she was strong enough to face him. Being around him still made her heart beat fast, but not because she was scared anymore—she was angry. She had grown up from the scared woman who used to be afraid of him.She won't let him trick her like he did before. Never again. She took a deep breath and put her head in her hands, giving herself time to think about seeing him again after five years.He was still full of himself and talked down to her, but he had no idea who she was now. The woman he used to control was gone forever.The work day ended and Mia's helper came back to tell her things."Who did you give the job to clean this office?" Mia asked in a calm voice."It is Mrs—""Give it to someone else. Someone made me feel bad today because of dust, and if things aren't done right, there will be trouble." She said this as she took her bag and coat."I am sorry, ma'am."Mia rolled her eyes

CHAPTER THIRTEENCassandra sat in her car across the street from the coffee shop, watching through dark sunglasses. She had been following Mia Thompson for three days now, learning her schedule, her habits, her life.Every morning at seven-thirty, Mia stopped at the gym. Every afternoon at one, she had lunch with Sarah Collins. Every evening at six, she went home to her quiet house. It was a simple, organized life. Too organized for someone who was supposed to be running from the past.She watched as Sarah Collins walked into the coffee shop, same as always. The woman was pretty in a plain way, with brown hair and simple clothes. Nothing special about her, except for one thing - the way she looked around carefully before going anywhere, like she was always watching for danger.Cassandra had seen that look before. It was the look o someone hiding something big.Through the coffee shop window, she could see Sarah ordering her usual drink. Then Sarah sat at a table in the corner, the sam

CHAPTER FIFTEENMarcus spent three more days watching Sarah and the children, learning their routines. Sarah visited them every Tuesday and Friday after work, taking the same train, using the same taxi company. The children lived with an older woman named Mrs. Peterson, who had been taking care of them for years.The house was in a quiet neighborhood where people minded their own business. Perfect for what Marcus needed to do.He decided to take Sarah first. She would be easier to grab, and once he had her, he could make her tell him exactly how to get the children without any problems.On Friday evening, Marcus waited in the parking garage under Sarah's office building. He knew she would work late - she always did on Fridays, finishing reports before the weekend.At nine-thirty, the elevator doors opened and Sarah walked out, talking on her phone. She looked tired, carrying a heavy bag and walking slowly toward her car."Yes, I'll see them tomorrow," she was saying. "Tell them I love

Chapter 17Mia sat in her car outside the busy coffee shop, her hands shaking as she gripped the steering wheel. Marcus had chosen a public place for their meeting - smart of him. Too many witnesses for anything dangerous to happen.She looked at the bag on the passenger seat. 250 thousand dollars in cash. It had taken her three hours to get the money from different banks, making sure no single transaction would raise flags.Her phone buzzed. A text from Marcus: "Table in the back corner. Come alone."Mia took a deep breath and got out of her car. She couldn't show fear. Men like Marcus could smell weakness, and weakness made them dangerous.The coffee shop was crowded with the afternoon rush. Business people, students, tourists - all going about their normal lives while hers was falling apart. She spotted Marcus immediately. He was sitting at a small table in the back, wearing a baseball cap pulled low over his face.She walked over and sat down across from him. "You have five minute