The air around the abandoned car was thick with tension. Vanessa paced near the vehicle, her heels clicking against the asphalt with each step. She clutched one of her children’s backpacks tightly against her chest, her heart hammering harder with each second that passed. The world around her seemed muted, Diego’s low voice as he spoke into his phone, the faint hum of distant traffic, none of it fully registered.She was just thinking about the worst scenario her kids and Emily might be in. She should have done better! Sh shouldn't have let her enemies get to them First.Tears threatened to fall from her eyes but she held it in. This wasn't the time to cry. What if her parents or Xavier called now, what was she going to tell them? That she's been receiving threatening messages and now her kids and babysitter have gotten kidnapped and her house raided?It all sounded absurd. What would people think of her? An irresponsible mother, who couldn't keep her kids safe?Her mind raced with po
“So, tell me. What exactly happened?” Riccardo asked as soon as they stepped inside his house, his voice calm but firm.Vanessa sighed, running a hand through her hair as she tried to collect her thoughts. “It all started in my house earlier today. I got back and…” She stopped, her voice cracking slightly. “My house was turned upside down. Furniture was broken, drawers were empty, and...” She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. “I found this.”She held up Emily’s cracked phone. “It was in the car, and the car was empty. The kids and Emily… they’re gone.” Her voice trembled as she finished.Riccardo’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. “Do you think you can help me find them?” she asked, desperation thick in her voice.“Yes,” Riccardo said firmly, giving her a small nod. “I’ll try my best.”Vanessa felt a flicker of relief but quickly tamped it down. “When I came in, you looked like you were heading out. Do you have somewhere important to be?”“I was,” Riccardo admitted, sitting on the
Vanessa stood silently as Riccardo worked, the sound of his fingers tapping the keyboard filling the quiet room. Her eyes wandered, taking in the sleek and organized space. It was very much like him, no clutter, no distractions. Everything had its place.“Got it,” Riccardo said finally, his voice breaking through her thoughts.She moved closer, her heartbeat quickening. “What did you find?”Riccardo turned the screen toward her, showing a map with a blinking red dot. “The car the suspects used has a tracker. It’s parked at a warehouse on the outskirts of the city.”“A warehouse?” Vanessa repeated, her stomach twisting.He nodded. “It’s in an isolated area, far from the main roads. It looks like they didn’t bother disabling the tracker, which might mean they weren’t expecting anyone to trace it.”Vanessa’s fingers clenched at her sides. “Then let’s go. We don’t have time to waste.”Riccardo shook his head. “We can’t just storm in blindly. We need a plan.”She glared at him, frustration
As Riccardo’s phone buzzed again, he glanced at the screen, then looked at Vanessa. "They’ve checked the warehouse. It’s clear. We can head inside."Vanessa gave a shaky nod, her hands clutching her purse tightly. Diego, fell into step beside her.The air was still, too still for Vanessa’s liking. The building was tucked away at the edge of town, surrounded by cracked pavement and overgrown grass. Riccardo’s team had already formed a perimeter, their sharp gazes scanning the surroundings. Vanessa’s heart pounded as she followed Riccardo inside.The warehouse smelled of grease and dust, and the faint whir of machinery hummed in the background. The dim lighting made it hard to see far, but Vanessa’s eyes scanned the open space, desperate for any sign of her children.“Where are they?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.“No sign of the main suspect,” one of Riccardo’s men said, his voice clipped.Vanessa froze. “What do you mean? The car is outside! They have to be here!”Riccardo
Vanessa stared at the crumpled note in Riccardo’s hand, her breathing shaky but steadying. She didn’t have time for fear or anger. Her kids were out there, scared.“We don’t have time for riddles,” Vanessa said, her voice firm. “Where are they?” She asked Riccardo.Riccardo slid the note into his pocket. “They’re nearby. They wouldn’t risk taking them far. Let’s move.” He said.The group hurried out of the abandoned building, the setting sun casting long shadows over the cracked pavement. Riccardo directed his men with clipped commands. Diego stayed close to Vanessa, offering her silent reassurance.One of Riccardo’s men jogged up, his boots crunching against the gravel. “Boss, there are fresh tire tracks leading to an old farm about two miles from here.” He informed.Vanessa didn’t hesitate. “Then that’s where we’re going.” She stated firmly.Riccardo glanced at her, his brow furrowed. “Stay close to me. No risks.”The drive to the farm felt like it stretched on forever. Every bump o
Vanessa tightened her grip on Ethan and Emma as Riccardo’s men restrained the last of the attackers. Her heart pounded, the chaos of the fight still fresh in her mind. She hadn’t wanted her children to see any of it. When the scuffle started, she’d crouched down and gently covered their eyes, whispering soft reassurances.“Don’t look, babies. Just keep your heads down,” she had murmured, her voice trembling.Now, with the fighting over, she allowed herself a deep breath. The barn smelled of hay and dust, the cool afternoon air filtering through the cracks in the wooden walls. Riccardo strode forward, his knuckles bloodied but his movements steady. His sharp gaze fixed on one of the restrained men.“Call the police,” Riccardo ordered one of his men.The man nodded and stepped outside, pulling out his phone.Vanessa turned her attention back to Ethan, Emma, and Emily. She knelt down, her hands trembling as she brushed their hair back. “Are you okay?”Ethan sniffled, his small hands clut
Vanessa slipped into the room across from where her kids were sleeping. The door clicked softly behind her as she leaned against it for a moment, letting out a shaky breath she had been holding in all day. The silence of the room felt heavy, but it was better than the chaos that had unfolded earlier.She moved to the bed, her legs feeling like they could give out at any moment. Sitting on the edge, Vanessa buried her face in her hands. The tears she had held back for so long finally came, spilling down her cheeks in uncontrollable waves.Her kids were safe now, that was all that mattered. But what if she hadn’t found them? The thought made her stomach twist painfully. If Riccardo and Diego hadn’t been there, if Emily hadn’t been so brave, what would she have done?Her mind spun with questions, each one heavier than the last. What if they had been hurt? She shuddered at the thought, her heart aching as images of what could have gone wrong flashed through her mind. She pressed her hands
Vanessa stayed by the window for a moment, watching the city come alive in the morning light. She could hear the faint sounds of cars and people outside, but in the room, it was peaceful. Her kids still slept soundly, their small bodies curled under the blankets.Emily sat at the small table, her hands wrapped around a glass of water. She looked calmer now, though the tiredness in her eyes hadn't fully faded. Vanessa walked over and sat across from her.“How are you feeling?” Vanessa asked gently.Emily gave her a small smile. “Better, I think. I was so scared yesterday, but... I’m glad everything worked out.”Vanessa reached across the table and squeezed Emily’s hand. “You were so brave, Emily. I don’t know how to thank you.”Emily shook her head, her cheeks flushing. “I just did what I had to. The twins mean so much to me. I couldn’t let anything happen to them.”Vanessa’s heart swelled at her words. “They’re lucky to have you.”Before Emily could respond, there was another knock at
A NEW CHAPTER Three years later. Ethan and Emma were running around, playing tag with Riccardo, who pretended to struggle to keep up with their speed.“Daddy, you’re too slow!” Emma giggled, darting away as Riccardo reached out to catch her.“Oh, I’ll get you!” Riccardo teased, his playful growl making both kids squeal with delight.Vanessa leaned against the doorframe, cradling her six-month old daughter in her arms. The baby cooed softly, her tiny hands grasping at the edge of Vanessa’s blouse.“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, Sofia?” Vanessa whispered, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s soft hair.The past three years had been a journey of hope, love, and healing. Vanessa’s diagnosis had been a heavy weight, but with Riccardo’s unwavering support, they’d found the best doctors and treatments. Through hard work and a little luck, her. condition had stabilized.“Mommy, come play!” Ethan called, his dark curls bouncing as he ran toward her.Vanessa smiled, walking over with Sofia in
TWO DAYS LATER Vanessa’s heels echoed on the marble floor of her office as she paced back and forth, her phone pressed to her ear. Her movements were sharp, her mind racing. For weeks, she had been gathering evidence against Alexander Grey.He had done too much harm, kidnapping Ethan and Emma, orchestrating the failed attempt on her life, and lurking in the shadows, ready to strike again. But she wouldn’t let him win.Her phone call ended with a click, and she stared out of the large window overlooking the city. The evidence was solid. It wasn’t just a small victory, it was the beginning of the end for Alexander Grey. She took a deep breath, her hands clenching at her sides.“Ms. Rodriguez?” Diego’s voice interrupted her thoughts. He stepped into the office.She turned to him, her voice calm but firm. “It’s time, Diego. I’ve sent everything to the authorities. The files, the recordings, everything. We’re moving forward.”Diego nodded, his respect for Vanessa clear in his eyes. “They’
ONE MONTH LATERThe sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light through the windows of Vanessa’s office. She sat at her desk, focused on reviewing a stack of reports. The past month had been hectic. Riccardo had recovered, Lucas had been relentless in tightening security, and life was slowly falling back into its usual rhythm. But today felt... different.Vanessa glanced at the calendar on her desk. It was her birthday, but she had no plans to celebrate. Birthdays had never been a big deal for her, especially not now when there was so much work to do. She sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as she reached for her pen.A knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. “Come in,” she called, expecting Lily or Diego with an update.The door opened, and Emily poked her head in. “Ms. Rodriguez, sorry to bother you, but can I steal you for a moment? There’s a small problem with Ethan and Emma.”Vanessa frowned, setting her pen down. “What’s wrong? When did they get back?"
The warm sunlight streamed into Juliet’s room, touching her skin and making her stir. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking at the brightness filling the space. For a moment, she stayed still, letting the peace of the morning calm her. Then it hit her, like a storm rolling in.She remembered.Her heart began to race as memories came rushing back. She could hear her stepmother’s cold voice, the cruel words that had shattered her world. Juliet had overheard her stepmother plotting to kill her, all for her father’s money and property. The betrayal still burned deep in her chest.Her breathing quickened as more came back to her. The fear. The panic. She could see herself running, her steps fast and desperate as she tried to escape. She had been so scared that she hadn’t noticed the car. She remembered the blinding headlights, the screech of the tires, and the sharp pain when she hit the ground.And then... Romeo.He had been the one to save her. She saw his face in her mind, calm and stro
The quiet hum of the machines filled the room as Vanessa sat by Riccardo’s side, her fingers gently brushing against his cool hand. Each second felt like an eternity as she waited for Lucas. The sound of hurried footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. Vanessa glanced up just as the door opened, and Lucas stepped in. His tall frame filled the doorway, his dark eyes scanning the room until they landed on Riccardo. His face, usually composed, twisted with worry and anger.“Vanessa,” Lucas said, his voice low but steady. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, his gaze fixed on Riccardo. “How bad is it?”Vanessa stood, smoothing her hands down her blazer as if it would steady her nerves. “The doctor said he’s stable,” she began, her voice quiet but firm. “The bullet missed his vital organs, but he lost a lot of blood. He hasn’t woken up yet.”Lucas nodded, his jaw tightening. He pulled a chair beside Riccardo’s bed, his hands curling into fists on his lap as he stared at his unconsci
Vanessa paced outside the operating room, her heels clicking softly against the sterile tile floor. She kept her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of her blazer like it was the only thing keeping her together. Lily and Emily sat on the nearby bench, their faces pale and somber. Diego stood close by as he watched the hall for any sign of the doctor."I can’t believe this is happening," Vanessa muttered under her breath, her voice thick with emotion. She stopped pacing and turned toward the small group. "He took a bullet meant for me.""Ms. Rodriguez," Lily said gently, her voice trembling. "It’s not your fault."Vanessa shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. "How can it not be? If he hadn’t been there..." Her voice broke, and she quickly looked away, blinking back tears.Emily, sitting with her hands folded tightly in her lap, glanced up. "He’ll pull through," she said, though her voice lacked confidence. "He’s strong, isn’t he?"Vanessa n
The faint sound of the ambulance’s siren echoed in the distance, fading as it disappeared around the corner. Vanessa’s heart raced, a knot forming in her stomach as she turned sharply to face Diego. Her voice came out in a breathless whisper, a mixture of fear and urgency."What hospital is the ambulance heading to?"Diego hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on her before he quickly checked his phone. The seconds stretched painfully. He didn’t need to ask why. Vanessa’s face was pale, her eyes wide with worry, and she was already halfway to her car."The nearest hospital," Diego finally replied, his voice calm but urgent. "Saint Anthony’s.""Let’s follow them." Vanessa’s voice was steady, though the tightness in her chest made her words feel like they were being dragged from her.Before Diego could protest, she was already inside her car, the engine roaring to life as she slammed the door shut. The sleek black vehicle peeled out of the parking lot, its tires screeching against
The workday finally came to a close, and the sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft orange glow over the city. Vanessa stood in her office, the final task of the day weighing on her mind. Emily and Lily had just walked into the room, the slight shuffle of their shoes breaking the silence.Vanessa smiled as she looked at Emily. "Emily, dear. You did well today."Emily blinked in surprise, a soft smile crossing her face. "Really? Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez. I’m happy to help with whatever I can."Vanessa’s eyes softened. "I appreciate it, truly."Lily cleared her throat, her expression eager. "Are you ready? Let’s go."Vanessa nodded, the last-minute decision still fresh in her mind. "We won’t be using the same car today," she said, her voice firm but calm.Lily raised an eyebrow, and Emily’s face faltered for just a moment, but they both said nothing."I’ve already told Diego. He’s brought another car for me," Vanessa added.As they made their way to the parking lot, the evening air wra
Vanessa paced her office, the tension in her chest growing heavier with every second. She couldn’t let this drag on. The mole had to be identified before the end of the day. Picking up her phone, she called Damien.“Vanessa,” Damien’s voice was brisk.“Get to my office now,” she said without preamble. “We have a serious problem.” She added.“I’ll be there in two minutes,” he replied and hung up immediately.Few minutes later,“What’s going on?” Damien asked, shutting the door behind him. “We have a mole,” Vanessa said bluntly. “Someone leaked the designs for our new product to Grey Enterprises. They launched it ahead of us this morning.”Damien’s jaw tightened. “Do we have any leads?”“Not yet,” Vanessa admitted. “But we don’t have time to play detective. I want this person caught before the day ends.”Damien nodded. “Alright. Let’s start with the basics."He pulled out his laptop and placed it on Vanessa’s desk. “We’ll need to narrow it down. Vanessa, do you know exactly which files