8. She doesn't want you in her life.

The gravel crunched under the wheels of Leon's black sedan as he sped up the winding driveway toward the mansion. His heart raced as he approached the gates, a sense of rage gnawing at him. 

Without hesitation, Leon slammed his foot on the gas pedal, and the powerful engine roared to life, propelling him forward. The gates swung open with a metallic groan, revealing the sprawling manor beyond. He barely stopped the car before jumping out and rushing towards the grand entrance.

As he stormed up the steps to the front door, a distinguished-looking butler, James, emerged to greet him. 

"Good evening, sir Kingsley. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit?" James asked, his voice dripping with politeness.

However, Leon paid little attention to the butler's courteous demeanor and said roughly, "I need to see Mr. Hudson. It's urgent."

James raised a well-groomed eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Leon's brusque demeanor. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure and nodded. "Of course, sir. Please, follow me."

Without waiting for Leon's response, James turned and led the way into the opulent mansion. Leon followed closely behind, his footsteps echoing through the marble-floored foyer. His thoughts were in turmoil as he remembered the events that had brought him here.

The butler escorted Leon into the living room, and seated on the armchair was Andrew Hudson. His stone-cold eyes and distinguished features gave him an air of authority that commanded respect.

Calmly, Andrew looked up from the book he had been reading, surprise evident in his eyes as he saw him. "Leon Kingsley, what brings you here at this hour? I hope you have some good news for me."

Looking away, Leon didn't bother with pleasantries. He cleared his throat, his voice trembling with anxiety. "Mr. Hudson, I need your help. It's about Jada."

Immediately, Andrew Hudson's expression shifted from surprise to unreadable as he asked, "What happened to her, Leon?"

Enraged, Leon's hands trembled, and he let out, "Jada woke up from her three-month coma today, but she's not the same. She's lost her memories, and her mind is… fractured. She's out of her head. And now, she's been kidnapped by Chase Aniston."

At the last sentence, Andrew's eyes widened in alarm. Chase Aniston was a name that sent shivers down the spines of those who knew him. A dangerous man with a dark past, he was not to be trifled with.

"Kidnapped?" Andrew repeated. "How did this happen?"

"She willingly walked into his arm. Suddenly, she's in love with him and not me." Leon said, the fear in his eyes growing with each word. 

Immediately, Andrew Hudson rose from his chair, his face etched with annoyance, and asked, "She lost her memories?"

 When Leon nodded, he added, "We can't waste any time then. We need to bring Jada back home safely. But there's someone we must call for help."

Desperation evident in his eyes, Leon asked, "Who, Mr. Hudson? Who can help us now?"

Grabbing his phone, Andrew Hudson's gaze was steely as he replied, "We need to call my father. He's the only one who can navigate this dangerous situation and negotiate with Chase Aniston. We must act swiftly."

As Andrew moved to make the call, Leon sank into a nearby chair, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. 

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

Returning to the bedroom with the tray in hand, thinking Jada was still asleep, Chase found her awake, her tear-stained face buried in her knees. 

The sight tugged at his heartstrings, and he gently set the tray on the bedside table, his gaze filled with concern.

"Has the headache gone down?" Chase asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper as Jada looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy.

With a nod, she mumbled a barely audible "Thanks."

"You should eat something," Chase said gently, looking down at the hot oats and tea tray. "Or maybe have some tea, Jada. It might help."

A few minutes passed without her saying or doing something, so Chase filled the spoon with oats. But as he brought the spoon closer to her lips, he noticed a tear slowly rolling down her face. 

"Does your head still hurt?" Chase asked, his voice was laced with concern, his eyes pleading for her to confide in him. 

But before she could answer, his phone rang, breaking the fragile silence of the room. An unknown number flashed on the screen, and instinctively, Chase answered the call.

"Hello?" he said cautiously, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Who is this?"

The voice on the other end was gruff, filled with anger and accusation. "Mr. Harry Hudson... I have had enough of your abuse of power. Return Jada to the Hudson mansion immediately."

Chase's grip tightened on the phone as he tried to process the words. The accusation stung, and he could feel anger bubbling within him. 

As the old man's tirade continued, Chase's thoughts turned back to Jada, who sat silently on the bed, her eyes wide with confusion as she watched his.

"I haven't done anything to hurt Jada, Mr. Hudson," Chase replied, trying to keep his tone respectful. "I know that you want her back, but she made this choice, not me. I didn't kidnap her."

But Mr. Hudson's voice was laced with anger and accusation. "My granddaughter has made it abundantly clear that she doesn't want you in her life. You are abusing your power and influence over her. I demand that you return her to the Hudson mansion immediately."

"Jada, it's your grandfather on the line. Do you want me to drive you back to the Hudson mansion right this instant? Because I will." Chase said with a frown.

Suddenly, Jada rushed off the bed and took the phone from his grip, saying firmly, "I don't remember my entire life. But when I woke up, he made me feel safe. I was at my most vulnerable moment on that hospital bed, and when I saw him there, I felt like I would be alright, so I chose to stay with Chase Aniston. I chose him... So, if you are my grandfather and care about my well-being, you will let me stay here because I need to figure things out. Please, Grandfather."

Finally, Mr. Hudson's voice came through, still stern but with a hint of hesitation. "Very well, Jada. If that is your choice, then so be it. But know that I worry for your safety."