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Chapter 136

last update Last Updated: 2024-12-03 07:39:10

"Tell me we finally have something concrete," Liam growled; the strain in his voice was audible. Across the messy desk in Detective Marcus's office, dimmed light danced around the shadows of the wall, files and photos and maps everywhere, some reminding them of the time spent chasing shadows.

Marcus pushed on his glasses, eyes sharp even with a face that seemed etched with exhaustion. "We do," he said, tugging a folder out and sliding it across the table.

"Olivia has been in and out of several places around Rome, but this isn't some socialite thing; she isn't hitting dinners and charity events-these are low-profile, late-night trips, and Ethan has been spotted most times in the office and meeting business associates, they are rarely together.”

Liam's eyes narrowed. "Ethan? Why am I not surprised? Always had an agenda of his own."

Marcus nodded. "They are being cautious but not cautious enough. Our surveillance team followed Olivia to an industrial area on the outskirts, quiet, with
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    "Well, here we are," Alexander said, breaking the taut silence as he lounged casually against the sterile white wall of the hospital corridor. His eyes darted between Rafael and Bernice. "It's about time we brought this circus to a close."Rafael's jaw tightened; his hands were deep inside the pockets of his fitted jacket. "I didn't come here for your commentary, Alexander.""No, you came here to confirm what you already know deep down," Alexander shot back, irritation lining his voice. "You're the twins' father, and knowing it is a whole different thing than being able to handle it."Bernice sat down in one of the waiting room chairs and shifted uncomfortably, her eyes on the floor. It hung heavy in the silence between them until she finally filled up her lungs to continue."Can't we do this somewhere else?" It was a soft tone yet unyielding. "This is a hospital. Our daughter's life is hanging by a thread.Rafael's eyes locked onto hers. "Our daughter? You are uttering the word 'our'

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    Rafael called up a friend in Florence, he needed someone to talk to. "You have to stop blaming yourself, " Lucas said as he poured him two glasses of whiskey. "You have done all you could.Rafael stood by the window of his penthouse in Florence; a glowing city skyline lay outside, but he was far away in his thoughts while clenching his jaw showed no sign of relaxation. Events in the hospital were running in an infinite loop in his mind; that Mia was his daughter, fiery defense by Bernice, and Alexander smug interference haunted him.Rafael turned to him then, his face dark. "I haven't done everything. Not yet." He took the glass but didn't drink. "I've lost too much already. My children are out there-one unconscious in a hospital bed, the other missing. And I had no idea either of them even existed until now."Lucas blew out a slow breath, setting his glass on the table. "What is your plan?Rafael's eyes flash down. "To win them back. All of them."Lucas raises one eyebrow. "Even Be

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    "Mama…”The weak voice sliced through the antiseptic silence of the hospital room. Bernice froze; her breath had seized up in her throat. Whipping toward the bed, she felt her heartbeat suddenly increase."Mama…"Again, Mia's voice whispered weakly, yet clearly.Bernice took wing to her daughter's bedside, her fingers quavering, gently laying them over Mia's white pale face. "Mia, my sweet child," she stammered her words, where the dampness of the wet flow of tears running from her eyes couldn't stop. "Mia, can you hear me now?"She blinked once: her wide eyes opened unfocused. "Mama…sleepy.”A sob of relief tore itself from Bernice's lips. She leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on the child's forehead. "It's okay, baby. You can rest. Mama is here, and I'm not going anywhere."The door creaked open behind her, but she didn't turn around. All her attention lay wholly with Mia."Is she awake?" The word fell into the silence like an atom bomb dropped into it, spoken by Rafael in low,

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    Early morning light struggled through the heavy curtains, laying long shadows in the living room of Alexander's mansion. She sat at the front of the sofa, her fingers bunched into fists in her lap. The last couple of days had been like whirling dizzying moment after moment with tension and uncertainty. Now, in the quiet aftermath of Rafael's ultimatum, she felt lost-more so than ever before.The door opened, rattling the silence of that room as he came inside. Face emotionless, from those eyes, Bernice could tell, he was concerned. He gently closed the door behind him and sat calmly beside her."Bernice," he said hoarsely to her as he sat next to her. "We really need to talk."She nodded, her head not turning his way. There was nothing more to say. Nothing-but the crushing burden of what she had to try and hold together.“I won't let him take you and the kids. I am going to fight him, Bernice. I will fight him with all I have," Alexander stated now resolutely.Bernice's eyes flicker

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    "I am not letting her leave here, Rafael." Bernice spoke in quivered silent strength, standing behind Mia's hospital bed. She ran her fingers smoothly through her daughter's disheveled hair. Days of unconsciousness had passed and with each minute in this clean and silent room, she felt further smothered by a sense of helplessness with the choices she made, and just not coming out of this crushing burden.Rafael stood framed in the doorway of the room, and he was as always commanding. Yet only a little while prior to this, he received updates about his legal team's handling of the situation. At all times, he kept him two steps ahead of all games. His lips pucker as he gazes at Bernice's nervy movements, eyes snapping over to their pale girl's face.“Mia needs the best care, Bernice," he said-too softly, but with the underlying authority not to be denied. "And that's in Rome. You know it as well as I do."She looked up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. The impossible decision:

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    "I'm glad you are making the best choice for our kids." Rafael said calmly, but in it was an edge, seeming to dare her to protest.Bernice didn't turn toward him. She couldn't. She just continued to focus on the steady rise and fall of Mia's chest beneath the pale hospital blanket. The machines surrounding her daughter beeped softly at rhythmic intervals, every sound a relief and a reminder of how fragile her daughter's life had become."I don't know anymore what's best, but I only know she needs help, and you can provide that," Bernice said with her soft voice, her fingers digging onto Mia's hand.Then the sound of Rafael's steps quietly echoed as he neared. "Then why do I feel that you are hesitating?”She finally turned to him, her eyes ablaze with unsaid emotions. "Because I am. This isn't easy for me, Rafael. I'm leaving everything behind, Alexander, the life I rebuilt, and for what? To follow you to Rome and trust that you're doing this for our kids and not for control?"His ja

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    "Gate 27B. Last call for flight 489 to São Paulo," the calm, automated voice echoed over the airport intercom.Detective Marcus was concealed behind a pillar, his striking eyes scouring the busy terminal. So excited, he could hardly contain his accelerating heartbeat. He then glanced at his watch-just at this time, Olivia's got to pop up. Every single lead, each and every crumb-into which he had looked-intimidated him before it all boiled down into this. Marcus reached for his radio."All units, Gate 27B. This one's not going to make it," ordered Marcus.Across the terminal, Olivia sashayed confidently through the crowd, arm linked with a man whose face bore a cruel smirk—Sebastian Reyes, the man who had framed Bernice three years ago. They looked relaxed, like a couple off on a romantic getaway. Olivia's sunglasses shielded her eyes, but her smile was bold, too bold. She believed she had won.“They really thought they could stop us?" Sebastian whispered, his hand tightly squeezing

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    "Is everyone in position?" Rafael's voice sliced the tense air like a knife as his eyes scrutinised the dimly lit industrial warehouse ahead.Detective Marcus adjusted his earpiece. "Yes. My team has got the perimeter covered. When they hand over Luca, we move in."Rafael's jaw clamped down as he turned to Alexander and Liam. Both of them stood close, their faces taut and resolute. For once, they had the same purpose in mind.Alexander shifted weight. "This better work. If anything happens to Luca-""It won't," Rafael cut in. His tone was final. "We will get my son back tonight.""Your son?" Alexander sneered. "Don't forget Bernice's stake in this thing. She is the only one here holding things together while you play the hero."Rafael's eyes darkened. "This isn't the time for petty arguments. Luca's life is at stake."Liam's voice cut in them, raising a hand. "Enough. We focus on the rescue. Settle your issues later."There was no sound for a moment, but for the distant thrum of the c

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    "Pass the salt, mi amor," Rafael said in a low voice, never once taking his gaze off Bernice's face.It was this note that made Bernice blink. They sat opposite to each other at the wide, dining table-the candle flame leaping, squirming across its brilliant facets between them. But she said nothing, merely pushed the salt toward him with extended fingers, which touched his with glancing fingers, and, for an instant, all bitterness over, his eyes melted almost down; moved her so that she"Thanks, dear," he stammered, his curled lip twisting into a small warm smile.Madam, the head housekeeper, watched them across the room in silent pleasure. She had worked for the Fernandez family for years and had practically witnessed their rollercoaster love affair up and down. And for the first time in years, she saw them finally together again."I'm so happy to see you both like this," Madam whispered softly.Before Bernice could get a word out, one of the younger maids entered with a tray of win

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    "Are you sure you'll be fine by yourself?" Rafael asked as his hand rested on Bernice's waist, standing by the car outside the hospital. His touch was warm, familiar, and far too comforting for Bernice's liking."I'm fine, Rafael," Bernice said finally, though conviction eluded her tone. She stepped back, releasing his hold.Rafael laughed low, a knowing kind of sound. "You did that very same thing last night, remember? Right before you-""Stop." Bernice's eyes went wide as she scanned the car park, her cheeks ablaze with color. She did not need to be reminded how she let her guard down.His teasing grin deepened. "What, before you told me you loved me?""I didn't mean it," she muttered without looking his way.“Are you sure about that?" Rafael leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "Because it sounded pretty real when you said it in my arms."Her breath hitched, and she shoved him lightly. "Go to work, Rafael."He laughed, stepping back but not before giving her one last, long look. "

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