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The Runaway's Replacement 32.
"Take them into custody - all of them!" Harrison ordered, his voice ringing out across the room.As the FBI agents closed in, Colton and his men were swiftly arrested. Harrison's eyes locked onto Lyra, her face still etched with shock. Lyra's slender fingers grasped the armchair, and her gaze drifted aimlessly before finally coming to rest on Harrison. Her heavy breathing slowed, becoming deeper and more measured, she knew she was now safe.He swiftly closed the distance between them, his expression softening with concern."Lyra, are you okay?" he asked, gently helping her to her feet.Lyra's eyes, still wide with shock, met Harrison's. She nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Y-yes, I think so..."Harrison's grip on her elbow tightened reassuringly. "You're safe now," he said, his voice low and soothing. "These people won't harm you again."Harrison turned to the FBI agent, his expression stern. "Agent, I want to make one thing clear: Colton shouldn't even think about
The Runaway's Replacement 33.
Ethan's eyes gleamed with malice as he watched the live news coverage of Harrison's disorderly encounter with Lyra and Piper. He snorted in disgust, switching off the TV with a flick of his wrist."So he still cares about that snake, Lyra," Ethan sneered. The General secretary, smiled knowingly from across the room. "Does he? That Piper said she's pregnant."Ethan's gaze narrowed, his head tilting slightly. "She doesn't look pregnant, though."The General Secretary smile grew wider. "That dosen't concern us, Sir. This is our opportunity to get rid of her once and for all. People will think Colton is behind it."A sly smirk spread across Ethan's face, he nodded in agreement. He dialed a number on his phone, his voice low and menacing."Oscar, this is the perfect time to take care of Lyra. Make it happen."He hung up the phone and his smile grew wider, reveling in the chaos that was about to develop. Little did he know, this was only the beginning of a deadly game of cat and mouse, wh
The Runaway's Replacement 34.
The vehicle pulled up at the mansion's grand entrance; Harrison glanced at Lyra in the back seat but quickly averted her gaze.The moment they stepped out, a fiery figure caught their attention. Piper, her face ablaze with anger, was trying to force her way past the security men."I don't care who you are, you can't stop me!" Piper shouted, her voice shattering the evening calm.The security men, imposing figures in black suits, stood firm, their faces impassive. "I'm afraid you're not allowed to go in, miss," one of them said, his tone polite.Piper's gaze locked onto Lyra and Harrison, her eyes blazing with accusation. "You two are behind this, aren't you?" she spat, taking a step closer.Lyra stood her ground, despite how weak she felt after listening to Piper's chants through the radio. "Piper, what are you doing here?"Piper said, panting heavily. "I'm here to live with my baby's daddy, of course. And I won't leave."Harrison stepped forward, his eyes locked on Piper, his voice
The Runaway's Replacement 35.
Harrison's face twisted in rage as he glared at the head maid. "You're treating me like a slave in my own father's house!" he thundered. "I won't stand for it!"Piper's smile grew wider, clearly enjoying the spectacle.But then, Lyra appeared at the top of the stairs, and Harrison's anger reached a boiling point."LYRA!" he bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls. "You're behind this, aren't you? You're punishing me, but this? Treating me like a servant in my own home? That's crossing a line!"Lyra's expression was calm, but her eyes flashed with warning."Ah, Harrison," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "You know I'll do whatever it takes to make myself happy. I'm the Chairperson."Harrison's eyes blazed with fury. "You're a thief, Lyra!" he spat. "You've stolen my inheritance, my family's legacy... and now you're trying to steal my dignity?"The head maid gasped, shocked by Harrison's words.Lyra's smile grew wider, but her eyes narrowed. "How dare you," she whispered,
The Runaway's Replacement 36.
Harrison's brows furrowed in confusion as he watched the Head Maid's familiar interaction with Lyra. "Lyra?" he repeated, his voice laced with surprise. "You call her by her name now?"The Head Maid didn't flinch, her expression calm. Harrison's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. How did they get so close? What going on between them?He pushed his chair back, his appetite suddenly gone. "I'm not hungry," he muttered.Piper's stomach growled in protest, but she refused to eat, her eyes fixed on Harrison. She wanted to prove that she cared about him more than Lyra did."Harrison, darling," she cooed, her voice sweet as honey. "Don't be like that. I'm here for you, always."She reached out, her hand brushing against his arm. Harrison flinched, his arm jerking away from her grasp. His eyes blazed with anger, the pupils constricting as if he'd been burned.He glared at Piper, his face twisted in disgust. "Don't you get disgusted by trying to seduce your sister's husband?" he sa
The Runaway's Replacement 37
Oscar sat in the lavish guest house, nestled within the Monroe mansion's grounds. He gazed out the window and stared at the perfectly cut grass and flowers as he talked softly on the phone."They're even more foolish than we thought," Oscar whispered, smiling to himself. He was surprised at how easily they believed his fake story and accepted him as Lyra's bodyguard.Ethan's voice crackled through the line, "Really?"Oscar's smile grew, "Lyra Monroe, the Chairperson, has no idea what's coming. She's too confident, too blinded by her power."Ethan's tone turned cold, "See it through, Oscar. Remove her from the equation. Our plans depend on it.""Consider it done, Sir. I'll take care of Lyra Monroe, he responded.The line went dead, and Oscar's smile lingered, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes. He recalled the plans he had made with Ethan, and he would stop at nothing until he fulfilled his mission. A knock resounded on the door, breaking Oscar's focus from his thoughts. He rose from
The Runaway's Replacement 38.
Lyra yawned, stretching her arms as she walked out of her room. She blinked away the remains of sleep, her eyes scanning the hallway for the kitchen. Her stomach growled, craving the refreshing tang of fruit juice.As she turned a corner, she spotted Harrison approaching. His footsteps slowed, and his eyes darted to hers. A faint flush rose to his cheeks.Harrison's hand rose to scratch the back of his neck, his fingers rasping against his hair. "You are awake.""I was just... uh... coming from that room," he continued, jerking his thumb over his shoulder, even as his gaze lingered on Lyra's face.Lyra's brow furrowed, her mind piecing together the inconsistency. She glanced down the hallway, noticing the empty stretch between Harrison's supposed destination and her room."Really?" she asked, her tone light, but her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.Harrison turned and walked away. He disappeared from view, Lyra's eyes lingered on the space, her mind whirling with questions.Harrison h
The Runaway's Replacement 39.
Piper's smile was still plastered on her face as she turned back to Lyra, her eyes daring with mockery."You know, Lyra, it's best you should get and leave Harrison for me. It's certain." Lyra's anger boiled over, but Piper continued."The moment Harrison becomes Chairperson, he'll send you packing. He's already promised me that. He'll divorce you and make me his rightful wife."Piper's words cut deep, striking at Lyra's deepest fears. "You're just a placeholder, Lyra. A placeholder for the woman he truly desires – me."Lyra's expression remained firm, her fists clenched, trying to hide her feelings. "I'd suggest you watch the way you speak to me, Piper. Your words mean nothing to me." She turned to walk away, her shoulders squared, her head held high.But the moment she turned her back on Piper, Lyra's facade crumbled. Her heart sank in pain, and her breath caught in her throat. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her lungs struggling to expand.She forced herself to keep wa
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The Runaway's Replacement 69
Lyra sat in her softly lit room, cradling Kai against her chest, the peaceful rhythm of breastfeeding soothing them both. She looked down at his tiny face, cherishing the moment. The sound of a gentle knock interrupted her reverie.“Ma'am?” The head maid poked her head in, a warm smile on her face. “I’ve prepared Kai’s bath. Shall I set it up?”Lyra beamed, “Yes, please. Thank you.” The warmth in her heart felt like a shield against the world outside.But just as the head maid turned to leave, a firm knock echoed through the door, making Lyra’s heart skip. "I'll get it," the head maid said, striding toward the door.As she swung it open, her face froze. Her lips, once curved in a warm smile, now parted in a silent gasp. Her eyes widened, and her brow furrowed, as if the sight before her had sucked the air from her lungs.The two officers stood at the entrance, their eyes scanning the foyer. "Is Lyra Monroe available?" one of them asked, his voice firm but polite.The head maid's ex
The Runaway's Replacement 68
Lyra stepped into the head maid's house, the wooden floor creaking softly under her feet. The scent of fresh linen filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of herbs from the kitchen. As she took in her surroundings, her heart raced. Everything felt so familiar yet distorted.Without warning, she burst through the door. “Who are you?” a strange woman’s voice cut through the silence, her voice sharp and demanding.Lyra froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The stranger stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, her dark hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. “This isn’t your home. You can't just barge in,” the woman asserted, her gaze piercing.“I—” Lyra stammered, confusion swirling in her mind. Just then, a wailing cry pierced the air, a sound so distinct and haunting. She turned instinctively. “That sounds just like Kai!” Panic surged through her.As she turned, her eyes landed on the head maid, who stood at the far end of the room. In her arms, cradled
The Runaway's Replacement 67
The Nurse's expression softened as she grasped Lyra's trembling hands. "I'll help you, Lyra. I promise."Together, they emerged from the claustrophobic room, into the cabin's narrow hallway, where warm sunlight streaming through windows cast a golden glow on the worn wooden walls.As they emerged into the bright afternoon, Lyra's gaze met the breathtaking sunset.Golden hues danced across the sky, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers.Lyra's lips curved into a radiant smile. "I'm finally free," she whispered, heaving a sigh of relief. Lyra was so eager, eager to have her Kai in her arms.Lyra's gaze faltered, dropping from the sun's intense glare to Oscar's unexpected presence. His darkening frown made her heart stutter. Her eyes widened, shock freezing her face.His menacing gaze locked onto Lyra like a vice.Lyra's breath caught. Fear clawed its way up her spine.He sprinted towards them, his boots pounding the earth."Run!" The Nurse yelled.Lyra's pu
The Runaway's Replacement 66
Ethan's face contorted, his eyes flashing with anger. "What? You bitch," he snarled, his low tone vibrating with anger.Piper's eyes widened, and she took a hasty step back as Ethan charged towards her."Stick this in your skull," Ethan rasped, his finger jabbing at Piper's face. "I'm your boss."But Piper's voice cut through the tension, rising in defiance. "Boss, my foot! I no longer answer to you, and neither will anyone else.Ethan's face darkened, his eyes blazing. His arm cocked back, then snapped forward.Piper's head jerked sideways, her cheek reddening as Ethan's palm struck it. She leaned back, her body tensing to dodge, but Ethan's slap connected with a sickening crack.Her head jerked sideways, cheek flaming red. Her legs buckled, and she stumbled backwards, arms flailing for balance.Piper's hips collided with the iron chair, sending her crashing to the floor. Her skull cracked against the chair's edge, the impact resonating through her entire body.Blood burst from the g
The Runaway's Replacement 65
Oscar paced outside Lyra's room, his voice low and reassuring. "She'll heal soon. She'll forget about Harrison."The nurse approached. "Who's Harrison, sir?"Oscar's expression darkened. "Don't ask silly questions!" he snapped.The nurse retreated, taken aback.Oscar's eyes clouded, memories swirling. Lyra still clung to the past, to the child they shared – Kai. A silent prayer formed on his lips: "Let Kai be gone, sever the tie."A faint cry pierced the air. Lyra's voice, calling out."Harrison...."Oscar's frown deepened.He summoned the nurse. "Give her a sleeping dose. Now."The nurse hesitated, eyes wide. "I don't think she needs sedatives, sir."Oscar's concern etched his face. "What if she harms herself? I couldn't bear it."Oscar's hand slipped into his jacket, revealing a gun. The nurse's eyes widened. "Inject her with the sleeping drugs," Oscar growled, his voice low and menacing.The nurse trembled, her hands shaking as she prepared the injection. Together, they burst into
The Runaway's Replacement 64
Harrison strode through the mansion's hallway, his footsteps echoing off the marble floor. His conversation with the Head Maid still weighed heavily on his mind. He had decided to leave Kai in her care, ensuring his son's safety.As he passed a junior maid, he asked, "Is Lyra back?"The maid's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, sir. She's been out since...since you left."Harrison's gaze stayed on the maid before he continued to Lyra's room. A sly smile spread across his face as he entered.Harrison's gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on the bare corners, the unobtrusive moulding, and the elegant furniture. No telltale lenses or discreet cameras marred the refined decor.His focus narrowed on Lyra's privacy, not security. He sought a way to monitor her, to safeguard her well-being without intrusion.His eyes settled on a drawing portrait hanging on the wall. He approached it, his fingers deftly removing the frame's backing. A tiny camera slipped into the space
The Runaway's Replacement 63
The headmaid's footsteps echoed through the hallway as she approached Harrison. Her voice trembled. "Your son...Kai."Harrison's eyes locked onto hers, anticipation building. "M-mine?" The Head Maid's hands clasped together. "I saved him, sir. Lyra's baby. I couldn't...save her, and it feels like she's mad at me."Tears welled up in Harrison's eyes, streaming down his face. Joy and relief washed over him. "Thank you," he whispered, voice cracking. "That's...awesome." The pitch in his voice increased. "Can I please see my Kai?"The Head Maid nodded, leading Harrison to her modest home. Inside, a woman sat on a couch, cradling Kai. The woman's gaze met Harrison's, and she gently excused herself, covering herself with a blanket.Harrison's eyes widened as he took in the scene. The woman was breastfeeding his son, Kai."I'm sorry," the Head Maid said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had to wet-nurse Kai. He wouldn't have survived without breast milk."The woman handed Kai to Harris
The Runaway's Replacement 62
Piper strolled into the garden, a bright smile on her face. She struggled to walk confidently and bravely like Lyra. The Head Maid, hastened towards her, arms open wide. "Oh, Ma'am. You survived! I'm sorry I couldn't save you at that time," she exclaimed, enveloping her in a warm hug.Piper's body stiffened, her smile faltering for a moment before she said to herself, "Act like Lyra!""Hey, stop crying," Piper said, attempting a casual tone, but her eyes darted around, uncomfortable as a Maid was hugging her.The head maid's tears soaked through Piper's clothing, leaving visible stains. Piper's gaze dropped to the damp spots, her lip curling in distaste.She swiftly disengaged from the hug. "Ugh, that's disgusting!" Piper blurted, taking a step back.The Head Maid's face fell, her eyes welling up anew. She tilted her head, a hesitant smile on her lips. "I'm sorry. I was just overexcited to see you."Piper's expression softened slightly, struggling to keep her act like Lyra and her vo
The Runaway's Replacement 61
Harrison's eyes pleaded for understanding, his voice laced with hurt. "You gave birth to our child and didn't think to tell me? Is that how much you hate me?"Piper—now masquerading as Lyra—avoided his gaze, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape. Her fingers drummed a staccato beat on the armrest."Ah... it died," she stammered, the words tumbling out hastily.Harrison's face crumpled, pain etched on his face. "What happened? How..." he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Piper's gaze darted around the room again, her mind racing. She couldn't reveal the truth—that her child, now over five years old, was safely tucked away, unaware of this charade."I... uh... complications. I wanted to tell you, but I was scared that you would hate me," she stammered, her voice lacking conviction.Harrison's eyes narrowed, his expression sceptical. "Complications?" Harrison's voice exploded in a disbelieving shout like he just had a deep thought about it. "Our baby died?" His
