Seraphina’s steps were slow, calculated, as she closed the distance between herself and Alora. Her eyes glinted with a mix of false warmth and something far darker. She reached out, her fingers brushing against Alora’s cheek, her touch deceptively gentle. “You are so beautiful, Alora,” she murmured, her tone sweet. “Those big golden curls and those baby blue eyes... like a doll.” Alora, trembling, tried to muster a smile, her eyes flicking up to meet Seraphina’s. But it was a weak, fragile attempt, and the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.In an instant, Seraphina’s grip shifted from gentle to vicious. Her fingers wrapped tightly around Alora’s throat, squeezing with a sudden, terrifying force. Alora’s eyes widened, a choked gasp escaping her lips as her hands instinctively went to Seraphina’s wrist, her body jerking in shock.Seraphina’s face twisted, her teeth bared as she leaned in, her voice a hiss. “You saw Alysha Jarl, didn’t you?” she snarled, her grip tightening. Alora’s eye
Maximilian carried Alora out of Seraphina’s office, his hold on her firm and protective. Her small hands gripped his uniform tightly, her face pressed against his chest as he moved swiftly through the hallways. She trembled in his arms, and he felt every shiver that coursed through her. He kept his gaze forward, his jaw set, ignoring the questions burning in his mind. Right now, his priority was getting her somewhere safe—somewhere far from Seraphina.When they reached the military base, the sight was almost surreal. Alora clung to him as he stepped through the gates, his presence commanding immediate attention. Soldiers and officers, trained to be composed, faltered at the sight of their captain holding a girl who looked like she had walked out of a fairy tale. Eyes widened, and whispers passed between them as they watched the tall, imposing figure of Maximilian cradling a fragile, princess-like girl. Her golden hair cascaded down, catching the sunlight, and her diamond hair clip sp
Henry and Bjorn paced through the hallways of Holland Hospital, their eyes scanning each corner, growing more frantic with every step. Henry's face was pale, his breath quickening. "Where could she be?" he muttered, his voice tight with panic. "We can’t lose her here—Seraphina and Alora both gone!"Bjorn, his expression a mixture of frustration and anxiety, shook his head. "Alora’s impossible to find when she’s scared. She’ll hide somewhere and not make a single sound." He rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the situation. "Next time, we should put a dog’s tracking collar on her throat."Henry stopped in his tracks, taken aback by Bjorn’s casual suggestion. "What?" he blurted out, staring at Bjorn in disbelief.Bjorn shrugged, unbothered. "You know how it is with her. If she doesn’t want to be found, she won’t be."Henry’s jaw tightened, his nerves fraying as he glanced around the bustling hospital. "This isn’t a joke, Bjorn," he snapped. "We need to find them—now."Henry swallo
Maximilian gently patted Alora’s back as she clung to him, her small frame trembling. "I’ll take you home, okay?" he said softly, trying to calm her.But Alora’s voice was shaky as she cried out, "Mom...!"Maximilian felt his blood run cold the moment Alora cried out, "Mom..." His mind raced, the image of Lilian Rodriguez flashing before his eyes—a woman known for her ruthless control, one who wielded power in the family like a blade. If Alora told Lilian anything about what happened, or worse, if Lilian suspected any danger to her beloved adopted daughter, it could unravel everything.Liam, sitting nearby, was taken aback by the name. “Who is your mom?” he asked, curiosity laced with something more dangerous.Alora, her innocent eyes still wet with tears, whispered, “Lilian.”Liam blinked, his mind racing. “Lilian and Gabriel only have two sons,” he said, frowning in confusion. “And you don’t look like either of them. You look more... European.”Alora’s lips trembled for a moment, th
Maximilian’s car pulled up to the towering gates of the Rodriguez Manor, and the moment he rolled down his window, every guard and servant within sight stiffened, their eyes widening. The sheer size of the estate was daunting—a 200-year-old masterpiece that sprawled across 25 kilometers of manicured gardens, towering stone walls, and imposing architecture. It screamed of money, power, and legacy in a way that was undeniable.As soon as they recognized him—though he had never set foot here before—they immediately granted him access. The gates parted, and he drove into the heart of the Rodriguez empire, his eyes scanning the grandeur and opulence that unfolded before him. The fountains, the sprawling lawns, the intricate statues—all were carefully crafted symbols of a legacy built on generations of wealth and influence.Alora, sitting quietly beside him, still gripped his hand. She was calmer now, perhaps comforted by the familiar sight of her home. But Maximilian could sense the power
The sudden roar from the doorway cut through the room like a knife. “You brainless puppet!” Bjorn’s voice thundered, causing heads to turn and the air to tense. Alora’s body went rigid, her eyes widening in fear as she clung tightly to Ivan, who instinctively pulled her closer.Bjorn stormed in, his face twisted in anger as he strode toward her, his eyes ablaze. “You almost gave me a heart attack!” he shouted, his tone sharp and accusing.Ivan remained calm, but his eyes darkened as he released Alora and faced his nephew. “This is your fault, Bjorn,” he said sternly. “Why did you leave her alone? You know you must always keep an eye on her. If she hides, she doesn’t make a sound.” His voice was measured but heavy with disappointment.Bjorn’s lips curled into a scowl. “Do I look like her bodyguard?” he snapped, throwing his hands up. “She’s not my responsibility!”Ivan’s gaze didn’t waver. “You know she’s too beautiful to be trusted with just anyone. We can’t afford the risk—only famil
Maximilian met Bjorn’s gaze with a cool, steady look. “Bjorn, you cannot treat your little sister this way,” he said firmly, his voice carrying a note of disapproval. “Family isn’t about power; it’s about protection.”Bjorn’s eyes narrowed, and his lips curled into a mocking smile as he crossed his arms. “As if you know better how to treat a sister, Max,” he sneered, his tone full of sarcasm. “You’re such an expert on family dynamics, huh?”Maximilian felt a flash of anger and confusion. “What are you talking about?”Bjorn’s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Your sister, Seraphina Holland, okay!” he taunted, his words landing like a blow. “Why don’t you start there?”Maximilian’s body tensed as the mention of Seraphina hung in the air, a challenge he wasn’t prepared for. He felt his composure slip momentarily, but he forced himself to remain calm, knowing that reacting would only play into Bjorn’s hands. “This isn’t about Seraphina,” he said, his voice measured. “This is
Ivan’s voice was calm but edged with determination as he watched Maximilian disappear down the hall with Alora. “Tomorrow, I will take Alora to Holland Hospital for treatment,” he declared, his eyes narrowing as he folded his arms. “And while I’m there, I’ll check what’s really going on.” Bjorn, still confused and scratching his head, finally turned his attention to his uncle. “You really think something’s up?” he asked, though his tone carried more curiosity than genuine concern.Ivan’s gaze was steely as he glanced back at Bjorn. “I have a feeling we’re not being told everything,” he replied. “Maximilian’s reaction, Seraphina’s involvement, Alora’s condition—it’s all too suspicious. And I intend to get to the bottom of it.” Bjorn’s eyes brightened with a hint of excitement, the idea of more drama unfolding clearly appealing to him. “Oh, this is gonna be good,” he muttered, grinning. “I knew Seraphina was up to something, but if Max is getting twitchy about it... well, I want a fro