Chapter 6
732words
Marcus handles security personally. "We've received some concerning messages," he admits reluctantly. "Probably nothing, but I'm taking extra precautions."
I don't tell him about the anonymous notes delivered to my apartment. Warnings to "stay away from Alexander King" and threats mentioning Leo.
The gala venue transforms into a wonderland of lights and crystal, showcasing my most ambitious collection yet. Celebrities and fashion icons fill the space.
Leo looks adorable in his little tuxedo. "Can I stay up for the whole party, Mommy?"
I straighten his bow tie, my heart full of love. "Just until nine, sweetheart."
Alexander arrives alone, devastatingly handsome in black tie. He keeps his distance, watching us from across the room. His presence both unsettles and excites me.
The evening progresses smoothly until I notice Victoria Sullivan entering with William King. My blood runs cold at their unexpected appearance.
Marcus appears at my side instantly. "I'll have security remove them."
"No." I touch his arm. "Let's see what they want."
Victoria approaches with a predatory smile. "Lovely event, Elise. So... quaint."
I match her fake pleasantry. "How kind of you to attend, Victoria."
Her eyes drift to Leo, who stands nearby with his nanny. "He looks just like his father."
Something in her tone sends warning signals through my body. I move subtly to block her view of my son.
"If you'll excuse me, I have guests to attend to." I turn away, but her next words freeze me.
"Did you know Alexander was still legally married when Leo was conceived?" Her voice carries deliberately. "That makes you the homewrecker, not me."
Several nearby conversations halt. Heads turn our way. Marcus steps forward protectively.
"Your timeline is confused, Victoria." His voice remains pleasant despite the steel underneath. "Perhaps you should check your facts."
Victoria's smile doesn't waver. "Oh, I have proof. And tomorrow, so will every tabloid in the country."
Before I can respond, commotion erupts near the entrance. Security guards rush past us. My heart stops when I realize Leo is no longer with his nanny.
"Leo!" I push through the crowd frantically. "Where's my son?"
Marcus is already on his phone, barking orders to security. Alexander appears beside me, his face pale with fear.
"What's happening?" His hand grips my arm. "Where's Leo?"
"Someone took him." My voice breaks as panic overwhelms me. "He was just here."
Alexander's expression hardens with determination. "I'll find him."
Security locks down the building, but William King is nowhere to be found. The realization hits us simultaneously.
"William." Alexander's voice is deadly calm. "This is his doing."
Marcus receives a text message. His face darkens as he shows us the screen: a photo of Leo, frightened but unharmed, with a demand for Alexander's company shares.
"I'll transfer everything right now." Alexander is already calling his lawyer. "Whatever they want."
Marcus shakes his head grimly. "It's a trap. Once you transfer the shares, they have no reason to return Leo safely."
I can barely breathe through my terror. "What do we do?"
Marcus squeezes my hand. "I have people tracking the message. We'll find him."
Alexander paces like a caged animal. "This is my fault. William has wanted control of King Enterprises for years."
"We don't have time for blame." Marcus checks his watch. "I have a location. We need to move now."
Alexander steps forward. "I'm coming with you."
The two men who have defined my past and present exchange a look of understanding. For Leo, they will work together.
"Stay here in case they contact you again," Marcus tells me. "We'll bring him home."
I grab both their hands. "Please be careful. All of you."
As they leave, Victoria approaches me with false sympathy. "Such a terrible thing to happen."
Something in her smug expression clicks into place. "You knew about this."
Her smile falters slightly. "I don't know what you mean."
"You and William planned this together." My voice rises with certainty. "You distracted me while he took my son."
Security guards appear at my signal. "Remove Ms. Sullivan from the premises. And call the police."
As Victoria is escorted out, screaming threats, I pray silently for the safe return of my son and the two men risking everything to save him.
