Chapter 5 - The Desperate Corner
Evelyn’s disappearance sent a shockwave through our security team. The federal agents had underestimated her resources; she still had offshore accounts that hadn't been frozen.
I immediately ordered extra security for my children. We retreated to the penthouse, which was now guarded by a state-of-the-art security system and private bodyguards. But I knew Evelyn. She was a cornered predator, and a cornered predator is at its most dangerous.
The storm hit the city that night. Rain lashed against the glass windows of the penthouse, mirroring the turbulence in my chest.
"Liam, check on Maya," I instructed, pacing the living room.
My phone rang. An unknown number. I answered it immediately.
"Sarah," Evelyn's voice was distorted, accompanied by the sound of howling wind and rushing water. "Do you know where I am? I'm standing at the old docks. The ones where you used to take the children before you became too grand for us."
"Evelyn, give yourself up," I said coldly. "It’s over. You have nothing left."
"I have my dignity," she spat. "And I have something of yours. Did you really think your security was airtight? Look at your security cameras, Sarah. Look at who is missing."
My heart stopped. I ran to the security console in the hallway. The feed for the service elevator was black.
"Liam!" I screamed.
Liam ran into the room, his face pale. "Mom... Maya’s room is empty. The window is open."
Panic, cold and sharp, threatened to paralyze me all over again. But this time, my legs did not fail me. I stood tall, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, hot and electric.
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"If you touch a hair on her head, Evelyn, I will not just ruin you," I whispered into the phone, my voice dropping to a terrifying, quiet register. "I will ensure you do not survive the night."
"Come alone to the docks, Sarah," Evelyn laughed, a manic, broken sound. "Let's see if those bionic legs of yours can run fast enough."
