Sebastian's message replayed in Sophia's mind like a curse.
> "You have 24 hours. Come alone. Or you'll never see your son again."
She and Adrian had stared at the screen for minutes, both in shock. Adrian had tried to comfort her, promising they'd make a plan in the morning.
But morning was too far away.
Sophia lay beside Adrian in the dark, her heart pounding. She glanced at him—his face calm in sleep, his hand still gently holding hers.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I can't risk Ethan's life."
With quiet steps, Sophia got out of bed. She picked up her phone, turned off the GPS, and deleted the Address Sebastian had sent—so Adrian wouldn't follow her. She didn't want him in danger.
Slipping on a black hoodie, she left without a sound. The streets were quiet, the air sharp with tension as she drove through the empty city.
She reached the warehouse address Sebastian had sent.
Her hands trembled as she pushed open the rusted gate.
Inside, a single bulb flickered. And there he was—Sebastian, leaning against a pillar, arms crossed.
Next to him stood a small figure.
"Ethan," she gasped.
Her son looked tired, confused, but unharmed. His eyes widened when he saw her.
"Mama!"
She ran forward, but Sebastian grabbed Ethan's shoulder.
"Uh-uh," he warned. "You came alone. Brave girl. I didn't expect that."
"Let him go!" Sophia cried. "I'm here. I did what you said."
Sebastian smirked. "Good. Now let's talk... about your future. About our family."
Sophia's blood ran cold.