Chapter 26
Yasmine’s eyes brimmed with tears as she whispered to her aunt, her voice shaky. “Please, Karen, I promise I’ll behave. Don’t lock me in. okay? Her face was a mess of desperation.
Karen’s expression flickered with a moment’s hesitation, but then Devin chimed in, his tone as frosty as a winter breeze. “Don’t let her fool you. Her grandpa says she’s got the sad face down pat, but she’s as stubborn as a mule.
With those words, Karen’s face set like stone, and she steered Yasmine into the small room across the hall without another word.
“Karen!” Yasmine tripped but quickly found her feet, only to be met with a closed door.
Devin’s voice, all authority and chill, echoed through the door. “Just play nice for a few days, and you’ll get your mom’s keepsake. Isn’t that what you want?”
Silence answered him from inside. Devin, clearly pleased with his display of control, gave Karen a nod and left the house.
In the cramped darkness, Yasmine’s hands swept along the wall, desperately seeking a light switch. All she encountered was a dense layer of soundproofing.
The room was pitch black, with just a sliver of moonlight sneaking in. She traced the cold, unyielding window, and a few tears escaped before she fiercely dashed them away. She was done being a victim–she’d grow up, devour books, and break free from this place for good.
As Yasmine sat in the dark, Karen leaned against the door, her voice laced with bewilderment. “Why isn’t there any sound? Is she not even crying?”
and the neighbors
Devin casually dismissed her concern. “The girl’s tough as nails. She didn’t shed a tear when her dad skipped town a came knocking for money.”
Karen’s eyes widened at his indifference. Devin muttered something about “good genes” being a smart investment, but Karen didn’t catch it all. “Whar’d you say?” she asked, but he was already fixing his tie and heading out the door to work.
Karen let it go and went to rouse her son. “Take this hot soup to Yasmine, she told him, “It might help you get close to her soon
The boy took the bowl, his face a blank slate, and used his key to unlock the door.
A moment later, his alarmed shout pierced the silence. “Mom!” he yelled. “She’s on the floor, and she’s not moving!”
Alaric had been tossing and turning all night, and as soon as
as the sky began to lighten, he was out of bed. The production crew was on edge too, worried that any hiccup could throw a wrench in their show.
“Got the address. Let’s roll over to Yasmine’s grandaunt’s place, someone from the crew
suggested.
Alaric paused, then said with conviction, “Call the cops.”
The crew exchanged glances. “But we’re not sure if Yasmine’s really missing”
“She’s a kid, not even ten, Alaric pressed, his voice taking on a darker tone. “Call the cops.”
“What if this is just a misunderstanding?” another person asked,
Til take the blame for it,” Alaric replied.
“It’s not just about taking the blame. Yasmine could be really embarrassed if we’re wrong, someone murmured.
“Morons always think more than they act, Alaric grumbled.
The me went quiet, but they got the meluge.
[That’s harsh. But what they need right now is a strong hand at the helmn]
lim starting to get why Xavier can’t stand him |
10:08 AM c.
Chapter 26
Stop yapping and go find her already!
With Alaric at the helm, the crew, not wanting to look like chumps, dialed up the local police. Then they hopped in their velüüdles made a beeline for Yasmine’s grandaunt’s house
Barnaby’s ears were sharp as ever. He heard the ruckus outside and couldn’t help but eavesdrop, muttering. “What’s with all the commotion?” A growing sense of unease washed over him.
Sitting in the car, Alaric suddenly spoke up. “There’s something fishy about Harnaby.”
“What do you mean?” someone asked.
“We need to keep tabs on him,” Alaric replied,
“What?” The crew was puzzled.
Alaric didn’t beat around the bush. He held out his hand, “Give me your phone.”
Danny handed it over without a second thought. Alaric quickly dialed his bodyguard’s number. As the heir to a fortune, he never went anywhere without his security detail, especially not to some remote location for a show
Keep an eye on Yasmine’s grandpa, he barked into the phone.
“You think this has something to do with her grandpa?” someone in the car asked.
“If there’s trouble.
he’s in it up to his neck,” Alaric said with a dark conviction, his brows furrowing
“But that’s not all”
The others looked lost, and Alaric explained, “The place is a backwater, Infrastructure is lacking. The roads are treacherous, the cars are relics, and there’s a shortage of manpower. We can’t just rely on the local cops
In find someone.
The production team hesitated, one of them speaking up, “We haven’t even reached Yasmine’s grandant’s place yet. No need to panic.
Alaric’s voice was calm but firm. “Do you know what the golden hour is?” He then dialed his home number. His father wasn’t there, so his mother picked up.
“That girl is missing? Oh my goodness!” Nova exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. Her eyes were filled with tears as she asked, “What should we do?”
“It’d be best to get some help from the city or state, Alaric said, frustration clear as he pressed his hand to his forehead.
“Airight… I’ll go find your father. He needs to handle this, she promised before ending the call.
Alaric glanced at his phone, thinking it might have been faster to turn to Xavier.
Meanwhile, Xavier was in the dark about the situation, sitting in the hospital roonk with his father. “When are you going back?” he asked.
Johnny let out an annoyed chuckle. “Are you trying to get rid of me now that I’m no longer useful?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be back at work?” Xavier replied casually.
“Fine, as you wish,” Johnny said, shaking his head. He got up and left with Jessica with a patient smile.
Keeping a closer watch on Yasmine than anyone, Jessica was the first to realize she was missing. But instead of raising the alarm, she decided to keep it to herself.
As they were leaving the room, Xavier’s phone rang. “Alaric?” he frowned, answering the call. “He got the wrong number?”
A pang of unease hit Jessica, and she spun around in a hurry. Xavier, despite his usual griping, had picked up the call with a teasing note
his voice. “Dude, can’t you hundle combing Yasmine’s hair without a fuss?”
Hut hic cocky demeanor vanished in an instant. “What?!” Xavier exclaimed, his voice sharp. He leaped off the hospital bed, still clad in his fumy gown, and bolted out in nothing but his slippers.
Johnny turned shocked, but only caught a glimpse of his son’s retreating figure. “Xavier, where are you going?”
Xavier’s face darkened with anger. I’ve always said Alaric can’t be trusted. He’s terrible at looking after a girl”
27
Chapter 20
As he stepped out of the hospital, he shouted, “Get the car ready! I’m going to the police station to file a report myself!TM
Realizing something was wrong, Johnny quickly questioned the production team. “What? The girl is lost? The news hit him like a punch to the gut.
“No, no, it’s not confirmed yet. She just didn’t come home last night, the staff explained, clearly embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Alaric had put away his phone and was now standing in Yasmine’s grandaunt’s yard.
Freya, never having seen such a scene, was taken aback and rushed out to ask, “Who are all of you?”
Alaric had brought a guide for better communication. The guide stepped forward, his voice cold as he asked, “Is Yasmine here?”
Freya’s stomach dropped as she realized the situation. That little scamp was telling the truth. Look at this crowd coming for her! She couldn’t help but second–guess her own actions
AD
