Chapter 29
Evan pulled up at Winter County Hospital, his heart pounding with hope. He approached the reception desk and asked, “Excuse me, is there a patient named Xavier Sanchez here?”
The receptionist’s expression became guarded, and she politely declined. “I apologize, but we’re not allowed to disclose that information to protect our patients‘ privacy
Evan’s eyes widened. That was a confirmation enough for him. “Listen, I really need to talk to him. It’s urgent,” he pressed.
The receptionist gave him a sympathetic look but remained firm. “I understand, but I can’t help you with that.”
Evan’s thoughts were racing. He realized Xavier Sanchez wasn’t just some guy off the street. Back at Little Haven Hospital, Yasmine had mentioned something about Alaric filming something in Lexerity. “What’s that show about?‘ he thought to himself.
Evan, being the sharp businessman he was, quickly pulled out his phone and started searching with keywords like “Lexcrity,” “filming and “Alaric. The results were surprising. It has to be this Xavier Sanchez I am looking for, he thought,
Relief washed over Evan, his eyes welling up with tears. That little girl is my lucky charm, he muttered to himself, surprised that both Alaric and Xavier were connected to her.
He swiftly opened his phone to a photo of Yasmine from the show and showed it to the receptionist. “Please, take a look at this,” he said urgently. “This girl is missing. She’s currently at Little Haven Hospital, and I’m here to inform Xavier Sanchez about her situation”
The receptionist hesitated, studying him with a mix of doubt and concern, but finally, she picked up the phone and made a call.
Within thirty minutes, a convoy of cars pulled up outside Winter County Hospital, drawing quite a crowd.
Xavier emerged from one of the vehicles, scanning the area urgently. “Where is that guy?” he asked..
Evan had never been the center of so much attention. He waved his arms, trying to get noticed, thinking to himself that Xavier’s distinctive look made him stand out like a beacon.
“Mr. Sanchez, over here! Evan called out, his voice rising above the murmur of the crowd.
The bodyguard stepped in front of Evan, ready to intercept, but after hearing Evan’s words, he retreated.
Xavier pushed through the crowd and made his way to Evan. “Have you seen Yasmine?” he asked.
“Yeah, she’s at Little Haven Hospital,” Evan said.
Xavier’s face clouded over with concern. “Is she hurt?”
Evan shivered slightly as he replied, “No, not exactly. She’s sick and got a high fever. They’ve got her on an IV. She’s being looked after.
He glanced around, deciding it was best to hold back some details. He figured if they thought she had family nearby, they might not treat her situation with the urgency it deserved.
“She’s not doing well, Evan continued. “Her face is burning, and she was crying when the nurse put the needle in-
Evan was still speaking when Xavier sprang into action, like a gust of wind heading out. “To Little Haven Hospital!” he commanded.
“Mr. Sanchez, hold up. Please, wait for me?” Evan called out, rushing to keep up with Xavier’s long strides. He didn’t want to be left
Xavier, realizing Evan could be of help, abruptly turned and grabbed him by the arm. Despite being younger, Xavier towered over Evan. At that moment, Evan didn’t give a thought to his pride; being hauled along by Xavier felt like an honor.
A fleet of cars screeched to a halt at the entrance of Fusion Trade Networks. Alaric was the first to step out, his presence commanding
attention
“Hey, who are you? You can’t just barge in here without an appointment, the receptionist stammered, trying to block their path. Her voure wavered with anxiety. Why are there so many intimidating people here?‘ she wondered.
Chapter 29
Devin, who had been working upstairs, couldn’t help but notice the growing ruckus below. Curious about the source of the disturbance, he opened his office door and stepped out to investigate.
We re plainclothes officers: Is Devin Leach your boss?” one of the men announced, flashing his badge as he bypassed the flustered receptionist and hurried up the stairs. He quickly found himself face–to–face with Devin, who was making his way down.
That’s him. That’s Devin! someone in the
group shouted.
Before Devin could react, he was suddenly surrounded and pinned down right in front of his staff and anyone else who happened to be watching
Devin’s anger
flared. 78 he yelled, “What are you
are you doing? Have you lost your minds?”
“Devin Leach, you’re under suspicion of kidnapping a girl under the age of seven. We need you to come with us,” one of the officers said. maintaining a professional tone.
“Let him lead the way, a much younger voice chimed in.
silk
Devin strained to lift his head, but all he could see were the pants of the person who had spoken. The custom patterns, stitched with si thread, screamed opulence. Who on earth is he?’ he wondered
…..
Karen had just picked up a sandwich and a bottle of milk from home, ready to walk into the hospital, when she noticed a parade of police cars racing towards the house. The license plates indicated that some were even from the state police.
Who are they arresting? This is quite the spectacle, Karen wondered, stepping inside.
As she was speaking, someone collided with her, sending her milk flying. Enraged, she let out a string of curses at the careless person.
The person, dressed in tattered clothes and hunched over, quickly stooped to pick up the milk from the ground. He handed it back to Karen
Karen, finding the person unkempt and repulsive, averted her gaze quickly. She was relieved that the milk was intended for Yasmine.
“Yasmine, I’m back, Karen announced as she entered the room, her son still standing there rigidly.
Yasmine lay there silently, connected to an IV. She appeared subdued by her illness.
“I brought you some milk. Have a drink, Karen said, offering the milk. “Look, we all care about you. Just get better and stay with us from now on”
Suddenly, a flurry of footsteps approached, interrupting the quiet moment.
The commotion caught the attention of the other patients receiving IV treatments, They craned their necks, their curiosity piqued.
“What’s happening” someone asked.
Things haven’t been calm in town lately, one of them remarked.
“Why are so many people coming our way?” another wondered.
Karen felt a twinge of unease but quickly brushed it aside. Yasmine’s mother passed away, her father abandoned her, and her grandfather is known for his greed. No one in the village has a kind word for her. Who would even come looking for her? she mused to
Shrugging off her concerns, Karen twisted off the bottle cap. “Here, try to take a sip, she encouraged. “You need to keep up your strength”
Yaunume was famished. She hadn’t eaten a thing for two whole days and nights. As she lowered her head to sap the milk, she heard her name being called out “Yasmine!”
Yasmine’s eyes widened as Xavier stormed into the room, shouldering past Karen and scooping Yasmine up in his arms. “You had me Ternified” he exclaimed
The abrupt motion caught Karen off guard, and she stumbled, falling to the floor. The milk she was holding spilled over, soaking her
10:00 AM ↑ d.
Chapter 29
Teg
She cried out, but her exclamation was abruptly silenced as the police officers following Xavier swiftly closed in and apprehended her.
TH
Her son, momentarily stunned, made a move to flee, but the officers were too quick, pinning him against the wall
Seeing that. Karen erupted into a fit of rage, her voice echoing through the room. “Let go of my son! Let him go!” she bellowed.
But her pleas fell on deaf ears. No one paid her any mind.
With a huff of indignation, Karen turned her glare towards Yasmine, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of the young man holding Yasmine–a tall, well–dressed figure with an air of authority and striking features that seemed out of place in their small county
He w
was the kind of person one’d expect to see in a high powered city, not here.
Just like Freya, Karen’s thoughts whirled back to Yasmine’s earlier words, when she had insisted that someone would come looking for
her.
As Karen looked around the roomy, she was overwhelmed by the sheer number of police officers–a sight she’d never experienced
before.
A potent mix of fear and fury surged within her, and in a moment of raw emotion, she snapped, “Yasmine!” she shouted. “Did your grandfather actually sell you off to some rich stranger?”
Ө
