The Fairchild Mansion, once a fortress of silent power and pride, was now filled with weeping echoes and tight-lipped fear. When Old Madame received word of what had transpired, her heart nearly stopped. She staggered backward, clutching the hem of her embroidered shawl as the bitter truth unfolded before her ears.
"What…? Sasha… and Soraya?" she gasped. Her voice, once firm with age-old command, trembled like dry leaves in a storm. "And Ana… Where is Ana?!"
No one had an answer. Only whispers. Only silence.
Old Madame collapsed onto the nearest chair, her hand flying to her chest as her breath caught in her throat. She rocked back and forth, murmuring, "Why now? Why her?" Tears, rare and unwanted, slid down her aged cheeks.
The attack was not just news, it was wildfire. It spread from mansion walls to the streets, from the corridors of power to the ears of the underground. This was no small crime. Whoever dared to touch the bloodline of the Fairchild family was either suicidal or had the backing of monsters.
And the world knew the Fairchild clan was not to be trifled with. With roots in legitimate enterprise and branches entwined in the dark world of organized crime, there were rumors of their long-standing ties with the mafia. Those with sense knew better than to speak the family name lightly.
Belgium City
Harry stepped out of the grand conference hall, his mind still on the mergers discussed. He had just sealed a deal that would shake the European financial scene but none of it mattered the moment he saw his assistant rushing toward him.
"Sir," the man panted, holding out an iPad. "You need to see this. Right now."
Harry raised a brow. "What is it?"
The moment he looked down and saw the headlines- Fairchild family Attacked. His body went still. His pupils dilated. The iPad slipped slightly in his grasp.
He didn't speak. His lips tightened. His fingers trembled.
"Get the jet ready," he finally ordered in a low, cold voice. "We're leaving. Now."
Inside the plane, Harry sat in stillness. He retrieved his phone and turned it on. Notifications exploded onto the screen dozens of missed calls, mostly from unknown numbers and family contacts. But then his breath caught when he saw the voicemails… from Ana.
His heart thudded. He pressed play.
"Harry… please help me. Please help me. I'm really scared…"
Gunshots. Screams. Her terrified voice cracking with panic.
Another message.
"Harry… I think I'm going to die… I'm so afraid… Help me…"
He pressed the phone to his chest. His eyes turned red, rimmed with unshed pain. He couldn't breathe. His tie suddenly felt like a noose. Guilt swelled in his chest, almost unbearable. He hadn't been there when she needed him. And now she was gone.
City Hospital
Tension reigned in the hospital corridors. Old Madame stood still beside Sasha's operating room, flanked by Soraya's parents and Sasha's enraged family.
Linda Famazani, Sasha's mother, paced furiously, her face stained with tears. "Old Madame, this… this cannot go unpunished. Who would dare lay hands on my daughter like this?!"
Her husband, Alfred, placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Enough, Linda. Let's not be hasty. But rest assured, Old Madame, whoever did this, I swear on my name that they will pay."
"I feel ashamed for what has happened under my watch," Old Madame said hoarsely. "The Fairchild family will give you answers."
Moments later, the doctors emerged.
"Sasha has been moved to the ICU," one of them informed. "We managed to stabilize her, but it was close. She lost a lot of blood. She's in critical condition."
A collective gasp filled the hallway. Soraya was luckier, had only a fractured arm and bruises. But she was unconscious, still under heavy sedation.
At the Airport
When Harry landed, Leo was already waiting. The tall, broad-shouldered man approached with tight lips and tired eyes.
Harry climbed into the black SUV. "Any word on Ana?"
Leo hesitated, then shook his head. "Nothing yet. The girls who could give us answers are unconscious. The others… they vanished. The trail's cold."
Harry closed his eyes, jaw clenched. "I'm going to kill someone for this."
Darwin placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll find her, Harry. We have to. She's strong. She'll hold on."
The Fairchild Mansion
In her velvet armchair, Old Madame sat as the family doctor examined her vitals.
"You mustn't let your blood pressure spike again, Madame," he warned. "It's dangerous."
"My bones haven't given up yet," she grunted, swallowing her medication with water.
Lady Mina gently massaged her ankles while whispering soothing words.
When Harry entered the room, Old Madame looked up, her eyes gleaming with tears.
"My grandson… you're back."
"Careful, Grandmother." Harry rushed forward, holding her arms. "Sit down slowly."
Once she was settled, Old Madame held his hands tightly.
"You must find Ana. You must. Bring her back no matter what it takes."
Harry nodded solemnly. "I'll find her. I swear it."
Old Madame's voice dropped to a whisper, sharp with urgency. "That girl is carrying your child. Do you understand? The heir we have waited so long for. If anything happens to her…"
Harry's eyes flickered. That's why she was so desperate. Not for Ana but the baby. Still, he nodded.
"She'll be safe. I'll make sure of it."
Old Madame sighed and patted his hand. "Good boy. Now, go visit your wife. Sasha is awake now. The media already smells blood. You must show them your loyalty."
Harry stood. "I'll handle it."
The Lake House
As soon as he arrived, Harry stormed into Kimberly's wing.
She was in her wheelchair, her hair disheveled, eyes hollow. Nina, her maid, was on the floor sobbing uncontrollably.
"Brother?" Kimberly blinked. "You're… you're back?"
Before Harry could reply, Nina dashed to him and fell on her knees.
"Master Harry! Please save my mistress! Reina's missing! She's pregnant! Please do something...do something!" she wailed, her tears soaking the floor, her voice hoarse.
Harry gripped her shoulders. "Calm down. Nina, breathe. What happened that day? Tell me everything."
"She...she said she was going to visit the hospital. I told her not to go. Something felt wrong. She must be so scared". Nina broke into sobs again.
Harry's eyes darkened.
"Leo!" he barked over his shoulder. "Pull the security tapes. Every entrance. Every shadow. I want every second of footage analyzed."
He turned back to Nina and Kimberly.
"Ana will be found. I promise you that. But until then stay inside. No one enters or leaves this property without my clearance."
As he strode out, his phone rang. A blocked number.
He picked up.
"Harry Fairchild?" a raspy voice said on the line.
"Yes. Who is this?"
"You want the girl? Bring ten million in cash. Alone. Or she dies."
The line cut.
Harry stared at the screen. His blood boiled.
"You want war?" he muttered. "I'll give you one."