Upon hearing these words from Ariana, Sarah felt comforted and ceased her inquiries.
As the ominous darkness descended upon the city, the three anxious women found themselves unable to sit still in their hotel room.
The lure of the search for little Alina was too strong to ignore, so they ventured out into the bustling streets.
The nightlife of the city was in full swing, with streams of cars and hordes of people filling the streets.
Despite the lateness of the hour, the city remained teeming with activity, offering little respite for those on the search for Alina.
As the hours ticked by, no word came from the search team, and their own desperate searches around the area where Alina vanished proved fruitless.
The oppressive, impenetrable night seemed to mock their efforts, making the already difficult task of finding the missing girl all the more challenging.
Sarah broke down in despair and took a seat on a park bench, shielding her face with her hands as she wept.
âWhat are we going to do?â she asked, her voice trembling.
âHas Alina really been taken by some evil person?â
As Sarahâs sobs filled the air, Ariana tried to hide her own fear and put on a brave face for her friend.
She sat down beside her and spoke softly.
âIâm sure Alina is safe.
We just have to have faith and trust in the search team.
Ivebridge is known for its strict security measures and itâs highly unlikely for anything harmful to happen here.
â
Sarahâs mind was filled with fear as she imagined the worst.
She couldnât bear the thought of Alina being taken by someone with ill intentions.
She struck her head in guilt and cried out in despair, âItâs been so long and thereâs still no news.
Something must have happened to Alina.
Itâs all my fault.
If I had never become a singer, Alina would not have been targeted because of her congenital defect.
Sheâs just a child.
She shouldnât have to endure this.
â @
Ariana held Sarahâs hands tightly and sobbed, âThis is not your fault.
Pursuing your dreams and returning to the entertainment industry to provide for your child is not a mistake.
The real mistake lies with the intrusive reporters and the insensitive Internet users who spread false information for their own enjoyment.
â
Sarah felt overwhelmed with guilt, tears streaming down her face.
âItâs all my fault,â she said.
âI shouldnât have returned to the stage, shouldnât have been so determined to prove myself.
Now Alina is suffering the consequences.
â
Meanwhile, Betsy, who had been quiet, was also moved to tears by Sarahâs distress.
The ringing of Arianaâs phone was a ray of hope amidst their sorrows.
She answered the call quickly and listened intently.
âMs.
Edwards,â the voice on the other end said.
âWeâve found the child.
â
âWhere is she?â Ariana asked, her eyes wide with joy and surprise.
@
Sarah stopped crying and looked at Ariana.
âThey found her?â she asked anxiously.
Still listening to the phone, Ariana nodded.
âThe child was found by a young man named Aziel Carrillo.
He refused to hand her over to us and wants to give her back to you in person.
He is on his way to you now,â the team leader said.
@
Hearing Azielâs name, Ariana looked surprised.
âItâs him! Do you have his real-time location? We want to track him.
â
âYes.
Just hang on a moment.
Let me find itâ¦â
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Just then, Ariana raised her eyes and saw a car parked across the street.
A tall, thin man was waving at them from the driverâs seat, and he was holding a little girl in his arms.
âI see him,â Ariana said and hung up the phone.
She turned and was about to point him out to Sarah but found that she had already rushed out.
âAlina! Mommyâs here!â
Sarah waved frantically at the girl as she crossed the street
She was so excited that she didnât pay attention to a car speeding toward her.