The mere thought of Adrian and Aurora meeting the same fate shattered Joelleâs composure.
âGive the phone to my husband,â she demanded.
âSure,â Lucian said with a scoff. âWhile youâre at it, tell him that too much money invites bad luck. Perhaps he could spend some of it buying his way out of trouble.â
Joelle didnât respond, her eyes fixed on the screen.
Despite his poor state, Adrian had his arms wrapped around the sleeping Aurora, tucking her close under his coat. He moved to take the phone, and Aurora stirred awake.
Joelleâs heart clenched in her chest. She had so much to say but choked on the words, standing by the window, her mouth pressed shut to stifle the sobs threatening to escape.
âIâm fine, Joelle. Donât worry about me. I heard everything. Send Callan to get Aurora,â Adrian said.
âAnd you?â
Adrian glanced at Lucian. âHe still needs me. Donât worry. Iâll negotiate with him.â
Joelle wanted to tell him to give Lucian whatever he wanted, whether it was the inheritance or Miller Group, just to end this nightmare.
She just wanted to have her family together again, safe and whole. But, as if reading her thoughts, Adrian said, âThere are some things I canât give up, Joelle. If I yield my way out of trouble, people will start belittling us. I canât let that happen.â
He was right. If they gave in this time, ill-intentioned people would see them as easy targets, using their children as leverage for ransom again. Tears fell from Joelleâs eyes, but she nodded, trying to rein in her emotions. âLet me see Aurora.â
Adrian turned the camera to Aurora, muttering softly, âSay hi to Mommy, baby.â
Aurora smiled, showing no signs of distress or fear. âDonât worry, Mommy. Daddy and I are doing great.â
âOh, baby,â Joelle exclaimed, smiling despite her tears. Aurora was indeed mature and strong-willed beyond her age, and she couldnât be prouder. âTake care of Daddy, okay?â
âI will, Mommy. You take care of Molly and wait for us to come home.â
âOkay, baby.â
A sharp tap on the stove interrupted the call, and Lucianâs voice rang in the background. âI think youâve chitchatted enough.â
The phone was back in his hands before Joelle could say goodbye to Adrian and Aurora.
âThat should be enough, right? Now, send someone to pick up the little girl and evacuate my house. If you hurt my family, youâll never see your husband again. Do you understand?â Lucian warned sharply.
Sniffling her sobs, Joelle asked, just asâ¦
âHow can I trust you?â Joelle asked sharply.
âIâm a man of my word. And I wonât lie to a woman.â
âFine,â Joelle said, her voice steely. âIâll send someone to pick her up now.â
The tears on her face had already dried as the call ended.
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