Unseen Hands

Ava

My fingers trembled as I swiped to read the message. The text was short, almost taunting:

“You can’t save her, Ava. Fall in line, or you’ll regret it.”

A chill ran down my spine, leaving me frozen in place. I read the words again, each one carving a pit of dread in my stomach. The number was unknown, but the intent was clear. Someone had done this to Holly, and now they were warning me to back off.

I had my suspicions. My father? The Jamesons? Mrs Miller? Orion? Chloe?

Weighing all these suspects made me realize just how dangerous this game actually is. The fact that I’m surrounded by enemies and won’t know who hit.

“Mason…” My voice came out as a whisper as I showed him the screen. His face darkened instantly, his jaw tightening.

“Who sent this?” His tone was low, menacing.

“I don’t know.” My voice cracked, panic bubbling beneath the surface. “That’s the fucking annoying part. They are just everywhere, I wish I could just crush them! Why Holly? She’s just a kid, Mason!”

Mason stood abruptly, pacing like a predator in a cage. “It’s a warning, Ava. Someone’s targeting you and using Holly to send a message.”

Obviously!

But despite the fact that I knew this, his words sent a fresh wave of fear coursing through me. This wasn’t just about Holly. This was about me and the company. It’s always about the company.

My phone buzzed again, and I flinched at the sound. Another message. I hesitated before opening it, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. This time, it was a picture. Just like the last time.

I nearly dropped the phone. It was Holly, unconscious in her hospital bed. The image was recent, taken just moments ago.

“How—” My voice broke, a sharp hitch catching in my throat. My chest tightened as I looked up at Mason, tears welling in my eyes. “How did they get this? How did they get in here?”

Mason snatched the phone from my hands, his brows furrowed as he studied the image. “They’re close, Ava. Too close.” His voice was tight with controlled anger. “This isn’t random. Whoever this is, they’re watching.”

I clutched the edge of the chair scanning the hallway anxiously, my nails digging into the fabric as the weight of his words sank in. “I can’t just sit here. I need to find out who’s doing this. If they can get to Holly while I’m here, they can—” My voice cracked as I struggled to finish the thought.

I notified the hospital immediately while also calling Rose to inform the security team that we had assigned Holly that they are needed back at the hospital, urgently.

Mason crouched in front of me grabbing my phone out of my shaking hands, his large hands gripping my shoulders. “Listen to me. You are not doing this alone. Whoever they are, they’re dangerous. Let me handle it.”

I shook my head, pulling away. “No, Mason. This is my sister. My family. I can’t just sit here while someone tries to destroy us. I have to fight back.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Then we do this together. But promise me you’ll be careful. No reckless moves.”

Before I could respond, the waiting room door opened, and the doctor stepped in. His expression was calm, but there was a tension in his posture.

“She’s stable and safe for now,” he said, his voice steady. Relief coursed through me, but it was short-lived as he continued. “I’ve notified security. The photograph you received indicates a breach, but we’ll do everything we can to ensure her safety.”

“How could this happen! Don’t I sponsor this hospital enough? Why is my sister’s life at risk here?” I barked at the doctor furiously.

“Hey, take it easy, Ava. Whoever did this can’t get away that easily, okay? I promise.”

I nodded, though his words felt hollow. Whoever this was, they had already proven they could reach Holly. They weren’t afraid of security.

As the doctor left, my phone buzzed and Mason stared at it as though his eyes could shoot lasers at whoever just messaged me.

I snapped the phone from his hand, my fingers shaking slightly as I opened the message from Joe, my driver. I had sent him to check the security footage from last night, specifically the kitchen and living room. I braced myself, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.

The video started with Holly sitting on the couch, looking as innocent as ever. But then, someone entered the frame, approaching her with a glass of juice. My eyes narrowed as I watched the person hand Holly the glass. Fury bubbled up in my chest, and my breath caught in my throat.

I had my suspicions but…why? Of all people.

I dialed Rose’s number, my voice icy and cold the moment she answered. “Where the hell are you, Rose? The security team isn’t here yet. What’s taking so long?”

“I’m on my way,” Rose replied quickly. “The meeting was rescheduled for this afternoon. I’ll be there soon.”

I didn’t have time for excuses. “If I don’t see you in the next minute, you’re going to regret it,” I warned, hanging up before she could respond.

Mason glanced at me, his expression concerned, but I couldn’t bring myself to explain. Not yet.

Minutes later, Rose rushed into the waiting room, her breath shallow and panicked. She didn’t even glance at Mason before rushing over to me. “I’m sorry, Ava,” she panted. “I know I’m late.”

I didn’t acknowledge her apology. Instead, I stood up quickly, grabbing the change of clothes she had brought for me. “Let’s go,” I ordered, heading toward the door. The security guards followed in silent formation.

We took the elevators up, I barely slowed down as I reached Holly’s room. The sight of her hooked up to machines and wires hit me like a punch to the gut.

I knelt by her side, heart aching as I carefully observed her, careful not to disturb anything. The beeping of the machines was the only sound, and it felt suffocating.

After a moment, I stood up, my body tense with emotion. I walked into the bathroom, freshened up, and pulled on a black dress—a simple one, but it would do. I stared at my reflection for a moment, my thoughts a whirl of confusion, anger, and pain.

One last glance at Holly, then I stepped outside.

To the guards stationed outside her door, I gave firm orders. “No one gets in unless they’re on the approved list. That means the assigned doctor or nurse. Understand?”

They nodded in response, and I moved back toward the waiting room, where Mason and Rose waited.

I nodded to Mason. “Thanks for everything. I’ll reach out soon. There are…things I need to handle right now.”

He nodded back, though his eyes lingered on me with an unspoken question. Rose, however, just watched, her expression unreadable.

I didn’t have time to dwell on their reactions. I turned, heading out of the room, my mind still racing.

As I stepped into the car, the anger inside me flared up again. The footage. The way Holly had taken that glass cheerfully.

Nothing in this world could make me feel the way that moment did. I needed answers—and I needed them now. I wanted nothing but my own pound of flesh.

But as I thought back to that moment on the footage, my eyes flicked over to Rose, still sitting beside me, and I couldn’t help but think to myself... ‘How could the person I least expected be the one handing my sister the juice?’