The Warning
454 Words
Chapter 12 — The Warning
Elena stared at the message on her phone.
Stop digging into the past… or you'll lose your daughter.
Her hands began to shake.
She quickly deleted the message before Adrian could see it.
She didn't want to frighten him.
Not yet.
“Mommy?”
Elena turned.
Lily was standing in the doorway, holding her favorite teddy bear.
“Are you okay?”
Elena forced a smile.
“Yes, sweetheart. I'm fine.”
She knelt and pulled Lily into her arms.
But her mind was racing.
Someone was watching them.
Someone who knew about Lily.
And someone who was desperate to keep the past hidden.
---
Meanwhile, Adrian's car sped toward the airport.
His assistant sat beside him, scrolling through information on the lawyer.
“His name is Richard Hayes,” he said. “He booked a flight under another name.”
“Where is he going?”
“London.”
Adrian's jaw tightened.
“He's running.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then make sure he doesn't get on that plane.”
When they reached the airport, Adrian immediately headed inside.
But Richard was nowhere to be seen.
“Find him,” Adrian ordered.
His assistant nodded.
Minutes passed.
Then his phone rang.
It was Elena.
“Adrian…”
He immediately noticed the fear in her voice.
“What happened?”
“I need you to come back.”
“Why?”
She hesitated.
“I can't explain over the phone.”
Adrian's expression hardened.
“Are you and Lily safe?”
“Yes.”
“Lock the doors. Don't let anyone inside.”
He ended the call and turned to his assistant.
“Forget Richard for now.”
“Sir?”
“I'm going home.”
---
When Adrian returned, he found Elena sitting beside Lily.
The moment she saw him, she stood.
“Someone threatened me.”
Adrian's expression changed.
“What did they say?”
Elena handed him her phone.
He read the message.
His eyes became cold.
“Why didn't you tell me immediately?”
“I was scared.”
Adrian stepped closer.
“You don't have to be scared anymore.”
He took her hand.
“I'll protect you.”
Elena looked into his eyes.
For the first time in five years, she wanted to believe him.
Then Adrian's phone rang.
His assistant's voice was urgent.
“Sir, we found Richard Hayes.”
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
“Where?”
“He's dead.”
Silence filled the room.
Elena covered her mouth.
Adrian slowly looked at her.
Someone had just killed the only man who might have known the truth.
And suddenly, this was no longer just a family secret.
It was a dangerous game.
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