Chapter 4

1920 Words
Talia ran after Mason and stopped him at the elevator lobby. “Mr. Campbell, please calm down. Perhaps Ms. Donovan didn’t mean to do that. Additionally, Emma was there just now and must have been frightened by your outburst.” Mason looked at her and began to question why there was such a huge difference between Grace and Talia. It appeared that Talia was much better than Grace in more ways than one. “Talia, I’m sorry for what happened today and the injustice you suffered. You’re right, I shouldn’t have lost my temper in front of Emma. She must have been terrified by my behavior.” Talia said with relief, “It’s good that you realize this. Don’t worry about me. This is a trivial incident.” Mason sighed and remarked, “If only Grace could be half as kind as you... Oh forget it, let’s move on from this. As an apology, I’d like to invite you to attend a dinner gala in Washington D.C. next week where there will be many business elites who will be very helpful to your career. I wonder if Ms. Miller accepts my invitation?” Talia smiled enthusiastically and said, “Really? That’s great! I’m always eager to meet more industry leaders and potential clients so that I offer them DK’s great legal services!” Mason was impressed by her response and said, “Well, then it’s settled then. By the way, do you have an evening gown for the dinner?” Talia shook her head and said with a pout, “I just moved to New York. I don’t have anything fancy to wear.” Mason chuckled and said, “No worries, I’ll settle this.” The next day, Mason took Talia to an upscale mall where he personally picked out an elegant evening gown for her. The sales attendant brought out the season’s new arrivals, and Talia tried them one after the other. Each time she put on a different gown, he gasped at how amazing she looked in different styles. However, there was one common aspect that mesmerized him. It was her exquisite body figure. “Ms. Miller, you look amazing in every dress. I must be the luckiest and the most envied man on that night with such a stunning beauty like you beside me.” Talia pretended to smile coyly and said, “Stop flattering me, Mr. Campbell, you’re embarrassing me.” “Not at all. I mean every word. You are really beautiful,” Mason said with a twinkle in his eye. She smiled shyly and rushed into the changing room as if she was trying to hide from his prying eyes. The moment the door closed, her smile disappeared and her expression turned cold and emotionless. She took out her cell phone, quickly dialed a number, and said as the call was connected, “Hey, it’s me.” Kevin hesitated for a few seconds before replying, “Talia? Hey girl! Jack and I haven’t heard from you in a while, how are things going?” “Not bad. Mason has a pretty good impression of me. I will continue to gain his trust and get him to fall head over heels for me. By the way, I will be accompanying him to Washington D.C. for a gala next week. You guys find a chance to get to Grace.” “What do you intend to do?” “Mason’s daughter is his soft spot. We will have to utilize Emma to get to him.” “Okay, then. I’ll do as you say.” Kevin’s tone turned solemn as he said, “But don’t be too hasty. Our family lost a lot when he ruthlessly attacked us. You must not let him find out that we are behind this. The revenge must be carried out meticulously.” “I understand.” Talia exhaled a long breath after ending the call. She was fully aware of how ruthless Mason could be when he violently r***d her. She was so traumatized by the assault that she could still feel the pain he caused her on that fateful night. “Mason, your days are numbered,” Talia muttered silently through gritted teeth. She was certain that they would definitely cause him immense suffering. Mason suddenly received a call from Grace a day before the gala. She said hastily that she had to go back to her parent’s place which was out of state and could not take care of Emma for a few days. “But I’ll need to be in Washington D.C. tomorrow and can’t be home with Emma. You know very well that she has autism and she will be scared without any of us by her side, especially at night.” Grace seemed irritated as she said, “What’s the big deal? I’ll instruct the nanny to pay more attention to her. Mason, I’m leaving now, bye.” Mason frowned, gripped his phone tightly, and seethed at her lack of concern for Emma. Just then, Talia walked past his office and noticed his gloomy expression. She poked her head in and asked him what was troubling him. “That’s easy. Let’s bring Emma along to the gala.” Talia said with a beautiful smile as she realized that this was exactly the opportunity she was hoping for. Mason appeared conflicted as he responded, “It’s inconvenient to bring her along to such an event. I’ll be busy meeting the company’s current and potential clients. It would be a hectic night and I can’t take care of her.” “Leave it to me, Mr. Campbell, don’t worry about it. I will take good care of Emma.” Mason was surprised and exclaimed, “Really?” Talia smiled sweetly and said assuringly, “I love children. What’s more, Emma is so cute and lovely. I think she likes me too. I’m sure we’ll have a nice time together.” “Wow, I’m at a loss for words. Thank you so much, Ms. Miller, you will be a wonderful mother in the future. Whoever marries you will be the luckiest man alive!” “So would Mr. Campbell consider marrying me?” Talia flirted. Mason was momentarily stunned and his heartbeat raced when he heard her question. Talia giggled playfully and said coyly, “I’m just kidding. So, Mr. Campbell, let’s take Emma along to Washington together for a trip.” Mason continued to smile warmly even after Talia had left his office. Emma did not like crowds and strangers. The lavish gala, coupled with flashing lights and loud music triggered a panic attack, causing her to cling tightly to Talia. Talia patted her and assured her that everything was fine. Her gentle assurances began to work and calmed Emma. Mason watched in amazement at this tender and loving scene. His heart was filled with warmth and love. He immediately thought about how Talia attended to Emma’s panic attacks as compared to Grace. Grace was very impatient with Emma and despised her for being autistic. She was a terrible mother. “Mr. Campbell, how’s it going?” A former client saw Mason and greeted him spiritedly. “Hey, is that lady over there with the young girl your wife? Mr. Campbell truly has made it in life! You have such a successful company, coupled with a beautiful wife and a lovely daughter.” Mason wanted to correct him but somehow, he held back and simply said with a smile as he looked at Talia, “Thanks a lot. My wife is really nice and I love her very much.” It was 10 p.m. when Mason was ready to leave the gala. He looked around for Talia and Emma but could not find them. He had an ominous feeling and called for the security manager. A detailed search of the area was conducted with some guards combing through the security footage for clues of their disappearance. The security manager reported nervously, “Mr. Campbell, we’ve searched the whole building and your wife and daughter are nowhere to be found! Could they have gone home on their own?” At that moment, a guard came running over as he frantically waved his hand which was clutching onto a piece of paper. “Mr. Campbell... look... look at what I’ve found!” he said as he gasped for air. Mason took over the note which had a message and an address on it. The note instructed him to go there alone if he wanted to see his wife and daughter again. “What now, Mr. Campbell?” the security manager asked. “I guess it’s the work of some business rival. It’s none of your concern, I’ll just go by myself.” “But...” “My wife and daughter are in their hands. Do not agitate them!” Mason shoved the manager aside, walked out of the hotel, and headed toward a nearby back alley. He looked around to ensure that there were no prying eyes or security cameras before turning into a wolf. He then sprinted toward the address written on the note. The address took him to a forest at the edge of the city. He followed a small trail deep into the forest and then suddenly, several wolves surrounded him. Before he could react, a sack was placed on his head and then he was mercilessly beaten by baseball bats. Mason howled and growled in pain as the blows were relentless. He wanted to retaliate but was threatened. “Don’t you dare to fight back! Otherwise, we will kill your wife and daughter!” Mason did not dare to make any moves for fear of bringing harm to Emma. Talia quietly approached and then grabbed a baseball bat from Jack and sneered as she swung and landed several hard blows on Mason. “That’s enough. This is a taste of what is to come for him. There will be plenty of opportunities for revenge later.” Kevin and Jack led the rest of the wolves away while Talia rushed a short distance away, messed up her hair, tore her evening gown, and picked up the crying little girl. As soon as Mason noticed that his assailants had left, he took off his hood and immediately saw Talia holding Emma in her arms, shielding her with her body. Talia appeared wounded and bleeding. “Are you okay?” Mason asked tenderly as he tucked several strands of her hair behind her ear. Talia sobbed, shook her head, and said, “I’m fine... as long as Emma is safe. Who were those beasts? How could they be so ruthless as to lay their hands on a little girl? They told me to leave but when I insisted on being with Emma, they began to beat us mercilessly!” “Bastards!” Mason was so angry that wanted to rip out those people’s throats. “I will definitely find out who was responsible for these shameless attacks.” He looked at Talia and his heart was overwhelmed with emotions. It was obvious that Emma was unhurt as Talia had shielded her with her body and taken all the beatings. How could a near stranger sacrifice herself to protect his daughter with no regard for her own safety? Mason was once again amazed by how brave and strong she was. “What a rare woman!” He remarked silently and subconsciously, he already wished that Talia was his wife.
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