His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Do you think I'll ever see him again?" the child asked, his big eyes brimming with panic and worry.

Eliza's heart ached at the sight. She reached out and gently patted his head. "Not right now, sweetie."

"And later on?"

"Later... I'm not sure," Eliza admitted, feeling the weight of uncertainty.

The little guy seemed to grasp her hesitation, his fluffy head drooping slowly. "Thanks, ma'am. I'll head back now."

He turned and started walking away, his small figure moving in the opposite direction.

Watching him take those few steps, Eliza called out, "Where are you going? There's no one at home to look after you."

"I can take care of myself, ma'am," he replied, his head hanging low as he trudged along the wall, like he'd done something wrong.

The sun cast a long shadow behind his small frame, making the scene feel even more desolate and lonely.

Eliza's heart softened; she felt a pang of discomfort watching him leave. But what could she do? If she brought Dylan back, Fiona would probably accuse her of kidnapping.

Just as Eliza left the police station, a dark car pulled up at the entrance.

The back door opened, and a tall man stepped out, removing his sunglasses to glance at the station's entrance. He paused briefly before heading inside.

Hours later, Fiona emerged from the station with the man, sliding into the car.

"I don't even know you. Why'd you bail me out?" Fiona asked, her face full of confusion. "You owe me an explanation."

"Fiona, I didn't bail you out just to play the hero," the man said, lighting a cigarette with practiced elegance. He took a deep drag and exhaled a cloud of smoke.

Fiona coughed slightly, puzzled. "We don't know each other. What do you want from me?"

"Do you really think a stranger would cough up a hefty bail for no reason?" The man chuckled, almost mocking her naivety. "If you want your freedom, you'll have to do

something for me. Otherwise, I can

have you back inside in no time."

Naturally, Fiona wanted to avoid returning to jail. But something about this man felt off.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"I'm someone Casper put behind bars. Name's Zach," he said deliberately, watching her reaction.

Zach? The name rang a bell for Fiona. Wasn't he the Welton family's illegitimate son? What was he planning?

It couldn't be anything good for the Weltons.

No way. That would be a disaster for her.

"I can't help you," she said, shaking her head.

Before she knew it, a sharp slap landed on her cheek. "And what makes you think you can refuse?"

"I..." Fiona was taken aback by the slap.

Zach wasn't someone to mess with. Nor was he patient.

Years in prison, courtesy of Casper, had only fueled his need for revenge.

"Casper's got a young son. Every day

a nanny takes him to

at three, a

Kensington Gardens for somenoveldrama

Figure out a way to snatch the kid."

Kidnap a child? Fiona was baffled. "The Welton family's grandson isn't someone I

can just whisk away."

"That's why I'm telling you to figure it

out," Zach said, giving her another slap with impatience. "I can't stand idiots. Don't ask too many questions. If you fail, I'll have no choice but to sell your kid

vers

for factory work. And when he's

older, I'll harvest his organs. It won't end well for him."