IMDD CHAPTER 264 (Patreon)

“Fu…” Gage barely managed to stop himself from cursing. "This is why... this is why I told you to push me away..." he growled.

"Daddy?" Gaia's small, uncertain voice pulled him back from the edge of his rage.

Gage looked down at her, his expression softening at the sight of her teary blue eyes. "Shh... it’s okay, we’re going to find her. Don’t worry," he reassured her, gently wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"Will you leave me to go find Mommy?"

Gage was immediately caught in a dilemma. He knew that searching for Eva would be easier and faster if he went alone. But who could he trust with Gaia? He didn't have anyone in this place, anyone he could trust enough to care for this child!

"No. I will not leave you anywhere. I’ll take you with me, and we’ll go find your mommy together. Do you want to go with me?"

Gaia's teary eyes hardened with determination. "Yes, daddy!" she replied, her voice stronger than before.

"That’s my little girl." Gage rubbed her head. Then his expression shifted, the look in his eyes turning sharp and dangerous as he looked ahead. It was as if a switch had been flipped, awakening a deeper, more primal aspect of his being.

Holding Gaia, a little tighter, he began to move forward.

…

In the backseat of the car, Eva continued to act like she was still terrified.

In reality, her initial panic was already replaced with calculated calm. She knew panicking in this moment was futile, so instead of struggling, she just quietly sat there, feeling, thinking.

Eva first thought of Adele. She couldn't fathom Adele willingly participating in such a scheme. The most plausible explanation was blackmail, perhaps involving Adele's family.

Her thoughts then unavoidably drifted back to Gage and Gaia in the hospital. By now, the DNA result must’ve been in Gage’s hands already. She pictured the scene: Gage holding the report, Gaia's innocent eyes looking up at him. What would his reaction be upon discovering the undeniable truth? Damn it…

A surge of frustration washed over her. Whoever was responsible for this kidnapping was not only endangering her life but also robbed her of a precious moment with her family. They had chosen this day, of all days, to strike! Why now?

She thought hard, trying to identify potential enemies who could have orchestrated this brazen kidnapping.

Gage’s return had led her to dismiss her usual security arrangements for the day. In hindsight, she realized it was a miscalculation. She didn’t consider that Gage was preoccupied with Gaia, and there were moments like these when she would be out of his protective reach. She berated herself for letting her guard down simply because Gage was there.

The thought that someone might have been monitoring her, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, sent a chill down her spine. Were these kidnappers disgruntled business rivals she had outmaneuvered, or were they connected to the people spreading malicious rumors about her involvement in her husband's supposed death? The possibilities were numerous, but speculation wouldn't help her now.

Eva took a deep breath. Calming herself. Enough with the thinking about that matter for now. She needs to start thinking about how to deal with her current situation first.

She was not afraid. Gage was here now, and she knew he was going to find her no matter what.

She had a hundred percent confidence in Gage's ability, but she wasn't about to play the role of a helpless victim. Over the years, she had trained for situations like this, knowing that her position and wealth could make her a target.

“It seems we are a little too early,” a man’s voice echoed, and the car finally came to a stop. Eva continued to feign fear, maintaining the appearance of a scared, helpless woman. It was a strategic move to make her captors underestimate her. If they thought she was just a frightened victim, they might lower their guard and give her a potential opportunity to act.

“Well, the abduction went way too easy, and this woman is just making the job way easier than expected,” another replied, a tone of smug satisfaction in his voice.

“What. She’s still shivering in fear? And I thought she’s a strong-willed woman.”

“That’s just a public façade, of course. Rich people are all the same — scaredy cats after all.” The men shared a laugh, a sound that grated on Eva’s nerves.

Eva could hear sound of waves. She’s in a pier? Her heart rate increased slightly at the realization. A pier meant isolation, fewer chances of accidental witnesses, and potentially more sinister plans in store. The possibility of being transported by boat, maybe even to an entirely different location, was a disturbing thought. Was it a kidnapping for ransom, or…

She needed to escape. She had to act fast. The current count was three men, a number she might be able to handle. But if more will arrive...

She needed a plan, and she needed it now!

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CHAPTER 265>>