Chapter Heartbeats of Fear
Sarah
I've been feeling unwell for the past few days with dizziness, nausea, and occasional vomiting episodes. These symptoms have intensified recently, likely due to the early stages of my pregnancy. I want to see Philip, and in order to calm me, I keep thinking he's doing well.
Will I remain hidden away in my grandfather's mansion for an entire year?
I want my child to be safe, but should I let fear control me because of what happened before? Absolutely not!
Jane has been providing regular updates, informing me that Philip remains unconscious, but his condition is no longer critical. I suppose I should let Philip regain consciousness naturally. I've heard his condition was terrible when he was rescued from Madam Olsen. I'm trying not to dwell on it for my mental well-being.
In the meantime, I'm organizing my schedule. I have some important gatherings to attend before my pregnancy becomes noticeable. I've talked to Emily, and we have an important event in New York hosted by a company my grandpa invested
in.
Grandpa Mitchell noticed I was dazed while I was in the garden eating fruit.
He joined me at the ornate metal table, solemnly saying, "Sarah..."
"Grandpa..."
"I'm not going to scold you about the path your life is taking, but what are your plans?" he asked.
I knew this inquiry went beyond my current pregnancy. "Are you talking about my situation with Philip?" I asked tentatively. "I know you weren't happy when you found out he got me pregnant."
He sighed. "I'm worried about your situation. I don't want what happened last year to happen again. You might completely lose your mind."
I attempted to explain my mindset as clearly as I could.
"I want to be happy, Grandpa Mitchell. I was happy with Philip over the past few months. Yes, I made a mistake and got pregnant because I temporarily forgot the cruelty he put me through last year. Like you, I fear those horrors could happen again. I can't go through that kind of anguish again."
"You deserve happiness. That's my only wish for you..." my grandfather said softly, taking my hand in his and gently squeezing it.
"Aren't you angry with me for falling in love with someone else?" I asked him.
He sighed deeply. "I won't lie; I am angry about the circumstances. But the truth is, I have no control over matters of the heart. Just promise me you'll keep yourself safe, whatever you decide. As long as I know my favorite grandchild is okay..." He managed a warm smile.
Grandpa Mitchell and I embraced, and I felt his unwavering love. Despite my new pregnancy, he did not ridicule or judge me.
Later that same day, Grandpa Mitchell and I had a lengthy meeting to discuss business matters while I adjusted my schedule with Emily's assistance.
Around eleven o'clock that night, my phone rang. Worried it might be about Philip, I furrowed my brow and answered promptly-it was Assistant Alex calling.
"Miss Sarah!" Concern laced his voice.
"What happened? How's my husband, Alex?" Fear gripped me, and I fired off several questions in rapid succession.
"He's still in a coma. Boss Philip suffered a severe fall with multiple broken bones. We don't know when he'll recover, but Dr. Ethan has frequently checked on him." I sighed heavily.
"But that's not the reason I called... Madam Cornell has abducted Jane!"
"What?!" I gasped, quickly turning on the bedside lamp. "What do you mean? What happened?"
Alex explained, "Earlier, Jane went out with a classmate from London who invited her. She didn't return to Serenity Pines as planned. Initially, we weren't overly worried because her security measures weren't as strict as yours. She had also mentioned she'd be home late. Shortly after that, Madam Cornell called to tell us that she had kidnapped Jane."
My lips trembled.
"The Chairman's wife is demanding a ransom. It seems she needs money since the chairman has completely cut her off-bank accounts, cards, everything. She's asking for two hundred million in exchange for Jane."
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"Oh my God!" I covered my mouth in shock.
"But there's another thing, Madam Sarah..." Alex's voice turned more serious. "She's insisting that you personally deliver the two hundred million ransom..."
I shuddered violently as the chilling words hit me. My eyes narrowed in intense anger.
"Damn it!" I hissed.
I had been doing everything I could to shield myself from that cruel woman, but it seemed fate had other plans. My teeth clenched in anger. Once again, I must confront the person responsible for my first child's death. A storm of anxiety, anger, fear, and dread churned sickeningly in my stomach.
'Shit! What should I do?'
"Chairman Cornell has agreed to pay the two hundred million dollar ransom demand to secure Jane's release," Alex explained, his voice tense. "But we both know it's not just about the money, Madam Sarah."
I felt my fists clench involuntarily. "I'll meet you at Serenity Pines. We have to formulate a plan to outwit her quickly, Alex. With Philip in a coma, no one can control his unhinged mother's actions. But I won't allow that woman to make a fool of me again!"
Alex hesitated before speaking. "Madam Sarah... are you completely sure you want to confront her? It could be very risky."
"Yes! She thinks she's clever, but I see through her. I'm certain her targets extend beyond me-she harbors equal animosity towards Jane and me." I rose with resolve. "I'll call you again once I've made travel arrangements."
The moment I ended the call with Alex, I quickly messaged Jakob with an urgent request: 'Emergency! Please log in immediately!'
I pressed the buzzer for Amanda's attention and settled on the couch with my laptop.
As she entered with sleepy eyes, I was already rapidly typing commands into my laptop.
"Miss?"
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"Is everything alright?" Concern furrowed Amanda's brow. Such a sudden request in the dead of night was unusual.
"Yes..."
"What about the baby?" Amanda asked worriedly.
I smiled reassuringly. "Everything will be fine, Amanda. I'll return in a few days."
I quickly booked the earliest available flight to Highland Hills. Just as I completed the reservation, a notification appeared-Finally, Jakob logged into our chat channel. Jakob: What's going on? Your message sounded serious.
Me: Jane's been kidnapped by her stepmother.
Jakob: What?! (He included it with an emoji with widened eyes.)
Me: I asked you to log in because my wicked ex-mother-in-law is demanding a $200 million ransom.
Jakob: Shiiit! That woman is completely deranged!
Me: Now, let's do the job, Jakob. I want to catch that old woman before she does anything to us or Jane.
Jakob and I began meticulously planning our next moves. We would utilize the LoveLogic app to aid our efforts.