Chapter 18
The sound of my name, followed by a familiar voice, made me turn around. I blinked in surprise, then screamed, “Abby!”
She ran toward me, and I enveloped her in a tight hug. “You‘ re here? I can’t believe this!”
Abby grinned. “Surprise! I told you I’d find a way.”
Mrs. Maya, who had been watching our exchange, smiled warmly.
“Mrs. Maya,” I said, introducing them. “This is Abby, my best friend. Abby, this is Mrs. Maya, my supervisor.”
Chapter 18
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Maya,” Abby said, extending her hand.
“The pleasure’s mine. Rosalyn, catch up with your friend, but don’t take too long. We still need you inside,” Mrs. Maya said before walking away.
Abby waited until she was gone before grabbing my shoulders and shaking me playfully. “It’s so good to see you! But why do you look so worried?”
“Do I?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes. What’s wrong?”
I hesitated. “Abby… I don’t know. I’ve had this feeling that someone’s been watching me.”
- 20-06
Chapter 18
She frowned. “Really? Who could it be?”
I met her gaze and whispered, “Niklaus?”
Abby rolled her eyes. “Him? He wouldn’t be such a creep.”
I sighed. “Abby, he followed me to Paris after showing up in Texas out of the blue.”
She smirked. “I know. You told me. But if
someone is spying on you, it’s definitely not him.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“Because he‘ s in California. I saw him a few days before I flew here.”
I nodded slowly. “He left after I asked him
to…”
Abby leaned closer. “So who could it be,
20% 20.06
3/11
Chapter 18 then?”
I had no answer.
The next two days went by in a blur of activity. The fashion week events were in full swing, and everything seemed to be falling into place. On the fourth day, the air was electric with anticipation–it was one of the most important days of the week. I made my rounds, checking on various departments and ensuring everything was running smoothly.
Eventually, I decided to check on Abby. I found her lounging in the designated guest area, chatting with a small group of
attendees.
“Hey,” I greeted, smiling as I approached.
Abby‘ s expression shifted to something
ongs on De
Chapter 18
more serious as she leaned closer. “That
guy’s been watching you,” she said in a hushed tone.
“Who?” I asked, frowning.
She nodded subtly toward a man standing across the room.
I shrugged. “You‘ re imagining things. I’m sure he’s just admiring the event–or you.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “No, it‘ s not just him. I’ve noticed a couple of guys, yesterday and today. They seem to be watching you most of the time.”
I glanced over my shoulder, but the man she mentioned was gone. Then I spotted him again, standing near another man and speaking quietly.
20% 20:06
Chapter 18
“Excuse me,” I said to Abby, making my
way toward the man.
By the time I reached the spot, he was gone. But as I turned, my breath caught. Standing in front of me was Niklaus.
“You won’t ever live up to integrity, will you?” I said coldly.
“Rosalyn…”
“I told you not to follow me. You pretended to honor my request, but you‘ re here. How dare you?”
He shook his head. “No, you’ve got it
wrong. I haven’t been watching you. But I did assign someone to keep an eye on you while I left.”
# -20% 20:06
Chapter 18
“Why would you do that?”
“Because,” he said firmly, “my instincts told me you weren’t safe. I was right.”
“What do you mean?”
Niklaus scanned the area, his movements tense. My eyes followed his, and that‘ s when I noticed the pistol tucked at his waist. My lips parted in shock.
“Why do you have a gun, Niklaus?”
Before he could answer, the sharp crack of a gunshot split the air. Chaos erupted as people screamed and scattered. Niklaus grabbed my arm, pulling me into a safe corner.
“Stay here,” he ordered, drawing his gun.
I peeked around the corner, my heart racing.
20% 20.06
Chapter 18
My stomach dropped as I saw Abby struggling against two men dragging her toward the exit.
“Abby!” I cried, trying to run toward her, but Niklaus held me back.
“Don‘ t. You’ll only make it worse,” he
said.
I watched helplessly as they forced Abby into a van. The sound of the vehicle‘ s tires
screeching against the pavement was like nails on a chalkboard. Moments later, the police arrived.
“What is going on?” I demanded, turning to Niklaus.
He exhaled sharply. “A week ago, I got wind of a planned kidnapping. My sources told me people were keeping an eye on you.”
-20% 2006
8/11
Chapter 18
“Why would they take Abby?”
Niklaus hesitated before answering. “She looks like someone else–a high–profile target.”
The inspector stepped forward, nodding grimly. “Their target was Mrs. Reagan, a well–known diplomat and one of today’s VIP guests. When she didn’t show up, they must‘ ve mistaken your friend for her.”
I shook my head, trembling. “No… They‘ re dangerous. Abby isn’t safe!”
The police officer tried to reassure me.
“We’ll do our best to locate her. We’ll wait
for a ransom call.”
I snapped, my voice trembling with anger and fear. “Wait? My best friend is out there, and
20% 20:07
0/11
Chapter 18
you want to wait?”
Niklaus grabbed my hand, guiding me to a nearby chair. He crouched in front of me, his voice low and steady. “Rosalyn, listen to me. You need to stay calm.
I shook my head. “No, Abby…”
“Nothing will happen to her,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine. “You’ve got my word.”
“But the police—”
11
“Forget about them,” he muttered. “I’ll find her myself. We’ll get through this. Together. Okay?”
I nodded reluctantly. “Okay.”
“Just stay here and wait for me,” he said,
20% 20.07
10/11
Chapter 18
standing to leave.
I grabbed his arm. “How will you find her?” His expression hardened. “Trust me.”
And with that, he disappeared into the chaos, leaving me on edge, my heart pounding as fear and hope warred within me.
