The dining table was cluttered with papers and Ryan’s laptop, the soft glow of the screen illuminating his face. Amelia sat across from him, her arms folded tightly, her expression tense as they combed through the digital labyrinth of transactions linked to Horizon Enterprises.
“This shell company,” Amelia said, pointing at the screen, “it’s the same one that paid the man who tried to take Damien.”
Ryan leaned closer, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “They’ve been moving money in small amounts, hiding it across multiple accounts. It’s dirty money, laundered to fund these attacks.”
Amelia’s stomach churned at the realization. “They’re not just after you,” she said. “They’re targeting the twins to break you. This isn’t business—it’s personal.”
Ryan reached across the table, resting his hand over hers. His touch was warm, grounding her in the chaos. “I swear to you, Amelia,” he said, his voice low and intense, “I’ll give everything I have—my life if I have to—to keep them safe.”
For a brief moment, her eyes met his, emotions flickering between anger, fear, and something deeper she couldn’t name. The air between them grew heavy, the weight of their shared pain and determination palpable. But just as the moment deepened, Ryan’s phone buzzed loudly on the table, shattering the fragile tension.
“Ryan!” Brenda’s voice was shrill and panicked when he answered, her words tumbling out in a torrent. “Something’s wrong—I’m bleeding. You need to come now!”
Amelia froze, her body stiffening as she overheard the call. Ryan’s expression darkened, a mixture of frustration and obligation clouding his face. “Calm down, Brenda. Where are you?”
“I’m at the hospital!” Brenda sobbed, hysteria edging every word. “You’re the father—this is your responsibility! Get here now, Ryan!”
“I’m in the middle of something important,” Ryan said, his tone clipped.
“More important than your child?” Brenda screeched, her words slicing through the air. “If something happens, it’s on you!”
Ryan’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the phone. He glanced at Amelia, who had turned her gaze back to the papers, her face unreadable.
“I’ll be there soon,” he said, hanging up with a sigh.
Amelia didn’t look up. “You should go,” she said flatly, her voice carefully controlled.
Ryan hesitated, his hand hovering over the papers on the table. “This—what we’re doing—it’s bigger than Brenda. It’s about the kids. I won’t let her derail this.”
Amelia finally looked at him, her expression hard. “But you are letting her. Go. Handle it.”