Chapter 380

KAREN’S POV

Thankfully, Miss Rose was the first to find her voice because I didn't think I could still say anything at that point.

“I think the kids should go upstairs and shower,” she said gently, looking between Roland and I. “This seems like an adult conversation.”

My arms tightened around Sugar and Karie immediately. The thought of letting them out of my sight made my chest ache. I wanted them close, right there where I could see them, touch them, count their breaths if I had to.

“I know,” Miss Rose added softly, reading my thoughts. “I’ll stay with them.”

I hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Okay,” I whispered, forcing myself to loosen my grip.

Sugar looked up at me. “Mommy?”

“I’ll be right here,” I assured him, kissing his forehead. “Go shower. I’ll come check on you soon.”

Karie hugged me one last time before Miss Rose gently guided them upstairs. I stayed kneeling on the floor for a moment after they left, my heart pounding hard against my ribs. The house suddenly felt too big and too quiet.

When I finally stood up, my legs felt weak.

Roland was watching me closely, his face filled with concern.

“Karen… What's going on? You looked terrified when we came in.”

I swallowed hard. “I was,” I admitted. My voice shook despite my effort to stay calm. “I really was.”

I took a deep breath, then felt ready to speak.

“I got a text. From that same unknown number.”

His brows furrowed. “What text?”

I wrapped my arms around myself. “It said… it said he had the kids. That he had both of them.”

Roland froze. “What?” His voice came out sharp. “When?”

“Just before you arrived,” I said, my throat tightening again. “I panicked. I couldn’t think. I screamed and… and cried a lot.”

He stared at me, stunned. “Karen… why didn’t you call me immediately to confirm?”

I looked away. My lips pressed together as shame washed over me. “I couldn’t.”

“I deleted your contact,” I finally said calmly. “I don’t have your number anymore.”

For a brief moment, I saw pain in his eyes. The hurt I hadn’t intended but had caused anyway. His jaw tightened, but he masked it quickly, inhaling deeply.

“I see,” he said calmly, though his voice wasn’t as steady as he wanted it to be.

“I didn’t mean…” I started, but my phone buzzed loudly in my hand, cutting me off.

The sound made my heart jump.

Roland’s eyes went to my phone. “Another message?”

My fingers trembled as I unlocked the screen. The moment I read it, all the blood drained from my face.

Roland noticed immediately.

“Karen… what is it?”

I handed him the phone without speaking. Then he read the message out loud, his voice low and tense.

“Found out already that I didn’t have your kids, right? That’s to tell you that I know of every single person’s whereabouts, and I can strike anytime.”

Silence reigned in the room.

My heart felt like it had stopped, then started racing all at once. “He’s playing with me,” I whispered. “He’s watching us. He knows.”

Roland stepped closer instinctively. “This isn’t a joke anymore,” he said firmly. “This person is dangerous.”

My hands shook as fear wrapped tightly around me.

“What if he really can strike anytime?” I asked, my voice barely audible. “What if next time it’s real?”

Roland ran a hand through his hair, pacing slightly.

“Whoever this is… he knows too much of our movements and our family.”

“I’m scared,” I admitted, tears gathering in my eyes. “I thought I was strong, but this…this is different.”

He stopped pacing and faced me fully. “You’re not alone,” he said. “Not with this.”

I nodded slowly, though fear still clawed at my chest.

Roland stared at the phone again, his jaw clenched. Then he muttered, voice filled with anger and confusion,

“Who exactly the fuck is this guy?”

I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around my phone as my thoughts raced.

“I just… I really hope we find him,” I said softly. “Whoever this person is, I just want it to stop.”

Before anyone could speak again, the door suddenly opened.

I flinched at the sound, my heart jumping, but relief washed over me instantly when I saw Ashley step in, followed closely by Damien.

“Thank God,” I breathed without realizing it, and walked over to Ashley to give him a deep hug.

Damien didn’t waste time. He walked straight up to Roland and wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug.

“Man,” he said, patting his back, “it’s good to see you. I was worried.”

Roland hugged him back briefly, then pulled away.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said. “How did you even know I was around?” he asked, looking surprised.

Damien shrugged lightly.

“Jacqueline told me. We were on a call, and she mentioned you were here.”

Roland sighed.

“I didn’t mean to keep it from you. My head has been full with everything going on.”

“I know,” Damien said quickly. “She filled me in already. I understand.” Then he glanced at Ashley. “I actually ran into him on my way. He was coming back from the tracking company.”

At that, I turned fully to Ashley.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” I said, my voice shaky. “I was worried.”

He held me for a moment, then pulled back slightly, his expression heavy.

“I wish I had better news,” he said, looking a little down.

My heart sank. “What happened?”

He shook his head slowly. “They couldn’t track the number.”

“What?” I whispered.

“The system is protected by a very strong firewall,” Ashley continued. “Whoever is behind it knows what they’re doing. It’s like they covered every possible trace.”

Roland cursed under his breath. Damien rubbed the back of his neck, clearly unsettled.

“So this person can just watch us and disappear?” I asked, fear creeping back into my chest.

“For now,” Ashley said in a calm and serious tone.

Damien exhaled sharply and looked around the room, his face serious.

“Man,” he said slowly, breaking the silence, “this is getting scarier by the minute. Who knows what he’s going to do first as a strike?”