Chapter 242: In suspense

“Really? So you think he has never offended me?” Zenith asked, to Alex's surprise.

“Well did he?”

“Yes he did. I wanted him at first sight but he refused me and chose you. Isn't that offensive? He is meant to be mine but you stole him.”

A hot slap landed on his mouth. Then another and another. “How dare you lay your psycho finger on him. I should have put you away one of those times you harassed him, you son of a bitch.”

He gave him another slap, but as he wanted to give him another, Jason held his hand.

“Big bro, please that's enough. You don't have to waste your energy on this animal.”

Baddie walked out, “Yes, please, I don't want his filthy blood on my floor either. It might give me bad luck.”

Alex paused and turned to Baddie, "Not to worry, you're getting a new house from me.”

“What?”

“Thanks, for helping me to get my baby back safely.”

“Oh my sweetness, you're a darling, I will be waiting for your call.” He said dramatically glaring at Zenith, he mouthed, “Bitch.”

Alex turned to Zenith, “As for you, you'll answer for what you did."

Zenith's smile only deepened.

"Then let's see," he said quietly, "who gets the last word."

The officers tightened their grip and escorted him toward the waiting police vehicles outside, while Alex watched in silence, determined that this time, Zenith would face justice.

The flashing lights of the police vehicles slowly disappeared into the night as Zenith was driven away in handcuffs.

Alex stood outside Baddie's apartment for a long moment, watching until the convoy was completely out of sight.

For the first time that day, he felt like he could finally breathe.

Jason walked up beside him and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"We got him."

Alex nodded quietly. "Yeah...But I have a feeling this isn't the end."

Just then, his phone vibrated.

An unfamiliar number flashed across the screen.

Alex answered. "Hello?"

A familiar voice came from the other end. "Mr. Benson."

It was the prison warder.

Alex immediately straightened.

"Is the audio ready?"

"Yes, sir." The warder's tone grew serious. "I've listened to part of the recording."

Alex frowned. "And?"

A brief silence followed.

"It's best if you come to the prison tomorrow morning."

Alex's heartbeat quickened.

"Why? Is this about James and Larissa discussed?"

The warder lowered his voice. “I think it’s very serious."

Alex exchanged a quick glance with Jason.

"It concerns Hunter's phone."

Alex froze.

"What?"

"I'm afraid I can't discuss the details over the phone." The warder replied. “But I strongly advise you to come personally."

Alex's expression darkened.

"I'll be there first thing in the morning."

"Very well, Mr. Benson."

The call ended.

Jason immediately noticed the change in Alex's face.

"What happened?"

Alex slipped the phone back into his pocket.

"The recording from James and Larissa’s discussion. They found something serious."

"What kind of something?"

Alex slowly shook his head. "I don't know yet, but it has something to do with Hunter's phone."

Jason frowned.

"So this nightmare isn't over."

Alex stared into the darkness ahead. "No, I don't think it is."

Nearly an hour later...

Alex's car rolled through the gates of the Benson family estate.

The lights in the mansion were still on. No one had gone to bed. The moment Alex and Jason entered the living room, everyone looked up.

Caleb rose from the sofa first.

"Son." His voice carried both relief and concern. "Do they have him in custody now?"

Alex nodded. "Yes, Dad. The police took him away."

A sigh of relief escaped the room.

Alex continued quietly, "He'll answer for everything he's done."

Sally closed her eyes for a brief prayer of thanks. "Thank God."

Only then did Alex turn toward Lucas. Lucas was curled up on the sofa beneath a blanket, looking exhausted. The dark circles beneath his eyes were impossible to miss.

Alex walked over and sat beside him. Without saying a word, he gently took Lucas's hand.

Lucas looked up. Their eyes met.

Alex smiled softly.

"Hey."

Lucas returned a tired smile.

"It's over?" Alex squeezed his hand reassuringly. "The police have him now."

He brushed a loose strand of hair away from Lucas's forehead.

"There's nothing to worry about anymore."

Lucas released a slow breath. His tense shoulders finally relaxed.

"I hope so."

Alex leaned closer. "You don't have to carry this alone anymore."

Lucas nodded.

After a moment, he spoke quietly.

"I think..." He rubbed his eyes.

"...you need a shower, then you need to rest as well.”

Alex smiled warmly.

"That sounds like a perfect plan."

He stood before offering Lucas his hand. "Come on, sweetheart. You need your rest too."

Lucas accepted his hand. The moment he stood, Alex instinctively wrapped an arm around his waist to steady him.

"You still get dizzy?"

"A little."

"Then lean on me."

He turned to the family, “Thank you everyone for your love and support.”

Lucas muttered softly.

“You're welcome dear.” Sally responded with a sweet smile. You rest well.”

He nodded, “Good night everyone.

“Goodnight Lucas,” all of them chorused, before the mother said, “Goodnight Alex.”

“Goodnight everyone,” Alex responded.

Together, they slowly made their way toward the staircase.

Halfway up, Lucas rested his head briefly against Alex's shoulder.

"Thank you ."

Alex smiled. "For what?"

"For coming for me."

Alex stopped walking. He gently lifted Lucas's chin so their eyes met.

"There wasn't a place on earth I wouldn't have searched."

His voice was thick with emotion.

"I promised I'd bring you home, and I meant every word."

Lucas's eyes glistened. Unable to find the right words, he simply leaned into Alex's embrace.

Alex kissed the top of his head.

Then, with one arm securely around Lucas's waist, he guided him upstairs.

Behind them, the family watched in silence. Sally smiled through tear-filled eyes.

Caleb quietly slipped an arm around his wife's shoulders.

For the first time that day, peace had returned to the Benson household. Even if only for one night.

Alex gently pushed open the bedroom door. The room felt warm and peaceful, a welcome contrast to the nightmare they had just escaped.

He smiled at Lucas.

"Home."

Lucas returned a faint smile, though exhaustion was written all over his face.

Alex smiled, "I've missed this room." He wrapped an arm around Lucas’ waist as they walked inside.

“You lie down and relax, I will be out in a jiffy.”

Lucas smiled.”Just take your time okay. You don't…His sentence trailed off.

He suddenly froze. A strange wave rolled through his stomach. His face, drained of color.

"Oh..."

Alex frowned immediately. "Baby, what is it?"

Lucas swallowed hard.

"My stomach..." Another violent wave hit him. His hand flew to his mouth.

Without another word, he hurried toward the bathroom. His legs were still weak from the kidnapping, causing him to stumble more than once.

"Lucas!" Alex rushed after him.

"Easy, baby!"

Lucas barely made it to the toilet before dropping to his knees. He gripped the edge tightly as another bout of dry retching shook his body.

"Urgh..."

Nothing much came up. His stomach was already empty. Yet the nausea refused to stop.

Alex knelt beside him immediately.

One hand rubbed slow circles across Lucas's back while the other gently held his shoulder.

"Easy..." His voice was soft and soothing. "I'm here baby."