Chapter 176 My Princess
Chapter 176 My Princess
[Barrett]
When I returned home, I found Sera in the nursery, gently rocking our daughter while our son slept peacefully in his crib. The sight of them made my heart clench—these were the moments I treasured most.
"Hey," she whispered, looking up with those perceptive eyes that always seemed to read my thoughts.
I sat beside her on the padded window seat, gently touching our daughter's tiny hand. "I need to go to Europe," I explained softly. "We need alternative suppliers to break ValtoPharm's monopoly. It's the only way to counter Maximilian's move."
Sera leaned against my shoulder. "For how long?"
"Three days, maybe four." I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, inhaling the familiar scent of her hair. "I hate leaving you and the twins, especially now."
"We'll be right here waiting for you." She smiled up at me, though concern shadowed her eyes. "Just promise me you'll be careful. Dominic might be a figurehead, but Maximilian is dangerous."
I pressed my lips to her forehead. "I know. But I have to try."
Later, as I packed my suitcase, Sera brought me a framed photo of herself with the twins. "Take this," she said. "To remind you what you're fighting for."
I pulled her into my arms, holding her close. "I'll miss you every second."
"Go win this battle," she whispered against my chest. "Then come home to us."
That evening, as I reluctantly departed for Europe, the weight of separation already heavy in my chest. However, the next day, Jay contacted me urgently.
[Sera]
I woke up to the sound of Barrett packing his suitcase in our dimly lit bedroom. The early morning light barely filtered through the curtains as I watched him methodically fold his shirts with the precision he applied to everything in his life.
"Only three days, four at most," Barrett promised, zipping his suitcase closed while glancing at me. "I'll resolve the European situation and be back before you know it."
I sat up in bed, pulling the comforter around my shoulders against the morning chill. "Are you sure you need to take so many security personnel?" I asked, my brow furrowing with concern. "I thought Jay would at least stay behind."
"The negotiations in Europe might get complicated," Barrett explained, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. "Especially considering Maximilian's influence there. I need a sufficient security team." He walked over and gently tilted my chin up. "Don't worry, I've left you with two of my most reliable guards. And Thompson Tower has the tightest security system in the country—if anything happens, you can always go there."
I nodded, though an inexplicable uneasiness lingered in my chest. "I just... I've had this strange feeling lately."
Barrett bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Once I'm back, everything will be fine. We'll resolve this drug crisis, and then focus on our future."
His warmth against my skin momentarily chased away my anxiety. I helped him finish packing, and soon enough, he was gone—leaving our home feeling strangely empty.
---
Two days passed without incident. I'd fallen into a comfortable routine of school, studying, and video calls with Barrett in the evenings. But on the third morning, everything changed.
I was walking toward the parking lot after my morning class when a black SUV screeched to a halt in front of me. Before I could process what was happening, three men in dark suits emerged and grabbed my arms.
"Let go of me!" I shouted, struggling against their grip. "Who are you?"
"Mr. Thompson's orders," one of them stated coldly, as the other two dragged me toward the vehicle.
I fought with everything I had, kicking and screaming, but they were too strong. Within seconds, I was shoved into the backseat. As the door slammed shut, I felt a sharp sting in my arm. My protests died on my lips as darkness crept in from the edges of my vision.
---
When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying on a plush sofa in an unfamiliar room. My head throbbed as I slowly sat up, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see the city skyline; the light had changed to late afternoon. With a jolt of recognition, I realized I was in one of the executive reception rooms at Thompson Tower.
"Finally awake, princess?"
That voice sent a chill down my spine. Maximilian stepped out from the shadows, dressed in an impeccably tailored navy suit, holding a champagne flute.
"Maximilian?" I quickly sat up straighter, eyeing him warily, irritated by the presumptuous endearment. "What's going on? And don't call me princess."
"Welcome to the beginning of your new journey," he smiled, his charm failing to mask something predatory in his eyes. "This time tomorrow, we'll be in the royal palace of Valtoria."
My heart pounded against my ribs. "What are you talking about? Where's Barrett?" I demanded, struggling to keep my voice steady.
Maximilian settled into an armchair across from me, swirling his champagne. "Your husband is currently... occupied in Europe. Facing some unexpected obstacles, I'm afraid."
The implication in his tone made my blood run cold. "What did you do?"
"I simply ensured he'd be too busy to interfere with our plans," Maximilian replied casually. "You see, I've reached an agreement with Donnell Thompson. ValtoPharm will immediately resume all pharmaceutical supplies, ending America's 'crisis,' and in exchange..." His eyes gleamed with possession. "I get you."
"What?" I stared at him in disbelief. "That's absurd! I'm not some object to be traded!"