Chapter 300 — Kidnapped in Broad Daylight

Chapter 300 — Kidnapped in Broad Daylight
The morning after such an emotional storm should have felt calm.

Instead, Hazel woke up to silence.

The first thing she noticed was the empty space beside her.

She blinked slowly, still half lost in sleep, her body warm beneath the blankets. Her hand instinctively moved across the mattress beside her, searching for the familiar presence she had fallen asleep next to.

But there was nothing there.

Only slightly wrinkled sheets and fading warmth.

Torres Rowan was already gone.

A faint disappointment settled quietly inside her chest.

After everything that had happened the night before—the anger, the confrontation, the unexpected closeness—Hazel had secretly hoped to wake up with him still beside her. Maybe he would already be awake, watching her with that unreadable expression of his. Or perhaps pretending not to look while she slowly opened her eyes.

She would have accepted even his usual distant silence.

But instead, the room was empty.

Hazel released a slow breath and pushed herself upright, resting on one elbow. Her hair spilled across the pillow as she stretched her arms above her head and let out a soft yawn.

Then she slipped out of bed.

The cool floor brushed against her bare feet as she tied the silk robe loosely around her waist and walked toward the window.

The curtains were still drawn.

Hazel reached out and pulled them apart.

Golden sunlight poured into the room instantly, washing over the floor and walls like liquid warmth. The early morning light painted everything in soft shades of amber and gold.

The peaceful glow made the large bedroom feel almost dreamlike.

Hazel smiled faintly.

Then her gaze drifted downward toward the courtyard.

And there he was.

Torres Rowan had just stepped out of the manor.

Even from the window above, he was impossible to ignore.

He moved with the same quiet confidence he carried everywhere, his tall figure commanding attention without effort. His dark suit was perfectly tailored, the sharp lines fitting his broad shoulders and lean frame flawlessly.

Everything about him looked precise.

Controlled.

Powerful.

Hazel found herself watching him longer than she meant to.

He looked impossibly handsome standing there in the morning sunlight.

No matter how often she reminded herself that their marriage was complicated… that he kept another woman near him… that his heart remained a mystery she could not solve…

She could never deny the strange pull he had on her.

Even now, simply watching him stirred something deep inside her.

Something warm.

Something dangerous.

Perhaps he sensed her gaze.

Or perhaps it was just instinct.

Torres suddenly looked up.

Their eyes met across the courtyard.

For a brief moment, neither of them moved.

The distance between them seemed to disappear.

Then Torres lifted his hand and gave a small, almost absent wave.

The gesture was simple.

Casual.

Nothing dramatic.

Yet it made Hazel smile.

Moments later he slid into the waiting car. The driver closed the door smoothly, and the vehicle rolled forward across the courtyard before disappearing beyond the iron gates.

Hazel remained standing by the window for a few seconds longer.

Torres was rarely late for anything.

Punctuality was one of the many habits that defined him. His days were carefully structured with meetings, responsibilities, and duties that filled every hour.

Even after the long night they had shared, his routine had not changed.

Hazel sighed softly before stepping away from the window.

She had her own responsibilities to face.

After a quick shower, she prepared for the day ahead.

When she finished dressing, Hazel wore a long flowing dress that moved elegantly around her legs. A light coat rested over her shoulders, covering the gentle curve of her growing baby bump.

The design was graceful and comfortable.

Perfect for public appearances.

When Hazel stepped into the hallway, Luna was already waiting.

Her assistant stood with a tablet in hand, ready to begin reviewing the schedule for the day.

But before Hazel could leave, Camille appeared.

“You are not leaving without breakfast,” Camille said firmly.

Hazel tried to protest.

“Mother, I’m already late.”

But Camille simply shook her head.

“No rushing.”

Her voice was calm but unwavering.

“You will eat first.”

Hazel smiled weakly and surrendered.

Camille watched closely as Hazel finished her meal, making sure she ate properly before allowing her to leave the house.

As Hazel walked through the living room on her way out, she spotted Elena sitting on the floor with the children.

Gia and Maximo were busy playing nearby, their laughter filling the room with cheerful noise.

Even though Elena was busy with her own family, she looked up and greeted Hazel warmly.

Hazel crouched beside the twins and smiled at them.

“I promise we will spend time together later,” she said gently.

The children immediately began reminding her about the games she had promised to play.

Hazel laughed softly.

Still, a small pang of regret touched her heart.

Yesterday’s chaos had prevented her from spending time with them.

She loved the twins deeply.

And they adored her just as much.

“Later today,” she promised again before heading out.

Once inside the car, Luna began explaining the schedule.

As the Duchess of Rowan, Hazel had many public duties to fulfill. Today included several inaugurations, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and social appearances.

There was also an elite wives’ high tea scheduled for later in the afternoon.

Hazel listened quietly.

She had accepted these responsibilities long ago.

But by the time afternoon arrived, the exhaustion began catching up with her.

Hours of smiling, greeting guests, and standing through endless formalities drained her energy.

Inside the car between events, Hazel leaned back against the seat.

“Luna,” she said quietly, her voice slightly tired.

“Do you think we could postpone the remaining appointments?”

Luna hesitated.

She understood how exhausting pregnancy could make days like this.

“Some of them are quite important,” Luna said carefully.

“But if you want, I can cancel them.”

Hazel shook her head.

“No. I’ll manage.”

Then she straightened slightly.

“What’s next?”

Luna glanced down at the tablet.

“The inauguration of a new brand store,” she said.

“You only need to stay five minutes. Photos, greetings, and then we can leave.”

Hazel nodded.

That seemed manageable.

Soon the car arrived at the venue.

The place was filled with important guests, business partners, and reporters. Cameras flashed as Hazel arrived, and she moved gracefully through the crowd, greeting people politely.

She cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Posed for photographs.

Exchanged brief conversations with the host and several influential guests.

Everything went smoothly.

But the long day was beginning to catch up with her.

Feeling slightly dizzy, Hazel excused herself and headed toward the restroom.

Luna remained outside with Hazel’s bodyguard, waiting patiently.

Inside, Hazel washed her hands slowly and took a moment to breathe.

Then she stepped back outside.

And in that instant—

Everything changed.

A black cloth dropped suddenly over her face.

Strong hands grabbed her arms before she could react.

Her wrists were pulled roughly behind her back.

The rope tightened around them.

Hazel tried to scream.

But the cloth muffled her voice.

The attack happened so quickly that she barely had time to understand what was happening.

Outside, the sharp crack of gunshots echoed through the building.

Chaos erupted instantly.

Guests screamed.

People ran in every direction.

The kidnappers had shot the bodyguard.

He collapsed immediately.

Luna stood frozen in shock, trembling as fear flooded her body. Her hands shook as she pulled out her phone and dialed Torres Rowan’s number with desperate urgency.

Meanwhile, Hazel was dragged toward the exit.

The kidnappers shoved her into a waiting car.

The door slammed shut.

The vehicle sped away.

Hazel felt every sharp turn as the car raced through the streets. Her heart pounded wildly as she tried to steady her breathing.

She had no idea where they were taking her.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly.

Minutes felt like hours.

Finally, the car stopped.

Rough hands pulled her out.

Her feet barely touched the ground as they dragged her forward.

Then the cloth covering her face was ripped away.

Hazel blinked rapidly as her vision adjusted.

But she already knew who she would see.

And when her sight cleared—

She wasn’t surprised.

Chloe stood before her.

A cruel smile slowly curved across her lips.

Hazel stared at her with open disgust.

“What do you want now, Chloe?” she snapped.

Chloe’s eyes glittered with cold hatred.

She raised a gun.

And pressed the barrel against Hazel’s head.

“Your death,” Chloe said with a wicked smile.