Chapter 94 A Message in the Dark
DAVID
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, leaning closer to Bella. The hospital room felt colder than it should have, a chill creeping into my bones as I tried to make sense of her words.
Janet, ever the shadow at my side, pulled a chair closer, her gaze bouncing between Bella and me.
Bella’s hands trembled as she picked up her phone. She swiped at the screen, then turned it toward us. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she said, “Read this.”
The text was stark, its words burning into my mind:
We need to destroy you to bring David down.
For a moment, I stared at the screen, my jaw tightening. The words were a punch to the gut, calculated and sharp.
“Who would send this?” Bella’s voice cracked, pulling my attention back to her. Her eyes, wide and brimming with unshed tears, searched mine for answers.
I clenched my fists. “I don’t know,” I admitted, my tone rougher than I intended. “But I’ll find out. I’ve made enemies, Bella people who’d go to extremes to see me fall but why go through you?”
I reached for the phone, my fingers brushing hers. She handed it over, her trust in me unspoken but evident.
The number was blocked. Clever. Whoever sent this wasn’t just bold they were meticulous.
“This isn’t random,” I muttered, more to myself than anyone else. My thoughts raced, piecing together fragments of information. The logo from the ice cream shop on that man’s hoodie it wasn’t just a coincidence.
Bella’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. “Do you think of anyone?”
I looked at her, her vulnerability slicing through my resolve. Her cheeks were pale, her hands clutched tightly in her lap. My heart clenched at the thought of her and our baby being dragged into my world of chaos.
“I don’t want to put you or the baby in danger,” I said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “But I promise, I’ll get to the bottom of this.” I searched her eyes, hoping for a flicker of trust. “Please, Bella, just this once believe me.”
A small smile broke through her worry. “I believe you.”
Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. I stood, pressing a kiss to her forehead and then her growing belly. “Stay calm. I’ll send guards to watch over you. And Bella don’t trust anyone. Not even Janet or me, if anything feels off.”
She nodded, and I forced myself to leave, my chest tight with the weight of what needed to be done.
“Did you hack into her phone?” I asked Janet as we strode toward my car.
She nodded, her fingers dancing across her screen. “Already did. But...” Her brows furrowed as she stared at her phone.
“But what?”
“The number doesn’t exist. It’s like it was wiped from the system.”
Frustration bubbled beneath my calm exterior. “Check again, Janet.”
“David,” she said, her tone measured, “this person planned every move. They’re not just some random attacker. They’ve been strategizing for a long time.”
My jaw clenched. “Fine. We follow the only lead we have. The ice cream shop.”
The faint smell of vanilla and chocolate hit me as we entered. The place was quiet, almost eerily so. My eyes scanned the room, landing on the man behind the counter.
He recognized me instantly, his face tightening with unease. “Sir! Welcome,” he said, bowing slightly. “You’re not with your... uh, your lady today?”
I tilted my head, feigning confusion. “My lady?”
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Yes, sir. The one you usually come here with.”
“Ah,” I said, keeping my tone light. “Not today. I brought someone else.” I reached for Janet’s hand, and she slipped into the role effortlessly, her lips curving into a coy smile.
“Apologies, sir. I assumed she was your wife,” the man stammered, his words fumbling.
“It’s fine.” My gaze shifted to the hoodie draped on a nearby hook. The logo from the footage.
“Nice hoodie,” I remarked, watching him closely.
His reaction was immediate. His hands twitched, his eyes darting toward the door. “It’s just for work, sir. Nothing special.”
“Where’d you get it?”
Before he could answer, panic overtook him. He grabbed an ice cream cone and flung it in my direction, bolting for the exit.
I vaulted over the counter, the adrenaline coursing through me as I chased him. Outside, my guards were waiting. Two sleek black cars screeched into place, blocking his escape.
He froze, spinning to face me. His chest heaved with ragged breaths, but his defiance faltered under my glare.
“You should’ve surrendered,” I said, my voice cold as ice. Without waiting for a reply, I delivered a sharp blow to his jaw. He crumpled to the ground like a house of cards.
“Take him,” I ordered my guards. “We have questions.”
Janet caught up, her breath labored but her eyes glinting with amusement. “You’re fast, brother.”
I smirked, brushing imaginary dust off my sleeve. “Admit it. I’m unbeatable.”
“Don’t push your luck,” she shot back, rolling her eyes.
But the playful banter didn’t ease the knot in my stomach. Someone wanted Bella dead and I wouldn’t rest until I found out who.