Chapter 73

Roseline and Sam sat huddled in the room light from a table lamp. The subtle buzzing of the mansion's security system served as a continual reminder of Ronaldo's watchful eye. Sam's unwavering gaze brought Roseline a sense of peace that she hadn't experienced in years, despite the tension in the air.  

With a firm yet low voice, Sam declared, "I've secured a location." “It’s not far, but it’s secluded. There, you and the infant will be secure.  

Roseline's fingers clenched around the tea mug she was holding as she swallowed forcefully. "How about Ronaldo?" He will search. He won't give up until he locates me.  

“That’s why we have to be careful,” Sam replied. "We must make a path that will drive him away from you. Someone I know can assist us with that.  

"Who?" With a furrowed brow, Roseline asked.  

Sam took a moment to think before responding. "Vincent."  

When Roseline heard his name, her stomach churned. She was uncomfortable with Vincent's unpredictable nature, even though he had previously assisted them. "Are you certain we can rely on him?"  

Sam gave a nod. "We like Ronaldo just as much as he does. He also has resources that we do not. However, we must exercise caution.  

As they pieced together the pieces of their plan in whispers, hours passed into the night. Roseline's escape would require timing, stealth, and no loose ends, so every detail had to be flawless.  

As he pointed to a crude map he had drawn on a serviette, Sam remarked, "Your window will be small." At 2 a.m., Ronaldo's security team rotates, and the next patrol is ten minutes away. We'll get you out with that.  

"Then?" Roseline, trying to keep her composure, asked in a trembling voice.  

Sam clarified, "A car is waiting approximately a mile away." "I'll stay behind to confuse Ronaldo, and Vincent will drive you to the safe house."  

The idea of leaving Sam behind made Roseline's heart tighten. "You must leave. Should he suspect you—  

Sam interrupted in a determined tone, "I'll be fine." "I don't pose a threat to Ronaldo. I am merely a helpful family friend in his eyes.  

Despite her scepticism, Roseline understood that arguing would not persuade him.  

A knock on the door startled them both as they were settling the details. Sam's eyes darted to Roseline in alarm as her breath caught.  

"Are you expecting anyone?" he muttered.  

She gave a headshake.  

This time, the knock was louder.  

Roseline? From the opposite side, Maria's voice called. "That's me."  

With a shaky exhale, Roseline went to open the door. With a quick step, Maria closed it behind her and looked anxiously over her shoulder.  

Maria said in a voice that was hardly audible above a whisper, "You need to know something." "The security has doubled under Ronaldo. He thinks you're up to something.  

Roseline felt sick to her stomach. "What? How?  

Maria wrung her hands and said, "I don't know." However, he is observing everyone. Even myself.  

Sam scowled. "How much time do we have?"  

"Not much time," Maria stated. He has summoned his private investigator. You must leave right away if you intend to.  

Maria's words inspired them to act because of their urgency. Sam took the map and shoved it into the pocket of his jacket.  

His tone was sharp as he said, "I'll go ahead and meet Vincent." "Remain with Roseline and assist her with packing, Maria. You must depart within the next hour.  

Roseline nodded, processing the abrupt acceleration of their plans with a racing mind. However, Maria caught Sam's arm as he turned to go.  

"Wait," she said, her face solemn. "There's another thing. Ronaldo has been investigating your past, Sam. He has misgivings about you.  

There was silence in the room.  

Sam's mouth clenched. "Therefore, we are short on time."  

While Sam slipped out into the night, Roseline and Maria hurriedly gathered needs. Every floorboard creak and wind whisper heightened their anxiety, making the mansion feel like a ticking time bomb.  

"How is the baby doing?" As she folded a blanket into Roseline's bag, Maria asked softly.  

Roseline stopped and put her hand on her stomach. She whispered, "This is for them." "I'm doing everything for them."  

Maria's face softened, but before she could answer, the corridor reverberated with the sound of heavy footsteps. The two women froze, their eyes enlarging with fear.  

Roseline? Ronaldo's icy, piercing voice called out.  

The heart stopped in Roseline. She looked at Maria, who hurriedly pushed the bag beneath the bed and stood in front of it while attempting to appear unconcerned.  

Ronaldo entered the room as the door swung open, his dark eyes scanning the space.  

"What's happening here?" His eyes narrowed as he demanded.  

Despite the tension in the air, Maria spoke steadily and swiftly, "Nothing, sir." "I was just assisting Mrs. Roseline with getting ready for bed."  

Ronaldo's expression was unreadable as his eyes shifted to Roseline. "Is that accurate?"  

Roseline forced herself to look into his eyes and nodded. Indeed. I'm exhausted from a long day.  

Ronaldo remained silent for a while, staring into her eyes as if he could read her mind. At last, he took a step back.  

"Sleep," he said abruptly. "We'll discuss this in the morning."  

He didn't say anything more, but it was clear that his tone was one of threat.  

Roseline let out a trembling breath as the door clicked shut, her legs threatening to buckle under her.  

"He is aware," she said in a tremulous whisper. "He is aware of something."  

Maria touched her shoulder in a comforting manner. After that, we must depart. Right now.  

Roseline nodded, determination strengthening. She refused to allow Ronaldo to triumph. Not now.  

However, her phone buzzed on the nightstand as she picked up the bag and headed for the door. The message on the screen made her blood run cold as she picked it up:  

You're not as smart as you believe. I am fully informed.

It came from Ronaldo. 

Red lights flashed in the corridors as an alarm sounded throughout the mansion before Roseline could respond.  

"He has locked us in," Maria said in a pale whisper.  

Over the mansion's intercom system, Roseline heard a voice crackle, and her heart began to race.  

"Roseline, there's no way out," Ronaldo said in a chilly, threatening tone. "We're going to talk for a bit."