Chapter 7 - The Ghost Returns
Julian collapsed into the nearest armchair, his mind spinning out of control.
Sarah had died in a tragic boating accident five years ago.
He had identified the wreckage himself, though her body was never recovered.
Vanessa had come into his life shortly after, offering a shoulder to cry on.
Now, looking at the blurry reflection, everything he knew was falling apart.
"It can't be," Julian whispered, rubbing his temples in utter disbelief.
"She always was a survivor," Eleanor murmured, a strange glint in her eyes.
Julian looked at his mother, a sudden, dark suspicion forming in his mind.
"Did you know about this?" Julian demanded, his voice rising in anger.
Eleanor looked away, refusing to meet her son's furious gaze.
Before Julian could press her further, the burner phone on the table rang loudly.
He snatched it up, pressing it hard against his ear.
"Have you decided to be cooperative?" Vanessa's smug voice hissed through the speaker.
"You don't have her, Vanessa," Julian bluffed, trying to sound confident.
There was a long, unsettling pause on the other end of the line.
"I don't know what kind of game you're playing, Julian," Vanessa growled.
"But my men are driving her to the safe house right now."
Julian realized Vanessa genuinely didn't know that Sarah had intercepted the kidnapping.
This was his one and only advantage.
"I want proof of life before I transfer a single dime," Julian demanded.
"Fine, I'll call you back in ten minutes when they arrive," Vanessa snapped, hanging up.
Julian immediately texted the unknown number again.
"Where are you taking her?" he typed frantically.
May you like
The reply chilled him to the bone.
"To the place where Vanessa tried to kill me."
