Chapter 14 Beg Me

• "Mom, stay calm. Who took Tahlia? "
• Maxwell's heart raced, but he forced himself to stay calm.
• Bloomspring Nursery's policy clearly states that only people with pick-up cards can collect children.
• How did such a thing happen?
• "The teacher mentioned that the principal took Tahlia," Samantha informed.
• "The principal?" Maxwell frowned. Why would the principal take Tahlia?
• "Do you have the principal's number?" Maxwell asked.
• Samantha replied, "The teacher said the principal left with Tahlia, but she didn't know where they went."
• "Mom, don't worry. I'll handle this," Maxwell assured.
• He had a sinking feeling. There must be a reason the principal took Tahlia. He immediately dialed John, urging him to use Royal Guard's resources to locate the principal's whereabouts.
• "If this principal is up to no good, Tahlia could be in danger," Samantha said with misty eyes.
• "Mom, I'll bring Tahlia back," Maxwell vowed firmly. "But our immediate concern is whether we should tell Daphne about this."
• With Tahlia missing, keeping this from Daphne would only worsen her reaction later.
• Samantha looked to Maxwell for guidance. "I'll leave that decision up to you."
• Maxwell nodded decisively. Time was of the essence, so he decided to call Daphne, even if she might berate him.
• A beeping sound came from the phone.
• Nobody picked up.
• "Mom, Daphne's not asnwering my call. Could you call her?" Maxwell suggested. He figured Daphne might not pick up a phone call from an unfamiliar number.
• Hearing that, Samantha promptly dialed Daphne's number.
• One minute later, Samantha reported, "She didn't pick up."
• Oh, no.
• Maxwell retrieved his phone and dialed a special number. "Connect me to the Mayor of Northbury. I'm Maxwell York."
• Hearing Maxwell's request, Samantha gasped, her eyes widening.
• The Mayor of Northbury! He's the second most important figure in Northbury!
• Maxwell knows the mayor? And he even sounded authoritative.
• Samantha's mind went blank; she couldn't find the words.
• Maxwell's next words further stunned Samantha, making her feel as if she were in a dream.
• "My wife, Daphne, and our daughter, Tahlia, have been abducted. I need you to gather all available resources across the city to locate them.
• "If I don't receive any useful information within ten minutes, I'll end you."
• Maxwell's expression darkened with an intense air of threat.
• Having said his piece, he ended the call.
• Now, all he could do was await the incoming call.
• The phone rang.
• "Spill," Maxwell instructed.
• "Is this Maxwell York? I'm Larrey Grant."
• The man on the other end chuckled. "I've got your wife and daughter here. You should come over."
• "Larrey Grant?" Maxwell chuckled. Fine, since he called, I'll skip the hassle of accessing satellite privileges.
• "I'm on my way," Maxwell replied.
• "I'll be expecting you."
• Maxwell hung up the phone. Larrey? Is he targeting me, or is he after Daphne?
• "Find out about a man named Larrey Grant."
• A few seconds later, a report came through. "Commander Grant, Larrey Grant iis from Northbury, and he's the son of Hadrian Grant, a major shareholder of the Bluewhale Group. I've sent his address to your phone."
• "He's Mabel's boyfriend. It's likely Mabel asked him to abduct your wife and daughter."
• "Find out how many members there are in the Grant family. You have thirty minutes to arrange for coffins."
• I'll get a coffin for each member of the Grant family.
• "Mom, I know Daphne and Tahlia's whereabouts. I'll bring them home. You should head home and wait for us there," Maxwell said to Samantha.
• "Don't worry. I swear on my life that I'll bring them home safely."
• As Samantha looked at Maxwell, she suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity. In just a few phone calls, Maxwell's identity evoked a mixture of fear and curiosity in her mind.
• "Mom, I'll explain everything when I have the chance." Maxwell realized that his phone calls might have shocked Samantha, and she might need time to process it.
• At that moment, a military vehicle pulled up in front of Maxwell, then he got into it.
• Samantha watched the vehicle depart, muttering to herself, "Daphne, I think Maxwell isn't the same person he once was."
• ...
• Up the mountainside stood an estate reminiscent of ancient palaces.
• This served as Larrey's abode.
• "Mr. Grant, Maxwell is a good fighter. You should consider sending more men," Hugo cautiously advised Larrey with his back arched.
• "I've heard he has a military background. A dozen security guards from our firm attempted to apprehend him, but he swiftly incapacitated them. He's quite skilled."
• "Yes, Larrey, you should send more men," Mabel, one of Larrey's numerous companions, remarked as she massaged Larrey's thighs.
• This estate was Larrey's favored venue for indulgence and enjoyment.
• Every weekend, it became the hub for extravagant gatherings.
• "Hugo, your company's security personnel are useless. My team comprises seasoned professionals. They have no problem handling ten people at one go," Larrey scoffed.
• "He's just a former soldier. There's nothing extraordinary about him.
• "Bring the mother and daughter here," Larrey ordered.
• He extended his fingers, prompting Hugo to swiftly retrieve a cigar from the table and lighting it before placing it between Larrey's outstretched fingers.
• Shortly after, the Grant family's guards escorted Daphne and Tahlia into the living room.
• "You monsters, let my mom and me go." Tahlia's demeanor betrayed no fear.
• "Tahlia, be quiet," Daphne commanded, fearing Tahlia's words might agitate Larrey and his associates.
• "Children speak their minds. I don't mind," Larrey reassured, rising to approach Tahlia.
• "She's quite cute."
• "Larrey, Hugo, Mabel, I'm the one you want, not my daughter. She has nothing to do with this. Let her go," Daphne pleaded, never expecting Mabel to harbor such vindictiveness.
• "Oh, so now you're scared?" Mabel advanced, delivering a resounding slap across Daphne's face.
• "Kneel and beg me, then."