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    In a derelict factory on the outskirts of the city, Jessica stirred as cold wind slipped through shattered windows, rousing her from unconsciousness.

    A sharp cramp twisted through her abdomen, drawing a soft, involuntary groan.

    “Peter, check this out. This watch has diamonds. Could fetch a decent price,” a voice said.

    “Definitely,” Peter replied. “Search her again. With how much that guy dotes on her, there’s bound to be more.”

    Wincing through the pain, Jessica opened her eyes just enough to glimpse the two of them, eyes glinting with greed as they passed around her watch. She cursed them silently, ‘Fools.’

    “Alright,” Grace responded, turning back toward her. Jessica quickly shut her eyes andy still.

    “She’s not awake? Thought I heard something… Maybe I imagined it,” Grace muttered as she resumed searching.

    Jessica let out a silent breath of relief. A moment’s dy, and they might’ve noticed. If they did, she knew they wouldn’t hesitate to sedate her again.

    The cramping in her stomach deepened, relentless and sharp. All she could do now was pray Brian would arrive soon.

    Grace quickly removed her earrings and ne.

    “This is really pretty,” she murmured, admiring the ne. Temptation flickered across her face, but in the end, she handed it over to Peter.

    He gathered the valuables into a single bag, then waved her off. “Go set the food out. I’m starving.”

    Grace obeyed without question, bringing over two boxed meals. She sat quietly while Peter

    ate.

    The scent drifted toward Jessica, and her stomach responded with a low growl. Pregnancy made hunger harder to bear.

    Grace snorted. “Hear that? She’s still out, but her stomach’s alreadyining.”

    “Hmph. Let her starve,” Peter said tly.

    Grace chuckled in agreement.

    :

    Suddenly, the distant rumble of an engine echoed from outside.

    “What the hell?” Peter stood abruptly.

    “P–probably just someone passing through,” Grace said, trying to sound calm.

    But the engine noise grew louder, unmistakably approaching.

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    Peter hesitated, then made his decision. “I’ll check it out. You stay here. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

    “Alright. Be careful,” Grace said, watching him head toward the door.

    She turned back, only to freeze as someone dropped soundlessly from the back window. Before she could react, the figure tackled her to the floor.

    “Ah!” she screamed in panic.

    “Grace!” Peter spun around at the cry, just in time to see Brian pinning her with a locked grip.

    Fury twisted his face. Snatching up a wooden rod near the door, he lunged.

    “Watch out!” Jessica shouted, eyes flying open.

    “Jessi, it’s alright,” Brian called over his shoulder, steady but focused.

    Jessica’s pulse surged as she saw Peter closing in. “Move!”

    The rod came down fast, thick and brutal. At thest second, Brian raised his arm to block the

    blow.

    Jessica’s breath caught for a moment.

    Brian dropped to one knee from the force. Blood welled from his palm, split open around the wood, but he held firm. Then, with a sudden thrust, he shoved the rod backward.

    Caught off guard, Peter took the full impact to the face and staggered back with a howl of pain.

    Atst, the factory doors burst open as the bodyguards forced their way inside. Momentster, those who had entered through the broken window closed in, swiftly taking custody of the battered Peter and Grace.

    Brian didn’t spare them a nce. He rose and crossed the room in long, purposeful strides, heading straight for Jessica.

    “Jessi, are you alright? Did they hurt you? Anywhere injured? Talk to me, please.” The same

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    man who had faced down a swinging club without blinking now fumbled to untie her, voice tight with panic. His hands moved quickly but without rhythm, betraying his rising fear.

    “I’m fine,” Jessica murmured. “Just some stomach pain. Probably from the drugs. Don’t worry.”

    She was frightened, especially for the baby, but forced herself to stayposed. Brian was clearly unraveling, and if she didn’t remain calm, it would only make things worse.

    “What? Stomach pain?” Brian’s voice cracked. “We’re going to the hospital, right now. This is my fault. I should’ve protected you… Jessi, I’m so sorry.”

    As soon as the ropes were loosened, he pulled her tightly into his arms.

    Warm dropsnded on her cheek. When she tried to look up, he gently pressed her head back down.

    “Don’t do this to me,” he whispered, voice raw. “Even if… even if we lose the baby, as long as you’re safe, that’s enough. That’s all I care about.”

    Jessica froze. She knew he was crying, but she hadn’t expected those words.

    She could hear it. He meant them.

    He wasn’t just scared. He’d meant every word from the heart.

    Maybe she’d misjudged him. The thought settled over her quietly, easing a weight she hadn’t realized she was carrying.

    “We’ll be fine,” she said softly, her voice lightening. “Both of us.”

    Her hand rose gently to his cheek, grounding him, steadying him.

    “It’s not that bad. Let’s wrap this up and igo/i. I promise, we’ll be okay.”

    Brian slowly exhaled, tension bleeding from his shoulders. He nodded, then stood with her in his arms.

    He turned, eyesnding on Peter and Grace, now restrained and kneeling.

    Peter, still struggling against the guards, barked, “We weren’t kidnapping anyone! Just trying to teach a mistress a lesson! What’s so wrong about defending my daughter?”

    Brian didn’t respond at first. His gaze was cold, unwavering. Then came a quiet, mirthlessugh, dry as dust.

    “Break their legs,” he said evenly. “Then deliver them to the police. Include every piece of evidence. This time, I want them behind bars for good.”

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    He’d had enough. Letting them go once had been a mistake. He wouldn’t make it again.

    “Yes, sir,” Jackson replied, signaling the men to silence Peter and Grace before dragging them aside. He then assigned another guard to apany Brian to the hospital.

    Jackson stayed behind to handle the rest.

    Half an hourter, Peter and Grace, legs broken, were dropped outside the police station.

    Jackson approached the officers, neatly organized files in hand.

    “Officers, I’m here to report a case of kidnapping and extortion involving these two people.”

    The pair, groaning from the pain, immediately protested. “He’s lying! We weren’t kidnapping, just trying ito /ideal with a homewrecker!”

    Jackson offered aposed smile and handed over the documentation. “The evidence speaks for itself. You’ll see who’s lying soon enough.”