Chapter Twenty-Two: Aria is Missing

Aria walked briskly towards Ethan, clutching a package tightly in her hands. She knew she couldn’t give him the $5 million he had demanded, but she had to offer something to keep him from releasing those incriminating photos. Her heart raced as she neared him, her mind calculating the risks of this encounter. She had no other choice.

Ethan, standing in the shadows, glared at her as she approached. His expression darkened further when he snatched the package from her hands and quickly opened it.

“What is this?” he barked, his face contorted with anger. “I asked for $5 million, and you’re bringing this?” His voice was full of disdain.

Aria remained calm, determined not to show weakness. “These were given to me by my grandmother,” she retorted. “Every piece in that package is priceless and costs several millions on the market.”

Ethan sneered. “Several millions? I don’t need artifacts, Aria. How do you expect me to spend these?” His anger boiled over, but there was also a hint of greed in his eyes as he eyed the treasures in the package.

"Then give them back to me, and I’ll sell them for cash to bring to you,” Aria snapped, her frustration growing as she reached out and snatched the package back from him.

But to her surprise, Ethan’s anger melted away, replaced by a fake, softer tone. “Nevermind,” he said, his voice smooth and deceptive as he gently took the package back from her.

Aria’s instincts flared—this sudden change didn’t feel right. “Wait,” she said, pulling the package from his hands once more. “Delete the photos first.”

Ethan let out a low laugh, his eyes glinting with amusement. “And if I don’t?”

“Well, you won’t be getting any of this,” Aria shot back, her voice firm. She knew this was a dangerous game, but she couldn’t let him hold this over her forever.

Ethan’s smile disappeared as he stepped closer. “Are you threatening me, Aria?” His tone was menacing.

“You started the threats,” she replied sharply, standing her ground. “If you don’t delete the photos, you’re not getting any of this.”

They stared at each other for a tense moment, but then Ethan relented, his lips curling into a sinister smirk. “Alright,” he said, pulling out his phone and handing it to her. “Delete them yourself.”

Aria hesitated for a second, then handed the package back to him before taking the phone. She turned her back to him, her fingers trembling slightly as she began scrolling through his gallery, searching for the photos.

But before she could delete them, Ethan seized his chance. Moving swiftly, he pulled out a handkerchief coated with a sedative and pressed it hard against Aria’s nose and mouth. She struggled briefly, her eyes wide with panic, but the drug acted quickly, and within moments, her body went limp. Her phone slipped from her hand, hitting the ground with a dull thud.

Ethan looked down at her unconscious form, a cold smile spreading across his face. He bent down, scooped her up effortlessly, and dragged her toward the waiting car, disappearing into the shadows.

---

Not far away, hidden in the darkness, Jessica had been watching the entire exchange. As soon as Ethan and Aria vanished, she stepped out of her hiding place, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent. She spotted Aria’s fallen phone and swiftly bent down to pick it up.

Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the images on the screen—proof of Aria’s secret, and possibly the key to destroying her. But the shock quickly faded, replaced by a wicked grin. The power she now held in her hands was intoxicating.

"Let's see how you get out of this one, Aria," Jessica whispered to herself, her voice dripping with venom. She slipped the phone into her bag, already plotting her next move.

…

Not far from the scene, Alexander stood frozen by the side of the car, his mind in turmoil. His anger was palpable, but underneath it all, he couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling that something was terribly wrong. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was worried about Aria. Why would she meet Ethan? Why wouldn’t she come to me?

As he stared out into the darkness, Lucas approached, having just finished his call with the police. "They’ll be here soon," Lucas reported, trying to gauge his boss’s mood. "But Mr. Alexander, are you sure we shouldn’t—"

"Enough, Lucas," Alexander snapped, though his voice lacked its usual venom. "I’ve made my decision."

But even as he said the words, doubt began to creep in. Was Aria in real danger? He remembered how vulnerable she had looked when he found her in the hospital, how she had held his hand, seeking comfort.

Just as Alexander was about to dismiss the thought, a car screeched around the corner, breaking the silence. It was the police, arriving faster than expected.

Lucas sighed in relief, but Alexander’s heart pounded with unease. What if something happens to her?

"Let’s go," Alexander said suddenly, his voice tight. He couldn’t shake the feeling that walking away was a mistake, and he wasn’t about to let Aria face whatever danger awaited her alone.

Alexander couldn't bring himself to take the step and drive away without confirming if Aria was truly okay. Lucas, noticing his boss's conflicted emotions, quickly ran off after the police to make sure Aria was safe.

Moments later, Lucas ran back, panting. "Mr Alexander, young madam has gone missing".

Alexander stood frozen for a moment, his heart pounding as Lucas’s words echoed in his mind. Aria has gone missing. A surge of panic washed over him, but he quickly masked it with cold fury.

"What do you mean she’s missing?!" he barked, his voice sharp with tension. His gaze bore into Lucas, who looked at the ground, too afraid to meet his boss’s eyes.

“I-I don’t know, sir," Lucas stammered, still catching his breath. "When I got there, young madam was already gone. But there were signs… signs of a struggle, like she had been dragged away." He swallowed hard, sensing the storm brewing in Alexander’s demeanor.

Alexander clenched his fists, fury, and fear swirling inside him. How could this happen? He had been watching from the shadows just moments ago, convinced that Aria had betrayed him by meeting Ethan. But now, the possibility that she had been taken by force made his blood run cold.

Without another word, he spun on his heel and stormed toward the car. Lucas followed close behind, fumbling with his phone as he dialed the security team.

"Call everyone," Alexander commanded through gritted teeth, his voice low but deadly. "I want a full search for her. She couldn’t have gone far. And inform the police.”

Lucas nodded frantically, speaking into the phone as he relayed the urgent orders. "Yes, Mr. Alexander. I’ll have the team spread out immediately.”