Nora kidnapped Asher

Peony stood in the center of the room, her gaze fixed on the floor as her mind raced with thoughts. She struggled to catch her breath, tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

"You didn't think she might have just disappeared?" she stammered, her voice trembling as she shook her head in disbelief. Distracted by the weight of the situation, she turned and rushed toward the two women, both of whom had tears glistening in their eyes.

"How did she get away from here? Right under everyone's noses?" she whimpered, her eyes darting around the room, searching for anything that might provide a clue.

"She... she was right next to Erick and Nora..." Emma trailed off, her voice cracking as she fought to hold back her tears. "Ara wouldn't just vanish without a trace, right? She was here with all of us." Wiping her tears away, she turned to her brother, desperation etched on her face

Dragrons shoved his hands into his pockets, his head spinning like a wildfire. Caught off guard, he replayed the scene in his mind over and over.

Quickly, he pulled out his phone, glancing at the caller ID. It read "Jack." He dialed the number, urgency coursing through him.

After two rings, an anxious voice came through the line. "Boss?"

"Asher has been kidnapped, Jack. I need you and the others to track them down within the next 25 minutes," he barked, his voice rising in a mix of anger and fear.

Emma faltered, feeling her world tilt dangerously.

"You're not saying anything," she rasped, glaring at her brother's calm, resolved demeanor. "You need to worry like everyone else!" Tears streamed down her face, each drop a testament to her fear

"Emma..." He cupped her cheek with his palm, feeling helpless as she battled her tears. He knew he was at his wits' end when it came to her or Asher. "I'm trying to think."

"What the hell are you thinking about!? Move your ass instead of standing here doing nothing! Asher has been kidnapped, brother! Stop living in your weird fantasy! Stop making calls and act before something unimaginable happens—on her birthday!" She barked, stepping back slowly. "My Asher has been taken, and you're doing nothing about it." Memories of the past flooded her mind, intensifying her dread.

A wave of fear washed over him, twisting his stomach. He shut his eyes tightly, then opened them with renewed determination. Though anger coursed through him, he remained calm. Slowly, he stepped forward to face her. "I promise I will find Asher." He was concerned by her rapid emotional shifts.

He quickly shifted his gaze to Emma, then to Peony, who was crying uncontrollably. He felt an overwhelming urge to comfort her, but he held back, trying to maintain his composure.

Eventually, unable to withstand her brother's stoic attitude, Peony suggested, "I'm sure we can find something... maybe a trace about her." She paused, scanning their faces for support.

"Let's break out and search," she rasped loudly, ignoring her brother's unyielding demeanor.

Nora observed his unmoved reactions, a mischievous smirk creeping onto her face as she approached Peony. Closing the distance, she frowned. "You'll be held responsible if any harm comes to her," she taunted, her lips wobbling as she seethed. "Your life will be over, Miss Peony. You threatened me that night, but I assure you, Dragrons won't let a scratch touch his precious darlings."

Unable to tolerate Nora's cruel taunts and feeling her heart race, Peony walked out to the pool, complying with Emma's suggestion, ready to search the mansion for any sign of Asher.

Outside by the pool, she scoured the area, searching for any trace of the little girl. A gut feeling told her that Asher was close.

She brushed aside the roses at the corner, scuttling down the garden path, but there was no sign of Asher. A nagging fear gnawed at her.

The word "kidnapped" invaded her thoughts, darkening her heart.

"Asher!" she squeaked, tears streaming down her face. "Please, Asher, it's your birthday! Don't be naughty." She couldn't believe the words tumbling from her mouth as her mind raced.

"It's not funny anymore, Asher! Please come out! Don't you want to cut your cake, blow out your candles, and make your sweet wishes?" Her voice rose in desperation.

She often came here with Asher to enjoy the fresh air and marvel at the star-studded sky. A frown crossed her face as she recalled lying on the dewy grass with Asher, measuring the sky with their fingers. She remembered their favorite star, which Asher had named after her mother, winking at them. Just two days ago, she had held Asher close in this very garden.

"You pathetic jerk," a voice rasped, jolting her from her reverie.

"Nora!" she gasped, her heart racing.

"You came to the garden to look for her, didn't you? Well, you're absolutely correct—she's right here, within my grasp." Nora stepped forward, a sinister glee lighting up her face as Peony's eyes widened in horror.

"You... kidnapped Asher? You've been playing me for a fool, Nora! This isn't funny!" Peony's voice trembled with disbelief.

"Do you think I joke around with someone as filthy as you?" Nora sneered, revealing the blindfolded girl behind her. "I knew you would come around this corner, just as I always said you would."

Peony's heart sank as she caught sight of the girl's closed eyes. Had Nora knocked her out with drugs? Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"You... insidious evil..." she cried out in horror, her voice trembling as she struggled to find her strength.

A wicked smirk spread across Nora's face at Peony's words. In a swift motion, she pulled out a gun, aiming it at the young girl.

"You have two options, girl," she said, her voice low and menacing. She stepped back, clutching the gun tightly, her confidence radiating as she prepared to end two lives.

Peony's body trembled visibly as she noticed five figures lurking behind Nora.

So, she wasn't alone in this twisted game, Peony thought, her eyes darting to the poor child being held hostage.

"What do you want?" she demanded, trying to maintain her composure, though her voice quivered.

"I told you, you wouldn't get away," Nora taunted, her grin widening as she reveled in Peony's unease.

"Kill Asher, or I kill you," she said, her tone chillingly calm, causing Peony to recoil in shock.

"What..." she gasped, her heart racing.

At that moment, the man behind Nora raised a hand, signaling her to be quiet, his blazing eyes warning her of the consequences.

Peony narrowed her eyes at Nora, desperately searching for a hint of sympathy in her gaze.

"Thirty seconds to make your decision," Nora reminded her, savoring the tension in the air.

"I... I... you..." Peony stammered, her thoughts racing as she prayed for a savior.

Meanwhile, inside the living room, Dragrons paced anxiously, his heart pounding. Seconds later, his phone rang.

"Boss, we've found the location..." The voice on the other end hesitated, fear evident. "Nora kidnapped Asher, and right now, the two ladies are being held hostage by her—at the garden, beside the pool."

"What!" Dragrons' eyes narrowed in shock as he processed the information.

Wasn't Nora searching for Asher? How had she turned out to be the kidnapper? His mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. Didn't Nora promise never to hurt Asher? Overwhelmed with rage, he looked toward the garden, ready to confront her.

"I want you... everyone of you... back at the house now!" he thundered, his voice filled with fury as he sprinted toward the garden. It was time to show Nora her place.

Peony knelt, clutching the hem of her dress as she prayed. "Must you do this?"

"You forced me to. Not just you, but the bastard..." she pointed at Asher, her voice cold. "And I'm going to end my boring life." She stood aloof, adamant against the pleading tears of the innocent child. "Time's up." She adjusted the gun, preparing to pull the trigger.

"I will die in her place," Peony declared, her brows furrowing as she moved toward the pool.

Though she loved the garden and everything surrounding it, she hated the thought of water. The idea of falling into the pool felt like swallowing a live frog.

She navigated the situation with a cunning smile. "That's a smart decision, dear. I'm quite marveled—creating a relationship in five days. What do I expect from a gold digger?" Nora's words dripped with disdain.

"For the last time, Nora, I am not a gold digger," Peony retorted, her voice steady despite the tremor of fear.

At that moment, Nora found her words amusing and gestured for her men to push Peony into the water, along with the partially submerged Asher. Just then, Emma, Ash, and Dragrons arrived, their expressions fierce and determined.