Chapter Five

Mia's hands trembled as she reread the article on her phone, her chest tightening with every word.

"Nicholas Hayes is missing. No traces. Last seen arguing with billionaire Ethan Blackwell."

Her breathing quickened as the words blurred on the screen. She blinked rapidly, trying to steady herself, but her heart pounded so loudly it drowned out the noises around her.

This could not be real.

She closed the tab with a shaky finger, her palms clammy against the smooth surface of her phone. Her thoughts spiraled, each one more terrifying than the last.

Was this the kind of man Ethan truly was?

Her instincts screamed at her to run. Pack up everything, grab Oliver, and disappear before Ethan could gain control of their lives. She had fought so hard to keep Oliver safe from the world and from Ethan.

But now another thought crept in, one she was not ready to face. What if Ethan was not the villain here?

The protective way he had looked at Oliver, the sincerity in his voice when he spoke about being there for their son, tugged at her. What if someone wanted her to believe Ethan was dangerous? What if this was part of some larger, calculated plan?

Her mind was a whirlwind of uncertainty as she grabbed her coffee cup, the drink now lukewarm, and made her way out of the café. She needed air, space, anything to help her think clearly.

The moment she stepped outside, she froze.

Across the street, a black SUV sat parked by the curb. Its tinted windows gleamed under the midday sun, giving no indication of who was inside.

Mia's stomach twisted.

The car had been there when she arrived.

Her pulse quickened as a wave of unease rolled over her. She told herself it was a coincidence, that she was overthinking because of the article. But deep down, her instincts warned her that this was not random.

Was she being watched?

Her phone vibrated in her hand, the sudden movement jolting her out of her thoughts. She fumbled with the device, her hands shaking as she brought the screen to her face.

The message that greeted her made her blood run cold.

Unknown Number: You need to leave. Now.

Mia stared at the text, her heart hammering in her chest.

Leave? Who was this? How did they know where she was?

Panic surged as she clutched her phone tighter and glanced back at the black SUV. It had not moved. Yet the weight of unseen eyes pressed down on her.

She quickened her steps, her body tense as she moved toward her car. Her free hand dug into her bag, fumbling for her keys. Every nerve in her body screamed at her to hurry.

When she finally reached her car, she climbed inside, locking the doors the moment she was seated. She sat there for a moment, her breaths shallow, trying to gather herself. Her fingers trembled as she started the engine.

The low hum of the motor gave her a brief sense of security.

Until she pulled out of the parking lot.

Her heart dropped as the black SUV did the same.

Her hands tightened on the steering wheel as she glanced in the rearview mirror. The vehicle followed at a steady pace, keeping just enough distance to seem inconspicuous.

It was no coincidence.

They were following her.

Mia's breathing grew erratic as fear clawed at her chest. She had to do something. But what?

With trembling hands, she grabbed her phone and dialed the only number she could think of.

Ethan.

He picked up after the first ring, his voice calm but firm. "Mia?"

"They are following me," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

"Who is following you?" Ethan's tone darkened, his calm exterior replaced with urgency.

"A black SUV," she said, glancing in the mirror again. "No plates. It has been behind me since I left the café."

Ethan's silence on the other end only made her anxiety spike further.

"Where are you now?" he asked, his voice sharp.

"I do not know," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I am just driving, trying to get away."

"Listen to me," Ethan said, his tone commanding. "You need to come to my penthouse. Do not stop for anything. Do you hear me? Get here now. I will handle this."

Mia hesitated, her grip tightening on the wheel. Every instinct told her not to trust him. But what other choice did she have?

The SUV suddenly sped up, closing the distance between them.

Her breath hitched, panic surging through her veins.

She slammed her foot on the gas, her car lurching forward as she tried to create space. The streets blurred around her as she weaved through traffic, her focus on getting away.

"Mia, are you still there?" Ethan's voice came through the phone.

"Yes," she managed, her voice trembling.

"Stay focused," he said. "You are going to be fine. Just keep driving."

Tears pricked her eyes as she fought to keep her composure. "Ethan, who are they? Why are they following me?"

There was a pause on the other end, a hesitation that made her stomach twist. "I will explain everything when you get here. Right now, just focus on getting to me safely."

Mia wanted to scream. She wanted answers. But the SUV behind her left no room for argument.

She took a sharp turn, her tires screeching against the asphalt. The SUV mirrored her movement, staying on her tail.

Her heart raced as she spotted the city skyline ahead. Ethan's building was close now. Relief mixed with fear as she realized she was almost there. But what would happen when she arrived?

The SUV suddenly veered off, disappearing down a side street.

Mia's chest heaved as she pulled into the underground parking garage of Ethan's building. Her hands shook as she turned off the engine, her mind reeling from what had just happened.

She sat there for a moment, trying to catch her breath. But before she could gather herself, her phone vibrated again.

Another message from the unknown number.

Unknown Number: You should have stayed away from him.

Her fingers gripped the phone tightly as dread settled over her.

The elevator ride to Ethan's penthouse felt like an eternity. Her mind raced with questions, each one more terrifying than the last.

When the doors finally opened, Ethan was there, waiting for her. His expression was a mix of concern and determination, his presence as commanding as ever.

"What happened?" he demanded, striding toward her.

Mia stepped off the elevator, her knees threatening to give out. "They were following me. The SUV. And then they just disappeared."

Ethan's jaw tightened, his blue eyes darkening. "Did they contact you again?"

She nodded, handing him her phone. His gaze hardened as he read the message.

"This is not random," he said, his voice low. "Someone is trying to scare you."

Mia met his gaze, her fear mingled with anger. "Why, Ethan? What are you not telling me?"

Ethan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "There are things about my past, things I have kept hidden. But I promise you, Mia, I will protect you and Oliver. No matter what."

Mia's chest tightened as she stared at him, searching his face for the truth. She wanted to believe him. She needed to believe him.

But the shadows of doubt loomed large, and she could not shake the feeling that Ethan Blackwell's promises came with dangerous strings attached.