Chapter 87
“Zoe, how old are you?” Shawn asked, his usually cold eyes carrying a trace of helplessness.
“Three! Come on, just tell me a story, please When I was liule, I had to fend for myself. No one ever told me bedtime stories. You have no idea how jealous I was of those kids on TV falling asleep to stories”
Shawn couldn’t bear to hear this because no one understood Zoe’s feelings better than he did.
He, too, had grown up without parents, without anyone by his side. The longing Zoe described was something he had felt deeply himself. Seeing the hopeful look in her eyes, Shawn just couldn’t say no.
“Alright,” he said softly, “Once upon a time, there was a little boy. He was very obedient, but his family didn’t care for him.”
As Shawn’s voice carried on. Zoe’s eyelids grew heavy, and soon she drified off to sleep
She had never trusted someone she’d just met so completely, enough to fall asleep so defenselessly beside them. For Zoe, this was a rare and precious moment of vulnerability.
Likewise, no one had ever gotten this close to Shawn’s heart before, yet he didn’t push her away. Instead, he stayed by her side all night, watching over her until dawn.
The next morning. Zoe woke up to hear Chase reporting to Shawn. “We’ve caught the guy. Should we start the interrogation?”
“Handle it. Make sure you get the mastermind’s name, Shawn replied coldly.
“What about Ms. Evans? She hasn’t been home for a day and a night. Her parents must be worried. Should we send her back” Chase asked.
Shawn paused briefly before saying, “111 uke her hack myself later?
“Good idea. Ms. Evans seems to trust you the most, She’ll feel he comfortable if you take her back” Chase added.
After Chase left. Shawn noticed Zoe standing bare foot on the floor.
“Did they catch the hitman?” Zoe asked sofily.
“Yes, you’re safe now, Shawn replied calmly.
Zoe murmured, a trace of disappointment flickering across her face. She had hoped to stay a little longer, but now it seemed she had to leave. Shawn caught her expression and felt an inexplicable sense of reluctance. Bis reminding himself that they were only pretending to be a couple, he quickly pushed those thoughts aside and prepared to take Zoe back to the Evan residence.
Zoe looked drained, her energy barely hanging on and she didn’t feel like talking. Shawn, bring the quiet type, wasn’t about to start a conversation
either.
So, what could have been a heartfelt farewell moment was completely lost between the two of them.
“We’re here,” Shawn said, breaking
the silence.
Thanks, Mr. Ludwig, Zoe said softly as she reached for the car door to step out
“Hold on,” Shawn said, getting out of the car first. He walked over to her side, scooped her up effortlessly, and carried her straight toward the Evans residence.
Inside, Clara had been riled up by Eunice’s remarks and was ready to scold Zoe for staying out all night. But the moment she saw Shawn carrying Zoe through the door, all her angry words got stuck in her throat.
Eunice, watching from the side, felt a mix of jealousy and bitterness. Why does Zoe always get so lucky! If only I could be the one Shawn cares about, the one in his arms, she thought.
Shawn carried Zoe to her room and left without another word.
Zoe didn’t try to stop Shawn this time. Their relationship was still in its early stages, and there was no need to rush things.
Just as she was about to walk to the window to watch Shawn leave, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a message containing an image.
The image showed Mandy tied up, her terrified eyes silently pleading for help. The ropes were so tight that her limbs were twisted unnaturally. A
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11:38 AM
Chapter 87
shadowy hand holding a knife crept closer to her.
Below the image was a chilling message that read: [Your friend Mandy is in my hands. If you don’t want her dead, come to the abandoned site in the western suburbs right now. Remember, you must come alone. No police, or I’ll kill her immediately:]
Mandy was kidnapped.
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