Chapter Twenty Two The air was thick with tension and the stench of gasoline. Stella’s heart raced as she clutched Richard, who was now trembling with fear and pain. “Please,” she begged, “we’ll find a way to get the money. Just don’t hurt him anymore.” The leader smirked, clearly enjoying the power he held over them. He twirled the pliers in his hand, making Stella’s blood run cold. “Bitch, time is ticking,” he said. “Decide quickly.” Grandfather, his face pale with desperation, stepped forward again. “I’ll sell everything. The house, the cars. Just give us some time…” he said his face filled with regret and disappointment. But Richard, his face a mix of defiance and terror, cut him off. “Don’t you dare, Grandfather! I don’t need your help. I don’t need anyone’s help!” The leader’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t seem to understand your position, boy, your just a skinny whining child who doesn’t know how to control the way he spends money on drugs and women when he doesn’t e

Chapter Twenty Four The police chief raised his hand, calling for silence. "Everyone, keep quiet! We need to get your grandfather to the hospital now," he ordered.An ambulance arrived, and paramedics rushed Grandfather out on a stretcher. Stella held his hand, tears streaming down her face. Declan followed closely, his face tense with worry. At the hospital, the doctors sprang into action. Grandfather was whisked away to surgery, and the family was left in the waiting room, their faces pale with fear and anxiety. Hours passed, and still, there was no news. By the time the doctors emerged, they looked exhausted. "We've done all we can," one said grimly. "But his condition is critical. We'll have to keep him in intensive care and monitor him closely."The police officers, who had stayed to take statements, looked at the tired and distraught family. "We'll be back tomorrow to get everyone's statements," the chief said, glancing sympathetically at Stella. "You all need to focus on you

Chapter Twenty SixDeclan lunged after Stella, desperation etched on his face. "Stella, please, you have to understand!" he called, his voice cracking with emotion.But just as he reached the door, the nurse grabbed his arm. "Declan, wait," she purred, trying to pull him back. She leaned in, her lips dangerously close to his. "Stay with me. She doesn't understand you like I do."Declan's eyes flashed with anger. He yanked his arm free and shoved the nurse away. "Get off me!" he snapped, pushing her aside with surprising force. Without another glance, he sprinted out into the corridor, searching frantically for Stella.He found her standing outside Grandfather's room, her back rigid with anger. "Stella," he panted, reaching out to touch her shoulder. "Please, just let me explain."Stella turned, her eyes cold. "There's nothing to explain, Declan. I saw everything."Before Declan could respond, Doctor Jack stepped out of the room, a smug smile on his face. "Good news," he announced. "Gr

Chapter Twenty Eight The thug leader's hesitation turned into resolve. His finger tightened on the trigger, and a cold smile spread across his face. Just as he began to pull the trigger, a sudden noise broke the tense silence—a loud, commanding shout echoed through the street."Drop the gun!" All eyes turned to see a squad of police officers rushing towards them, their weapons drawn. The thug leader's eyes widened in shock. He hesitated for a split second, his grip on the gun faltering.In that moment, Declan saw his chance. He lunged forward, knocking the gun from the thug's hand. It clattered to the ground, and the officers quickly surrounded them, their presence overwhelming the thugs."Hands up! Now!" one of the officers commanded, his voice authoritative and unyielding.The thug leader, realizing he was outnumbered and outgunned, slowly raised his hands in surrender. The other thugs followed suit, their bravado evaporating in the face of the police.Declan stepped back, breathi

Chapter Thirty The sleek Ferrari navigated through narrow, winding streets until it reached a part of town Declan barely recognized. Dilapidated buildings lined the road, their windows shattered and covered with grime. The air was thick with the stench of decay and garbage, assaulting his senses and making his stomach churn.The woman parked the car and stepped out, motioning for Declan to follow. He hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the desolate surroundings, but his desperation to find his sister pushed him forward.As they walked, Declan scanned the area, his eyes darting from one homeless person to another. Ragged figures huddled in doorways and makeshift shelters, their faces etched with hardship. He searched for any sign of his sister, but none of the faces looked familiar.His head began to throb, the pain intensifying with each passing second. Memories he had tried to bury deep within his mind started to resurface, chaotic and disjointed. Images of his sister's laugh