chapter four

He hadn’t noticed it approaching, and now the vehicle sat idling, matching his pace as he walked.

He stopped, a chill creeping up his spine. Who could this be? The window on the passenger side rolled down slightly, revealing a man in a suit. His face was shadowed, but his voice was clear and authoritative.

“Jason Walker?”

Jason tensed. “Who are you?” He asked looking around to make sure he was safe. Jason has heard lot of young kids being taken away and whisked into some part of the country to be used as either a sec slave or an houseboy. He wasn't going to be added to the chart.

“We need you to come with us,” the man said calmly, his tone leaving little room for argument.

Jason took a step back, his eyes narrowing. “And why would I do that?”

The man didn’t answer. Instead, the back door opened, and two more men stepped out, dressed in similar dark suits. They moved toward Jason with an unsettling calmness.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Jason snapped, his fists clenching. “Who the hell are you?” he shouted trying to create an atention for himself

The men exchanged glances but remained silent. Jason’s pulse quickened as they stepped closer. Something about them felt off—too professional, too poised. They weren’t regular thugs, but they definitely didn’t have good intentions.

Jason backed away, his heart racing. “I said I’m not going anywhere with you!”

One of the men lunged forward, grabbing Jason’s arm in a vice-like grip. Instinct took over, and Jason twisted, using the adrenaline coursing through him to break free. His other fist shot out, connecting with the man’s jaw, sending him stumbling backward.

But the men didn’t fight back. Instead, the one Jason had hit wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and nodded to the others. “He’s putting up a fight. Grab him.”

Jason’s breath hitched. They weren’t retaliating—not like normal attackers. It was as if they were under orders not to harm him. But that didn’t mean they wouldn’t force him into the car.

Two more grabbed him, holding his arms as Jason struggled. Despite his best efforts, they were stronger and more coordinated. One twisted his arm behind his back, forcing him toward the open door of the car.

“Let go of me!” Jason shouted, his voice raw with anger.

But they didn’t let go. With one final shove, they pushed him into the back seat and slammed the door shut. Jason’s heart pounded in his chest as the car sped off, leaving the quiet street behind.

His head spun as he tried to figure out who they were. He racked his brain—had he crossed someone without realizing it? He wasn’t involved in anything shady, so why would someone want to abduct him? And why didn’t they fight back when he resisted?

The car cruised smoothly through the city streets, heading toward a part of town Jason had never seen before. The buildings grew taller, the streets wider, and the wealth more apparent. After what felt like hours, they pulled up to a massive estate, its gates looming high with intricate designs. Security guards stood at attention, and the car was waved through without question.

Jason’s confusion deepened as they approached the house. It wasn’t just large—it was luxurious. The kind of mansion that belonged to the city’s elite, with sprawling gardens and fountains. The car pulled up to the grand entrance, where more guards stood waiting.

“Get out,” one of the men said, opening the door.

Jason hesitated but realized he didn’t have much of a choice. He stepped out, feeling the cool evening air hit his face as he took in his surroundings. The mansion in front of him was unlike anything he had ever seen—its towering columns, gleaming marble steps, and expensive sculptures screamed wealth and power.

He was led through the front doors, the interior of the house even more extravagant. The floors were polished to a mirror-like shine, chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and expensive artwork lined the walls. Whoever lived here had money—serious money.

“Why am I here?” Jason demanded, his voice echoing in the grand hallway.

None of the men answered him as they escorted him through the mansion, their footsteps barely making a sound on the pristine floor. Jason’s anxiety grew with each step, his mind racing with possibilities. Was this some kind of ransom? But why would anyone think he was worth something? His family wasn’t rich, and he hadn’t done anything to attract the attention of someone like this. His mind went back to what happened in the school and his heart beat increased

" Could it be that Ethan has called his father?" Jason asked himself and he got scared again

They finally led him to a large sitting room, where an older man sat in a high-backed chair, staring out a window. His posture was rigid, his hands clasped in front of him. Jason could only see the back of his head, his silver hair neatly combed.

The guards left the room without a word, leaving Jason alone with the stranger.

“Who are you?” Jason asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

The man didn’t answer right away. Slowly, he stood up, turning to face Jason.

Jason’s breath caught in his throat. The man’s face was lined with age, his eyes sharp and calculating. But it wasn’t his appearance that shocked Jason—it was the way the man stared at him, as if he had just seen a ghost.

“You,” the man said, his voice trembling slightly. “You look exactly like him.”

“Like who?” Jason asked, his confusion growing by the second.

The man took a step closer, his eyes never leaving Jason’s face. “Your father.”

Jason blinked, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. His father? What did this man know about his father?