Love Unspoken

Ever since Alexander assumed control of the company, he had methodically eradicated all those associated with his mother's lineage.

The business, once under her capable management, was now in a state of decline, barely surviving on their once prestigious family name. This was all due to Alexander's relentless suppression.Valerie, however, remained steadfast. "Regardless of your decision, Dad, I stand with you," she declared, her voice resolute.

"I had this contract prepared last night for your perusal. My signature is already on it, but if you find any discrepancies, I am more than willing to make adjustments. If everything is satisfactory, I will recuse myself from further involvement. "Wayne responded with a nod, his face softening into a look of relief and contentment. "Valerie," he began, his voice filled with gratitude, "if you place your trust in me, I promise not to disappoint. What you stand to gain in the future will far exceed this.

"A flicker of hope ignited in Valerie's eyes at Wayne's reassuring words, but she quickly masked it, maintaining her composed demeanor. Just then, her phone rang, breaking the moment. She glanced at the screen, noting an unfamiliar number. Deciding to ignore it, she dismissed the call. However, the phone rang again almost immediately.

Slightly irritated, she excused herself, "Dad, I need to step outside to take this call.""Of course," Wayne replied, nodding his approval. Valerie stepped out briskly, ready to address the caller, but the voice on the other end preempted her. "Valerie, if you value the lives of your son and daughter, don't sign that contract."The words hit her like a punch.

"What did you say?"Valerie gasped, her heart pounding. "Who are you? How do you know about the contract?""Quiet down, there's no need for a scene," the voice warned. "Your children are with me. Consider your next move carefully. And if you inform Wayne about this call, your children will be in immediate danger."The call ended abruptly, leaving Valerie shouting into the silence.

She tried to convince herself that it was just a scare tactic, but her heart was pounding with fear.Suddenly, another call came through, this time from the family butler.

Her heart skipped a beat as she answered, her hand trembling."Madam, there's been a terrible incident. Alexander and Miss...they've...they've disappeared on their way to school!"Valerie's world spun.

The phone slipped from her grasp, clattering onto the floor. "Valerie, what's wrong?" Wayne's voice echoed from inside the house.But Valerie couldn't focus on anything other than her children. Ignoring Wayne, she scooped up her phone and dashed out of the Kennedys' residence.

As she ran, she frantically redialed the unknown number, but the call wouldn't connect.She sprinted past Freya without stopping. Freya, cradling little Harold in her arms, watched her sister's retreating figure, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and understanding.

In the midst of her panic, Valerie remembered the signed contract. With a renewed sense of urgency, she rushed back to the house. But when she arrived, Wayne was nowhere to be found in the study.Seizing a servant by the arm, she demanded, "Where's my dad? Where did he go?""The master has left, he's gone out," the servant stuttered.

Valerie spun around and dashed out the door, but by the time she reached the driveway, Wayne's car was disappearing from sight. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the ground. "It's all over... everything is ruined," she whispered to herself.

Freya approached, still holding Harold, and asked with concern, "Sis, what's wrong?"Valerie looked up at her, her eyes filled with tears, her mouth opening and closing, but no words came out.She sat there on the wet ground, soaked from the previous night's rain, oblivious to the muddy water seeping into her clothes.Gathering herself, Valerie dialed Wayne's number.

As soon as the call connected, she burst into tears, "Dad, the contract, we can't sign it. Please come back..." "Why?"Choking on her sobs, Valerie was about to reveal the truth but remembered the threats made against her children. She stammered, "There's an issue. We need to review it one more time.""I've already reviewed it. There's nothing wrong. Valerie, remember my words, don't second guess yourself once you've made a decision," Wayne said and abruptly ended the call. "Dad!!" she cried out, but it was too late.