On their way, Alice called Alena.“Yes? Is there a problem?”Alice snorted on the other line. “Nervous, are you? I just called to let you know that things will probably be civil. Mom’s taking charge. They had a shouting match earlier and you know who won. The most dad can do is threw glares at your man, contradict whatever he says, complain about whatever… but mom would be there to tame him, so. Don’t worry. Is your man nervous, too?”At her sister’s question, Alena looked at Christan. He briefly glanced at her when he noticed her stare.“Probably.” She answered Alice before actually asking Christan.“A little.” He admitted, then he reached for her hand.“Alice said mom’s making sure dad doesn’t go overboard. Don’t worry.”“Alright, lovebirds, ignore me. See you in a few.”“Yeah, see you. We’ll be there

Drew joined the ladies in the kitchen, while Carl sat in the living room with the men. Mr. Reed prefers his quiet and serious personality over the other one. The boy seems reliable. They chatted about school and what the boy wants to be when he’s older.Carl looked at his dad. “I’m not sure if I’ll be inheriting anything, but I’d like to start my own company. I don’t like liquors much.”His statement made Christan frown. This kid…“You’re still a minor. You can’t drink yet. How do you know you won’t like it later?” He posed the question.Mr. Reed watched the exchange. Thankfully for him, Alice was willing to take over his company. His other daughters didn’t like his business, though didn’t venture very far.“Mom said we should be careful with it. It’s good that you have high tolerance, but we might not be able to develop that. The process could be

Things seem to be going really well, that none of them expected trouble when it came.The security Christan set up was not as good as he hoped it to be.“Damn it.” He can only curse when he received the news that Alena has been kidnapped. Thankfully, the kids were fine. Maybe he should have gone with them today. It’s too late to think that. He regrets it now.He quickly left his office and met his kids at home. The head of the security team was apologizing and assured him that they’re already tracking the ones behind it.His sons were apologetic as well. In a way, they feel responsible. They were with her and yet they weren’t able to protect her. Or maybe be with her. She must be scared being taken alone.Christan could feel his head aching already. With a heavy heart, he called her parents to let them know what’s going on. Understandably, Mr. Reed was exploding with anger. Mrs. Reed is worried and informed the r

Alena felt very uncomfortable and afraid. She doesn’t know who they are and why they took her.The men handled her roughly. Tugging her every time they want her to walk. Twice, she bumped her head on the top part of the doorways in the vehicles. They blindfolded her, tied her hands behind her, and the gag was disgusting. It should be clean as it didn’t taste anything, but it made her drool so much. Hygiene is the farthest thing from her mind.She hoped the boys were safe. It didn’t look like they also took them.They threw her in a messy room. It looked like an abandoned building of some sort and she’s in an old office. They only removed her gag and untied her hands when they brought her dinner. Some stale bread and hot coffee. Wow. This is worse than she imagined what kidnapped victims eat. When she tried to speak with the masked man, he immediately told her to shut up in a very loud voice. She flinched from how it irked her eardrums. To

“I’m sorry.” He apologized to her and she frowned.“Why are you sorry?” She really thought it was because of her dad.“I’m sorry. Because of me, you suffered a lot.” His expression showed how sorry he is and it tugged at her heart.“No, don’t be. It’s not your fault.” Regardless of what it is, she knew he isn’t the one at fault. In business, personal attacks aren’t really unheard of. She understands this. Those people with evil intent are the ones they should blameThey all went back inside the house and Alena noticed Lee in a corner with a man. She’s guessing it’s her husband. Wait, her husband is Christan’s brother, right? The man would be her in-law soon.When they started asking questions, she looked exasperated and shook her head. She doesn’t want to talk about it another time. She’d been grilled at the agency and she didn’t