Chapter 2603


    “No, Daddy, please don’t go,” Mara sobbed, copsing to the floor in a heap, feeling utterly powerless


    as she watched Elton’s retreating figure.


    Why? Am I not your child too? Why is it always Victoria you choose over me?


    Her eyes clenched shut, tears streaming down her cheeks, a silent testament to her anguish.


    The school counselor noticed Mara’s distress and gently helped her to her feet.


    “There, there, don’t you worry. Your dad wille back safe and sound,” she said, handing Mara a cup


    of water to soothe her cold hands.


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    Though her words wereforting, everyone knew the risks involved were immense. Even police


    officers couldn’t guarantee a safe return from such situations, let alone an unarmed middle-aged man


    like Elton. He was clearly prepared for the worst.


    Back at the station, Alyssa and the other officers were bustling about, making arrangements for what


    was toe. They could only apany Elton part of the way. As they neared the designated


    meeting spot, they had to stop.


    “Good luck, buddy,” one officer pped Elton on the shoulder before he left the safety of the police


    cruiser. “We’ll be hiding out nearby, don’t you worry. We’ll do everything we can to keep you safe.”


    Elton nodded, his jaw set with determination, and restarted the engine of his car.


    Tragically, the n went awry. As soon as Elton stepped out of his car, he was ambushed by not one


    but several kidnappers.


    “Hey! What are you doing? I’ve brought the ransom, so you can’t do this!” Elton shouted desperately.


    The officers, who were stationed a fair distance away, sprinted toward themotion upon hearing his


    cries. But the kidnappers were quicker, knocking Elton out cold and speeding away with him before


    anyone could intervene.


    The ransom money, too, was taken, leaving behind a group of dumbfounded officers and an empty


    briefcase.


    “Damn it,” cursed one of the officers, his frustration palpable. “These crooks are too brazen. They’re


    practically taunting us.”


    From hismand post, Captain Aidan had been following the developments. He was silent for a


    moment before responding icily, “Indeed, they are taunting us. Get a team to check on all the ex-cons


    released in thest six months, especially those with robbery charges. I suspect we’re dealing with


    some seasoned criminals.”.


    “Roger that!”


    Both Alyssa and Dean looked grim, and Mara was holding her breath, her anxiety palpable.


    “What does that mean, Officer? Where’s my dad? You said you would protect him! Why didn’t you bring


    him back? He left here just fine, and now both the money and he are gone! Give me back my father-


    give him back!”


    The officers on the scene frowned, their expressions filled with guilt. They had underestimated the


    kidnappers, who were bold enough to not only demand a ransom but also to openly defy the police.


    Their hasty agreement to the ransom now seemed like a trap.


    It wasn’t over yet, and no one was ready to give up, but there was no easy exnation to offer Mara,


    whose quiet sobs filled the room..


    When Elton began to regain consciousness, he could feel the world rocking around him. It took a


    moment for him to remember the blow that had knocked him out.