Chapter 8 - THE ENEMY BEHIND THE NURSERY DOOR
Three days later, Vanessa disappeared.
Ethan's security team found her apartment empty.
Her phone was switched off.
Her car remained in the garage.
And a suitcase was missing.
At first, Ethan believed she had fled.
Then he received a photograph.
Vanessa.
Sitting in a warehouse.
Her wrists bound.
Her face pale.
Beside her stood Daniel Russo.
A message followed.
TRANSFER THE SHIPPING CONTRACTS OR SHE DISAPPEARS.
Ethan stared at the screen.
Then called his security chief.
“Find her.”
Within hours, his men traced the photograph to an industrial district near the river.
But Ethan knew it could be a trap.
He had spent years building an empire through intimidation.
Now someone was using the same methods against him.
His phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
“Blackwood.”
A familiar voice spoke.
“Hello, Ethan.”
Ethan froze.
“Who is this?”
The man laughed softly.
“Don't tell me you've forgotten me.”
Ethan's blood ran cold.
“Adrian?”
A pause.
Then:
“Surprised?”
Ethan stood slowly.
“Adrian Moretti is dead.”
“Apparently not.”
Silence.
Then Adrian said, “If you want Vanessa alive, stop sending armed men into that district.”
Ethan's jaw tightened.
“Where are you?”
“Somewhere safe.”
“Why should I trust you?”
Adrian's voice became cold.
“Because Victor Salerno is using her to get to you.”
Ethan stared.
“And what do you want?”
A pause.
May you like
Then Adrian answered.
“The truth about what happened seven years ago.”
