Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter

27

-Maya's POV-

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. The phone felt heavy in my hand, suddenly a foreign object. "What?" I whispered, the single word escaping my lips in a ragged breath. The line went dead before I could say anything else. I stared at the phone screen, numb, the gravity of Ivan's words sinking in.

"Amaya? What's wrong?" Natalia's voice cut through the fog of confusion clouding my mind. Her hand shot out to grip mine, "What happened?"

I looked at her, my mouth working soundlessly for a moment. "My father. He has been arrested. Ivan just called. The FBI... they're investigating him for something." Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Does he know what it's about?"

1 shook my head slowly, the room feeling like it was closing in on me. "No. He just said they're investigating him. He's coming to pick me up."

A flicker of worry crossed her face. "Do you w

want me to come with you?" she asked. "Maybe it would be better if you weren't alone."

"No. I need to handle this myself. Thank you, though, Natalia. For everything and you too Nathan."

I know he had gone quiet just like he always did when Natalia and I were having our moment. He nodded giving me a tight smile, "Anytime, Maya."

Natalia pulled me into a tight hug, her embrace a silent reassurance in the face of the unknown. "Call me when you know more. And whatever happens, you know I'm here for you."

I clung to her for a moment longer, drawing strength from her unwavering support. Then, I pulled back, wiping at the tears that had welled up in my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to focus. My father needed me, no matter how much I considered him a monster sometimes and whatever ho'd gotten himself into, I had to be there for him.

"I gotta go," I told them, my voice thick with emotion. "Ivan's on his way."

Nathan nodded, her gaze filled with understanding. "We will come see you later."

offered her a watery smile, then turned and headed for the door. As

but he kept his gaze fixed on the road ahead, a storm brewing behind his normally calm eyes. He hadn't said a single

do you know?" I finally broke

for a brief moment. "Not much. I got a call from a friend in the force. Apparently, there's been

"Money laundering? But... that doesn't make any sense. I know

know, Amaya," He interrupted, his voice laced with frustration. "That's what we're

sense of betrayal.

of police cars and yellow crime scene tape greeted us. The sight of it sent a fresh wave of

drawing unnecessary attention. He took my hand in his, his grip firm yet comforting. "We'll go

of fear and a strange sense of detachment. Taking a deep, shaky breath, I steeled myself for whatever. awaited us inside. As

help you?" he

I said, forcing my voice to remain calm. "This is my husband, Ivan McCall. It's my father's house and I

He studied us for a beat, then stopped aside, allowing us to enter the house. The first thing that hit me was

were questioning my mother. Her eyes were red-rimmed and swollen, her normally composed face etched

towards me. She threw her arms around me, holding me tight as

her like this. Uneasily, I hugged her back, the familiar scent of her perfume doing little to dispel the sense of unease

at her tears with a trembling hand. "They took him," she said, her voice

"But... how?"

despair. "I haven't known what to think. They wouldn't tell

mom get some rest," he said gently. "We can try to find out more about your father in the morning" My mother clung to my hand, her eyes pleading. "Don't leave me alone,

a heavy heart, I squeezed

on my tongue.

went to help himself to a glass of water, I found myself drawn to a framed photograph on the mantle. The three of us stood together even though it looked forced but still, we stood together. A lump formed in my throat. Suddenly, the weight of the night's events pressed down on me with renewed force. Alex,

Mom," I mumbled, my voice

reached out and pulled me into a tight embrace. "I know.