Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Lauren isn't there?"

Jasper and Alyssa's hearts sank at Angelina's words.

"She's not here! I've combed the place, but there's no sign of her," Angelina choked out, her voice thick with emotion.

Alyssa maintained her composure, speaking gently to Angelina. "Angelina, it's okay. You did your best in a difficult situation. Now, tell me everything from the beginning. Who informed you about Lauren's kidnapping and directed you to the abandoned factory in the western suburbs?"

"Mr. Cyrus and I were hot on the kidnappers' trail, but we were intercepted by the man who previously abducted Lauren!" Angelina recounted.

"It's him again!" Alyssa's heart hammered against her ribs. Lauren's enigmatic portrait, a doppelganger for Damien, taunted her memory.

the man while I went to rescue

provided me with Madam Lauren's location and urged me to save her. I thought she was on our

she could have a clear shot

team over to you as we speak. Don't worry, and don't blame yourself," Jasper reassured

thought struck her, prompting her

mask, but her eyes left a deep impression on me." Angelina said

she's a friend of ours, but for her safety, I can't reveal her identity to

piecing together the conversation, understood who the mystery woman was. A deep

couldn't I find Madam Lauren then?" Angelina's voice crackled with panic

ignited in Alyssa's eyes. They narrowed, sharp as a hawk's as she clenched her fists. "Perhaps she didn't hear everything, but I'm confident Lauren is nearby. The abandoned factory is isolated. There aren't any houses or buildings for miles. A