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.

was outmatched, so Cyrus decided to stall the man while I went to rescue Lauren," Angelina continued, her tone filled with frustration. "But

and deliberately let me stab her, severely injuring herself. After that, she provided me with Madam Lauren's location and urged me to save her. I thought she was on our side, but it was a

so that she could have a clear shot at Mr. Cyrus. I feel

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

pounded. A new thought struck her, prompting her to ask, "How did this

deep impression on me."

her body finally relaxing. "Angelina, she's a friend of ours, but for her safety, I can't reveal her identity to you.

the mystery woman was. A deep

Angelina's voice crackled

but I'm confident Lauren is nearby. The abandoned factory is isolated. There aren't any houses or buildings for