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.

while I went to rescue Lauren," Angelina continued, her tone filled with

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

diverted my attention so that she could have a clear shot at Mr. Cyrus. I feel so foolish, Ms.

as we speak. Don't worry, and don't blame yourself," Jasper reassured her, his voice calm

A new thought struck her, prompting her

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

"Angelina, she's a friend of ours, but for her safety, I can't

piecing together the conversation, understood who the mystery woman was. A deep frown creased his forehead, a

Angelina's

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