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.

man while I went to rescue Lauren," Angelina continued, her tone filled with frustration. "But the man had

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

could have a clear shot at Mr. Cyrus. I feel so foolish,

we speak. Don't worry, and don't blame yourself," Jasper

new thought struck her, prompting her to

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

ours, but for

was. A deep frown creased his forehead, a shadow of

find Madam Lauren then?" Angelina's voice crackled with panic over the

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