Facade of Love

Chapter 169 Moore’s Malice

A chill ran down my spine at the thought. I could not stay on the phone any longer. I hung up without another word..

Mr. Zachary noticed my distress and could not help but ask, “Is everything alright, Madam?” I shook my head, doubting my own worries, and told him, “It’s nothing. Could you let Grandma and Idris know I’ve got an emergency at home and have to dash?”

With that, I hit the down button on the elevator. Mr. Zachary looked like he wanted to say more, seeing how rushed I was, but he bit back his questions.

I bolted from the hospital and made a beeline for Azure Bay. Along the way, I tried calling Maxwell, but it seemed he was tied up with something, as the call went unanswered.

With no other choice, I rang my mom and told her to secure the house, lock all the doors and windows, and ignore any strangers at the door.

She was puzzled but promised to follow my instructions. However, when I got to the Scotts‘ place, the yard gate was wide open, and so was the front door.

My heart skipped a beat, and I sprinted inside, calling out, “Mom!” The Scotts‘ living room was deserted, and my calls echoed unanswered. A sinking feeling told me something was terribly wrong, so I fumbled for my phone to call the cops.

mouth and nose from behind. A sharp scent filled my senses, and I instantly knew it was some kind of knockout gas. I tried holding my breath, but it was

of destruction: crumbling walls, rusty machines coated in dust, and broken glass

I tried to scream for help but only managed a few muffled cries before realizing

hands were tied behind me to some rusty old machinery, leaving

few times but quickly ran out of energy. The place was eerily silent, like I was the only person in the world. The sky was getting darker by the

no idea how much time had passed

a pair of boots

bit more worn

did not surprise me; if anything, my

in his pockets, giving me a once–over with a creepy grin. He yanked the tape off my mouth and said, “You know, I never realized before how…

interesting you look.”

doing your son any favors by doing this,

a sharp slap across the face.

cheek with my tongue and looked up at him, a mocking smile on my l*ps. “Touched a nerve, huh?