CHAPTER 7 – THE FINAL HUNT
CHAPTER 7 – THE FINAL HUNT
Alejandro didn't wait for another word.
"Lock down every airport, train station, private marina, and border crossing!"
His voice thundered through the children's home.
Within minutes, his security network—built over years of protecting one of Europe's largest business empires—sprang into action.
Police agencies across several countries received Daniel's photograph.
Amber alerts spread.
Highways were monitored.
Private jets were grounded for inspection.
No one was leaving unnoticed.
No one... unless Vivian had prepared one last escape.
Back at the hospital, Vivian finally regained consciousness.
Her wrists were chained to the bed.
Two police officers stood outside the room.
When Alejandro entered, she smiled weakly.
"You look tired."
He remained standing.
"Where is my son?"
Vivian laughed despite the pain.
"You still don't understand."
"I never wanted your money."
"I wanted your life."
"You married Elena."
"You built your future with her."
"I spent years standing beside you, and you never saw me."
Alejandro's face remained emotionless.
"So you destroyed her."
"I replaced her."
Vivian nodded proudly.
"For a while..."
"I succeeded."
Alejandro leaned closer.
"You failed the moment you believed love could be stolen."
For the first time, Vivian's confidence cracked.
Meanwhile...
The cybercrime team uncovered one final encrypted account.
It contained thousands of deleted emails.
One message stood out.
Destination Confirmed: Lake Como Estate.
Attached was a recent security photo.
A woman wearing sunglasses held Daniel's hand as they boarded a boat.
Alejandro immediately recognized her.
"Monica."
His former executive assistant.
The woman Vivian had hired less than a month before Elena disappeared.
Another accomplice.
Within hours, helicopters circled above the secluded villa overlooking Lake Como.
Italian police surrounded the estate.
Boats blocked every exit across the water.
Alejandro and Elena stepped out together.
Their hearts pounded with the same fear.
Were they already too late?
A loudspeaker echoed across the property.
"Monica Romano!"
"You are surrounded!"
"Release the child!"
Silence.
Then—
A small voice drifted from inside the villa.
"I want my airplane..."
Elena covered her mouth.
"That's him..."
She knew.
A mother always knew.
The front door burst open.
Monica appeared holding Daniel tightly.
A pistol trembled in her hand.
"Stay back!"
She pulled the frightened little boy closer.
"If anyone moves..."
"We all die."
Daniel began crying.
"I want Mama..."
Those two words shattered Elena.
She stepped forward despite the officers trying to stop her.
"No."
"I'm his mother."
Monica screamed.
"Don't come closer!"
But Elena kept walking.
Tears streamed down her face.
"You've been so brave."
"I'm here now."
"I'm not leaving again."
Daniel stared at her.
Something in her voice...
Something in her eyes...
Felt strangely familiar.
He slowly reached out one tiny hand.
"Mama?"
Monica panicked.
She tightened her grip.
The pistol shifted—
BANG!
The gunshot echoed across the lake.
Birds scattered into the sky.
Everyone froze.
Monica looked down in disbelief.
A security sniper had fired.
The bullet struck her shoulder.
The weapon fell harmlessly to the ground.
Daniel broke free.
Without hesitation, he ran.
Straight into Elena's arms.
She collapsed onto the grass, holding him so tightly she could barely breathe.
For three years she had dreamed of this moment.
Now it was real.
Alejandro knelt beside them.
The three of them embraced as police officers led Monica away in handcuffs.
May you like
For the first time in years...
Their family was together.
