Chapter 0657
Π
Serenity, come with me. Let’s walk in the gardens for a bit We need to talk,” he said softly.
Her hands trembled as she let him lead her outside. Overwhelmed by guilt, she struggled to process everything she had just learned. She adored her parents, and now, when they needed her most, she felt she had failed them by not being there.
Alden noticed Serenity’s inner turmoil and tried to soothe Her.
“Come on, let’s sit over there,” he said, pointing to a bench in the garden. “I know you’re scared, Serenity. What happened to you today isn’t
nothing bad will happen, sething easy to process. But like I told you upstairs, as long as I’m near you,
nothing bad will happen. Still, there’s something I need you to consider.”
“What is it? Is there more?” Serenity asked, her voice apprehensive.
“Serenity, what happened today could happen again. And your siblings aren’t safe either. Right now, this is the only secure place for you. But Leonardo’s been making moves–this morning, he was already claiming Palmer properties. I need your help. You, your brothers, and your sister need to leave the country. I’ll put the best security team I have at your disposal, but to keep you all truly safe, I want to take you somewhere else–somewhere I know you’ll be protected.”
“But if we leave… what about my mother? My father?”
“You’ve heard Frederick and my father–they’re working to get your father out of jail. It’s just a matter of time. Please, trust me. If something were to happen to you or your siblings…” Alden hesitated, his concern evident. “I don’t know what I’d do.”
Serenity looked at him intently. “Alden… tell me, what do you really do?”
“Why do you ask?”
“You carry weapons, and this is the second time you’ve saved my life. My father, with all his connections, wouldn’t be able to do what you’ve done.”
Alden exhaled deeply, leaning back on the bench. “Serenity. I’ve been trained for situations like these. Peter–my father has prepared for this for years. But to be honest, I don’t think even he imagined that Leonardo would
fixate on you…
Π
“That man is not my grandfather!” Serenity snapped.
“I know,” Alden said gently. “But for your siblings, it’s a different story. They grew up believing he was their grandfather, and it’s not something they’ll let go of easily. That makes it easier for Leonardo to manipulate them -and to use them as a way to get close to you. That’s why I want you to leave.”
“How can I leave when my parents need me here?”
“You can help them from afar, Serenity, by keeping John and the others safe.”
Serenity fell silent, conflicted. She wanted to stay and support her family, but Alden’s words struck a chord Leonardo’s ability to exploit blood ties was a real threat..
“Alden… if I leave, will I be going alone?”
“No. You’ll go with your siblings–Laura, Paul, Maurice, Jahn–and I want you to take Ethan as well. He was targeted earlier today. They don’t know who Ethan is, which is why they left him unconscious in a playground instead of keeping him. But I won’t risk him staying here.”
“Ethan was kidnapped too?”
Chapter 0657
“Yes, Serenity,” Alden replied gravely. “That’s why I want him out of the country. There are still too many loose ends here. But I know you’re capable of looking after everyone if you set your mind to it. You’re an incredible young woman, Serenity Bartz Hunter.”
“I can’t do this alone,” she said, her voice faltering. “What happens when Laura gives birth? I don’t know how to care for a baby… or a pregnant woman. And my brothers–I’ve learned how important it is to have support.
“You won’t be alone,” Alden reassured her. “There will always be someone watching your backs. All you need to do is leave. Do you understand?”
“Can I at least say goodbye to my mother?” Serenity asked softly, her eyes pleading.
“I’d prefer if you didn’t… She’s in the hospital, and visiting her would leave you exposed. Plus, returning here would compromise this location as a safe house,” Alden explained.
Serenity nodded reluctantly, his reasoning cutting through her emotional impulse. It pained her to admit it, but she realized that staying–or going to see her mother–would put more people at risk. She felt like she was betraying her mother by leaving, but she understood the necessity of thinking carefully and acting responsibly.
