บท 41: Chapter 41: Blood ties and secret lies
Khalid's Empire
Khalid sat behind his massive oak desk, the room dimly lit by the warm glow of a single lamp. His expression was stern as he stared at Stephen, who stood nervously before him. The silence in the room was oppressive, broken only by the faint ticking of a clock on the wall.
"Stephen," Khalid began, his voice dangerously calm, "I want to know where Ivy is. She has been missing for too long, and I need answers."
Stephen shifted uncomfortably, knowing that lying to Khalid was not an option. "Sir, Ivy didn't tell me where she was going. She just asked me to prepare her car and keep it discreet."
Khalid's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "You're lying, Stephen. I know you and Ivy are close. If you don't tell me the truth, I'll have no choice but to take measures you won't like."
Stephen swallowed hard, the threat clear in Khalid's voice. "Sir, I swear I don't know where she is," he insisted, though his voice wavered.
Khalid stood up, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. He walked around the desk slowly, his eyes never leaving Stephen. "You have a friend here, don't you? Marie, if I remember correctly?"
Stephen's blood ran cold at the mention of his wife. "Yes, sir," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Khalid's smile was cold and predatory. "Marie is a lovely girl. It would be a shame if anything were to happen to her because of your refusal to cooperate."
Stephen's heart pounded in his chest. He knew Khalid was not bluffing. The man's reputation for ruthlessness was well-known. "Please, sir, don't harm her. I'll tell you what I know."
Khalid nodded, satisfied that his threat had worked. "Good. Now, tell me everything."
Stephen took a deep breath, his mind racing. "Ivy went to see Anthony. She received information about his location from a private investigator and decided to meet him without your knowledge."
Khalid's eyes flashed with anger. "Anthony? She went to see Anthony? What is she thinking?"
Stephen continued, his voice trembling. "She believes Anthony knows something important about Sophia and your plans. She wanted to speak to him directly."
Khalid clenched his fists, struggling to control his rage. "Where are they now?"
"Anthony and Ivy were at an old motel on the outskirts of the city," Stephen said quickly. "That's all I know, I swear."
Khalid turned away, his mind racing with the implications of Ivy's actions. "Very well, Stephen. You may go. But remember, if I find out you're withholding anything else, Marie will pay the price."
Stephen nodded quickly, relief flooding through him as he backed out of the room. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."
As the door closed behind Stephen, Khalid sat back down, his mind working furiously. Ivy's betrayal stung, but it also confirmed his suspicions that Anthony was a greater threat than he had initially thought.
He picked up his phone and dialed a number, his voice cold and commanding. "Prepare a team. We need to find Ivy and Anthony. And make sure they are brought back here immediately. Alive."
*
*
*
At the Safehouse
Anthony and Ivy sat in a dimly lit room, the weight of Sophia's letter hanging heavily between them. Anthony re-read the letter, his mind racing with the implications of his mother's words.
"Ivy, this changes everything," he said, his voice tense. "Sophia's letter... She wants to tell me the truth about Adrian."
Ivy nodded, her eyes filled with concern. "I know, Anthony. But we need to be careful. Damon and Khalid are dangerous. We can't just walk into a trap."
Before Anthony could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Alex, his trusted friend. He answered quickly.
"Alex, what is it?" Anthony asked.
"Anthony, your father needs to see you immediately," Alex said urgently. "It's important."
Anthony's heart sank. He knew Marcus wouldn't call him unless it was something critical. "I'll be there as soon as I can," he replied, ending the call.
Ivy looked at him, worry etched on her face. "I'm coming with you," she said firmly.
Anthony hesitated, but before he could argue, Ivy stepped closer. "Anthony, I need to be with you. I care about you, and I want to help."
Anthony sighed, feeling the tension between his need for focus and the unexpected emotions stirring within him. Ivy took his hand, her touch sending a shiver down his spine.
"Anthony," she began softly, "I know this isn't the right time, but I have to say it. In the midst of all the secrets, lies, and deception, I've caught feelings for you. I care about you deeply."
Anthony's expression softened, but he shook his head. "Ivy, I appreciate your feelings, but love isn't what I'm concerned about right now. I need to get my mother out of Damon's empire, reconcile with Adrian, and make Khalid and Damon pay for destroying my family."
Ivy's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, understanding his resolve. "I understand, Anthony. But know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Anthony squeezed her hand gently. "My father, Marcus, and my mother, Sophia, need to be together before anything happens to her. Love is the last thing on my mind right now. Love lies, but blood ties."
Ivy took a deep breath, composing herself. "Then let's get to your father. We need to plan our next move."
Anthony nodded, determination hardening his features. "Let's go. There's no time to waste."
As they left the room, Anthony couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for pushing Ivy away, but he knew he had to stay focused. There was too much at stake, and he couldn't afford any distractions.
They drove through the city, the tension between them palpable. Ivy reached out, resting her hand on Anthony's arm. "Whatever happens, I'm with you," she said softly.
Anthony glanced at her, his resolve unwavering. "Thank you, Ivy. Let's do this."
As they approached the meeting place, Anthony's thoughts were solely on his mission. He had to save his mother, reconcile with his brother, and bring down the enemies that had torn his family apart. Love would have to wait.
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