C403 A Threat

Back in the city, evening had already settled over the streets. The lights from the buildings and passing cars illuminated the roads, but inside the Mooney family residence, there was very little peace. The worry in the house was beyond normal. Everyone was still trying to process everything that had happened. Alicia was missing. The others were missing with her. And now, even though the public believed they had been kidnapped, the people who wanted to hurt the Mooney family were still making their moves. Mark had only just returned home. The moment he entered the living room, everyone turned toward him. He looked exhausted.

After sitting down, he explained what had happened at Lucia Goods. “There was a shooting,” Mark said. “The Harris family sent men to attack Lucia Goods.” Quinton shook his head slowly after hearing the news. “These people are dangerous. Even after the news reported that Alicia had been kidnapped, they are still coming after us.” Mark nodded. “Exactly. Which is why we must remain alert.” Peter remained silent. His mind was already working through the possible consequences. The attack at Lucia Goods had been unexpected, but the fact that the employees had managed to defend themselves was at least some good news. Still, the situation was becoming increasingly complicated. The world was supposed to believe that she and the others had disappeared.

Yet the enemies of the family were still attacking their businesses. If things continued this way, someone might eventually begin asking the wrong questions. Before anyone could say anything else, a loud knock suddenly echoed through the house. Everyone turned toward the front door. Knock! Knock! Knock! The sound was unusually forceful. Mark frowned. “Who could that be?” Nobody answered. One of the family members moved toward the entrance. Before they could even reach the door, it suddenly opened. A man stormed inside. The moment Mark saw him, his expression changed. It was Faith's father. He was furious. “Mark!” His voice echoed throughout the house. Everyone became silent.

Faith's father walked toward them. “I thought your family was doing the right thing!” Mark stood up. “Mr. Capsey...” “How could you allow my daughter to leave after I clearly refused to let her go?” Mark froze. Peter immediately looked at him. Nobody had expected this. Faith's father continued angrily. “Yesterday, she didn't come home. I thought she was simply still angry with me. I thought she would eventually calm down and return.” He pointed toward Mark. “But then I found out that her car was found by the police near the shooting!” Mark's heart sank. He glanced at Peter. Nobody had noticed Faith's car. Mark quickly tried to remain calm. “Mr. Capsey, I am sorry to hear that. I was not aware that Faith went after you refused to let her go.”

Faith's father stared at him. Mark continued carefully. “There is currently no way for us to contact them. However, I believe they are safe.” “Safe?” Faith's father laughed bitterly. “You expect me to believe that?” Mark remained silent. “I want my daughter back.” His voice became louder. “I don't care where she is. I don't care what you have planned. I want my daughter back.” Mark's expression hardened. Faith's father stepped closer. “And if you can contact her, tell her to come home.” He paused. “Because if she doesn't…” His eyes moved across the room. “…I will expose everything.” The room immediately became silent. Mark's face changed. Faith's father continued. “I will go to the police and tell them everything I know.”

He pointed at Mark. “They will know who you really are.” Then he pointed around the room. “They will know about the schemes you are carrying out for your personal vengeance.” Nobody spoke. The threat was clear. If Faith's father went to the police, everything could collapse. Mark opened his mouth to respond, but Faith's father didn't give him the opportunity. He turned around and walked toward the door. “I want my daughter back.” He stopped for a moment. “And if anything happens to her, I will make sure everyone knows what your family has been doing.” With that, he stormed out. The door slammed behind him. Bang! For several seconds, nobody moved. Angry wasn't enough to describe how Faith's father was feeling. He wasn't simply upset. He was furious. And, more importantly, he was serious. Everyone in the room looked at one another.

Georgia finally broke the silence. “So… what do we do?” Peter shook his head. “I don't know.” Mark remained standing near the door. He slowly shook his head. “I'm not sure either.” He looked toward Peter. “This is becoming more complicated than we expected.” Peter nodded. Mark sighed. “I will call Kelvin and ask for his opinion. Maybe he can find a way out of this.” He paused. “If not, then surely the Gupta family will come up with a plan.” Nobody responded. The atmosphere had become even more uncomfortable. In Mary's arms, Emmanuel slept peacefully, completely unaware of what was happening around him. His small face was calm. His breathing was steady. Mary looked down at him before looking back at the others. The contrast was almost painful. Outside, their enemies were moving. Inside, their secrets were beginning to threaten them. Mark finally turned toward his study. “I need to make this call.” He walked away.

At the Wood residence, the atmosphere was much calmer. Kelvin was sitting comfortably while holding Tristan in his arms. He smiled as he fed his grandson. “Son, you don't have to worry,” Kelvin said softly. “Your mother will come back before you even notice.” Tristan stared at him innocently. Kelvin smiled. “She will.” Nearby, Valeria was chatting with Tracy. Monica sat on the floor, happily playing with her toys. For a few minutes, everything seemed normal. Then the front door opened. Ben entered carrying a small teddy bear. He looked toward Monica. “My child, here.” Monica immediately jumped up happily. “For me?” Ben smiled and handed her the teddy bear. “Yes.” “Thank you, Father!” She hugged the teddy bear tightly. Then she turned toward Kelvin. “Grandpa! Look! Daddy brought me a teddy bear!”

Kelvin smiled. “That is very nice.” Tracy looked at Ben. “This is much better.” Ben smiled slightly. He greeted everyone before checking his phone. “Mom, Dad, I won't have dinner today. I've been busy, and there are still some things I need to take care of.” They all nodded. “All right,” Kelvin said. Ben walked toward his room. Nobody noticed how serious his expression had become. He closed the door behind him. A few moments later, Kelvin's phone suddenly rang. Ring! Ring! Kelvin immediately picked it up. When he saw who was calling, his expression changed. “Mr. Mooney?” He answered quickly. “Is there something wrong?” Everyone in the room froze. Kelvin put the phone on speaker.

Mark's voice came through. “Kelvin, we have a problem.” Kelvin sat up straight. “What happened?” Mark explained everything. He told him about Faith's father arriving at the Mooney residence. He explained how Faith's father had discovered that her car had been found by the police near the shooting. And finally, he explained the threat. If Faith didn't return, he would expose everything to the police. When Mark finished, nobody spoke. Kelvin slowly looked around the room. Tracy was staring at him. Valeria and David were also listening carefully. Nobody seemed to have an answer. Kelvin finally sighed. “Mr. Mooney, this will complicate everything.” He rubbed his forehead. “If he goes to the police and exposes everything, it will cost you your career.” Mark remained silent. “And not only your career,” Kelvin continued. “Our reputation could be destroyed as well.”

He paused. “Everyone will know that we faked the disappearance.” Mark sighed. “I know.” “That is why I wanted your opinion.” Kelvin looked down. “I understand.” For a moment, he didn't know what else to say. Then he looked toward David. “Mr. Chambers is here as well.” David looked at him. Kelvin continued. “He also seems to be out of words. We really don't know what to do.” Mark was silent for a few seconds. Then he spoke. “All right.” “I will contact the Gupta family.” Mark sounded more determined. “Maybe they will come up with a plan.” Kelvin nodded. “All right. No problem, Mr. Mooney.” The call ended. Kelvin slowly lowered his phone. Nobody spoke. Then he finally said what everyone was thinking. “We are in trouble.”

David sat quietly for a moment. He thought about everything that could happen if the truth came out. Then he shook his head. “It is actually very bad.” Everyone looked at him. “I might lose my career as well.” He sighed. “Being a professor has always been the job I love.” Tracy looked at Kelvin. “Can this affect the company?” Kelvin nodded. “It can.” He paused. “Sarah is the Director. That means she is connected to everything happening at the company.” Tracy's expression became worried. “So if the truth comes out…” Nobody said anything. The atmosphere became even more uncomfortable. What had started as a secret plan to protect Alicia and give the Lions time to train was now beginning to threaten everyone around them.