C482 Which Family Would Be Next

Alicia listened quietly as everyone continued speaking. She didn't interrupt anyone. She simply sat there, thinking about everything that had happened. Laura had lost her father. Amanda was right that Laura couldn't simply be expected to forget what had happened. Faith was also beginning to feel responsible because Josh had been killed because of information connected to the Lions. But Alicia had another problem. Her grandfather. Samson was Hanna's father, but he was also Alicia's grandfather. He had never been kind to her. In fact, their relationship is complicated, and Alicia knew that he hated her. Yet, despite everything, he was still family. Alicia now had to choose between supporting Laura's desire for revenge and protecting a man who had never shown her the same protection. She lowered her eyes and thought carefully. Finally, she looked up. “Amanda, I understand what you're saying now.” Amanda waited. “But wouldn't it be better if we go after Hanna instead of creating another funeral by going after Samson?”

Amanda remained quiet. Alicia continued. “Think about it. If we kill her father, what do you think Hanna will do? What do you think Gupta family will do?” Nobody answered. “Our family members will be in even more danger.” Alicia's voice became more serious. “Killing her father won't make her stop. It will motivate her even more.” She looked at the others. “And the biggest problem is that we don't even know where Hanna is right now.” That statement changed the mood of the conversation. Alicia continued. “We don't know where she's hiding. We don't know what she's planning. We don't know who she's watching.” She paused. “And that's what makes her so dangerous.” Amanda nodded slowly. “I understand what you mean.” She sighed. “But Laura doesn't understand that.” Alicia nodded. “Then I'll explain it to her.” Amanda looked directly at Alicia. “Please do.” She hesitated before continuing. “Because I'm worried about my family too.” Alicia looked at her. Amanda's expression became serious. “And there's something else we can't ignore.” “What?” Alicia asked. “The photograph Charlie posted.” Everyone became quiet.

Amanda continued. “Everyone was visible in that photograph. Hanna has seen it.” She looked around the screen. “She already knows who we are. She knows who is close to Alicia. But now she knows our families as well.” Amanda's voice became more urgent. “She may already know where some of them live. We can't assume that we're safe simply because she hasn't attacked everyone yet.” Alicia nodded. “I understand.” She leaned forward. “Then we need to act quickly.” Amanda nodded. “Exactly.” Alicia thought for another moment. “I'll start working on a plan. But everything will be finalized after Laura's father's Funeral.” Amanda smiled faintly. “Good.” The video call continued for a few more minutes as everyone discussed their families and the need to increase security. Eventually, the call ended. The screen went dark. I looked at Alicia. She was still sitting quietly. I could tell she was thinking about everything that had happened. “Wife…” She looked at me. “What do you think?” Alicia stared at me for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled. “I was thinking about us having some time alone.” I frowned. “Now?” She moved closer to me. Before I could say anything else, she kissed me. For a while, the outside world disappeared. Just the two of us. We needed that moment together more than either of us wanted to admit.

Meanwhile, Samantha had arrived at the Heaps family residence with Monica. The moment they entered the house, Lindsey's face lit up. “Monica!” Monica smiled. “Grandmother!” Lindsey walked toward her and pulled her into a warm hug. “My grandchild, look at you!” She stepped back and looked at Monica from head to toe. “You've grown so much.” Monica laughed. “Grandmother, I'm fine.” Lindsey smiled. “Have you been doing well?” “Yes.” Monica looked toward Samantha. “Grandpa treats me very well.” Lindsey smiled. “I'm glad to hear that.” Monica then remembered something. “But I can't sleep here tonight.” Lindsey frowned playfully. “Why not?” “I have to look after the flowers.” Lindsey laughed. “The flowers?” Monica nodded seriously. “Yes. We have a garden, and I help my grandpa look to after it.” Lindsey shook her head affectionately. “My grandchild, you've grown up.” Monica smiled. She was happy to be back with her grandparents, even if only for a short visit. Nicolas had been watching them quietly. He finally walked toward Monica. “My granddaughter.” Monica turned toward him. “Yes, Grandpa?” Nicolas smiled. “I've been looking forward to seeing you.” He reached into his pocket and handed her a card. “Have you been well?” Monica looked at the card. “What is this?”

Nicolas smiled. “You can go shopping.” Monica smiled. “You're giving me money to buy clothes?” “Yes.” She hugged him. “Thank you, Grandpa!” Nicolas laughed. “You're welcome.” Lindsey watched them with a smile. For a brief moment, the house felt completely peaceful. But Samantha's expression remained serious. She hadn't come simply for a family visit. She had come because she was worried. Nicolas noticed her expression. He looked at her. “My child…” Samantha turned toward him. “What brings you here?” Samantha hesitated for a moment. Then she decided not to hide anything. “Father, I came here to warn you and Mother.” Lindsey's smile disappeared. “Warn us?” Samantha nodded. “Yes.” Nicolas's expression became serious. “What happened?” Samantha took a deep breath. “My friend's father was killed.” Lindsey immediately covered her mouth. “What?” Samantha nodded. Nicolas stared at her. “Was it an accident?” “No.” Samantha shook her head. “He was murdered.” The room became silent. Nicolas looked at Samantha. “Who killed him?” Samantha lowered her voice. “Our Enemy.” Lindsey froze. “Why?”

Samantha nodded. “She targeted Laura's father because she wanted information about what we were planning.” Nicolas frowned. “And what does this have to do with you?” Samantha looked at him. “Everything.” She explained what had happened. “Hanna is looking for information about Alicia and our group. She contacted Laura and demanded to know what we were planning.” Lindsey looked frightened. “And Laura refused. And then Hanna killed her father.” Nicolas slowly sat down. “So she is targeting the families now.” Samantha nodded. “That is why I came here.” She looked at both of them. “I don't want either of you leaving this house alone.” Nicolas looked at her. “You think she will come after us?” “I don't know.” Samantha paused. “And that's exactly what worries me.” Lindsey looked at Monica. The smile that had been on her face earlier was gone. “Does Monica know?” Samantha glanced at her daughter. “She knows that something is happening. But I have been hiding it from her, she is still young to understand anything.” Nicolas looked at Samantha. “You don't have to worry about us.” Samantha shook her head. “Father, I do have to worry.” She stood up. “You're my biological parents.” She looked toward Lindsey. “And I don't want to come here one day and hear that something happened to you because of me.”

Lindsey walked toward her daughter. “My child…” She hugged Samantha. “We will be careful.” Samantha hugged her back. Nicolas stood up. “Then we will increase security.” Samantha nodded. “Good.” She looked around the house. “For now, nobody should go anywhere alone.” Nicolas nodded. “Understood.” Samantha finally smiled faintly. “Thank you.” Monica walked over and took Samantha's hand. “Mom…” Samantha looked down. “Yes?” “Can we stay a little longer?” Samantha smiled. “Of course.” Lindsey smiled again. “Stay for dinner.” Samantha nodded. “Alright.” For the moment, Samantha allowed herself to relax. But even as the family continued talking, she couldn't stop thinking about what had happened to Josh. Hanna had already crossed another line. And now the question wasn't whether Hanna would attack another family. The question was which family would be next.