Chapter 2

When Julian’s video popped up on my Snapchat, I was in the middle of a thirty-million-dollar board meeting.

Marcus, my father-in-law, had specifically put me in charge of this deal.

He always said Amelia was too reckless and that I was the only one he trusted with the family empire.

Over the past few years, Amelia’s parents had truly treated me like their own son.

To repay their kindness, I did everything I could to be a perfect husband to Amelia.

Not only did I quietly handle all her mess-ups at work, but I also took care of her health.

Amelia had a weak stomach, so I drank in her place at business dinners.

She hated having strangers in her personal space, so I personally cleaned our bedroom every single day after work.

Even when her extended family pressured us to have kids, I took the blame for our lack of children just to shield her from the stress.

In my mind, marriage was about building a life together and cultivating love over time.

Until Amelia bluntly sat me down one day.

"Julian and I are sleeping together. Keep this from my parents, Liam."

"Love isn’t a transaction. Just because you do things for me doesn't mean I have to love you. And honestly, I don't."

"If you find someone else you like, go ahead. I won't stand in your way."

That day, I was shocked for a second, but I accepted it quickly.

Our marriage had always been a match of convenience.

After we married, Marcus and Mary’s mentorship allowed me to make massive breakthroughs in my career.

Compared to chasing after a woman who didn't love me, I cared far more about the opportunities and resources her parents gave me.

So, I promised Amelia I would keep her secret as long as she didn't do anything too humiliating in public.

That was why I had never cared when Julian tried to mark his territory before.

But this time, because I didn't reply immediately, Julian started spamming my Snapchat.

[Liam, if you don't sign the divorce papers, I can’t guarantee this old lady is going to keep her arms.]

I frowned, tapping into the chat, and the video started playing.

The footage was blurry, but I could clearly see an older woman tied with ropes, being dragged behind a car.

Panic surged through me. I quickly typed back:

[Don't do anything stupid. If you cross the line, Amelia and I won't be able to bail you out.]

Julian replied instantly.

[Bail me out? She’s your mother. When she dies, just bury her.]

My mom?!

My mind went completely blank. I paused the board meeting, walked out of the conference room, and FaceTime’s my mom.

My heart pounded violently with every ring.

Just as the call was about to time out, she finally answered.

"Liam, sweetie! Why are you calling me at this hour?"

My mom’s voice was bright and relaxed. She didn't sound like she was in pain at all.

In the background, I could hear the bustling sounds of a Parisian café.

I let out a long sigh of relief. Thank God, my mom was safe.

But before I could even catch my breath, my chest tightened again.

If the woman in the video wasn't my mom, then who the hell was it?!

I quickly made an excuse and hung up, then fired off a text to Julian.

[You kidnapped the wrong person! That is not my mom! Let her go and get her to a hospital right now!]

Thirty seconds later, Julian sent a voice note.

A weak, agonizing voice gasped through the speaker: "My son is Liam... He won't let you get away with this..."

My entire body went numb. I froze on the spot.

That was Mary’s voice!