As for Victoria, she stuck to Balfour like glue. Her being in this mess was on her.
Otherwise, those thugs wouldnât have bothered with her. What use could she possibly be?
Alyssa and Dean rushed to the school in no time.
Despite the silver streaks in their hair, their presence alone commanded respect. Just standing at the entrance, the air seemed to thicken with their authority.
Even Mara caught herself avoiding their gaze.
Elton, upon seeing them, perked up like a meerkat and trailed behind them like a loyal pup. They were like detectives piecing together a crime scene, and he just hovered awkwardly at the sidelines.
It wasnât long before Alyssa noticed him. âThis must be the other parent involved,â she said.
One of the teachers quickly made the introductions, and Dean gave Elton a reassuring pat -on the shoulder. âDonât you worry, sir. Weâll move heaven and earth to get both kids back safe and sound.â
It was clear as day that the kidnappers were after Balfour, with poor Victoria caught in the crossfire.
Eltonâs eyes brimmed with tears as he nodded fervently. âPlease, just bring my daughter back. Sheâs still got her whole life ahead of her Soon enough, Balfourâs grandparents were off, working their contacts like seasoned spies.
Sure as the sun, the kidnapperâs call came through.
Their demands werenât outrageous, but it was just that they hadnât heard the two childrenâs voices until now, so why should they do what the kidnappers had asked for?.
Alyssaâs voice was a fortress of resolve.
âPut my grandson on the phone. I need to know theyâre both unharmed. Then, youâll have your ransom.â
âMaâam, you think Iâm stupid? Youâre just waiting to pass some message to Balfour, arenât you? This measly couple million is chump change for you. Drop the cash at the spot I say, get a taste of good faith, okay? But if you try anything funny and call the police, then donât blame me for what happens next.â
A low chuckle came from Alyssa. âA couple million is indeed a drop in the bucket for us. But Iâm a businesswoman. I donât make deals without guarantees. If youâre worried, then stay on the line while I confirm my grandson is safe.â
She even managed to sound as if she was haggling at a yard sale. The kidnapper on the other end seemed about to blow a gasket but got stopped by their boss.
âAlright, alright. You want to talk? Here.â
Balfourâs voice cut through the tension. Alyssaâs demeanor shifted to that of a concerned granny. She straightened up, her voice laced with urgency. âBalfour, are you alright?â
Balfourâs voice was as collected as ever. âIâm fine, Grandma. Itâs just Victoria, sheâs a bit shaken. Just pay them, okay? Money can be made again.â
The kidnappers hadnât expected Balfour to be so cooperative, saving them a bunch of hassle. To the wealthy, dropping a couple million might be as mundane as someone else spending a couple hundred.
âDonât worry, dear. Iâll make sure everything is delivered on time. You and that girl look out for each other, got it?â
Elton was wound as tight as a drum, desperate to hear his daughterâs voice. But the whole thing was being led by the Howards, leaving him without a sliver of space to chime in, let alone hear Victoriaâs voice.
When Balfour mentioned Victoria being a bit nervous, Elton could only imagine her frail and terrified state, and the thought alone was enough to tear open the floodgates of his anguish.
If only he were more capable, more influential, he wouldnât feel so utterly powerless now.