Ian got ready within ten minutes, and the two headed to Old Town.
Sebastian never probed into where Sasha was living as he had always thought she was staying with
her uncle. After all, that was what she told him.
It was not until today that he found out that Sasha actually lied to him and that she had found another
place to stay.
This obviously did not set Sebastian in a good mood. Thus, he drove Ian to Old Town without saying a
word. This neighborhood is simply too squalid and slummy. His nose wrinkled in disgust as he looked
around.
Beside him, Ianâs reaction was totally different.
As the car drove nearer to Sashaâs place, Ian poked his head out of the window and looked around in
expectation. He was looking for her, and Sebastian could tell from his actions that his son could not
wait to see her. That little boy was scanning the area meticulously, trying to get a sign of his mother.
Sebastian eyed the eager kid from the corner of his eyes and pursed his lips. Too bad this is the last
time she gets to see Ian. The car drove towards an apartment, but Sebastian could not find a place to
park since a large crowd had gathered at the entrance. Right in the middle of the group was a little girl
who was holding a strangerâs hand. The person was trying to calm her down.
Vivi!
The moment Ian spotted her, he asked Sebastian to stop the car. He then jumped off immediately and
ran over, pushing his way through the crowd.
âVivi!â he shouted with all his strength.
Vivian turned her head around, trying to locate the direction of the familiar voice. Her frightened gaze
wandered around aimlessly.
Ian! Ianâs here!
The moment Vivian saw Ian, she let go of the manâs hand and darted toward Ian. She ran as she tried
to hold back her tears welling up in her eyes. âIan! Youâre here!â
She planted herself right in his open arms.
Vivian was terrified after a whole night of anxious waiting. Sasha did not come home, and neither did
her two brothers. This was the biggest fright of her life. When she finally saw a familiar face, she could
not hold it in any longer.
Ian instantly realized the despair on her face and welcomed his sister into his embrace.
A frown of disdain settled on Sebastianâs brows as he looked at the little girl in Ianâs arms. Isnât this the
girl I saw at the hospital yesterday? Sheâs the illegitimate daughter of that woman.
âWhatâs the matter? Why are you here? Whereâs your mother?â
Regardless of the aversion Sebastian felt towards the girl, he went closer and asked her what all this
mess was about.
Beckoned by a stern and unfamiliar voice, Vivi looked up and hid behind Ian.
Both Sebastian and Ian suddenly became speechless.
After a while, Ian turned around and asked gently, âVivi, what happened? Where is Matt?â
Vivi stole a timid look at Sebastian and then at her brother before finally talking again. âMatt came
home after you left yesterday. When he heard that youâre gone, he went out to look for you, but he
hasnât been home ever since then. He went missing, and Mommy went looking for him⦠And now,
Mommy is missing as wellâ¦â
Vivian finally lost it and broke down in tears, wailing away at the top of her voice.
Ianâs hands dropped from his sisterâs shoulders in shock when he heard everything.
Meanwhile, Sebastian looked at his sonâs reaction and the crying girl and was left confused. âWho went
missing?â he asked again.
âMatt⦠The bad guys got himâ¦â Vivian answered again.
âWho is Matt?â Sebastian inquired hastily.
âMy brother⦠Could you help me find him?â Vivian wiped away her tears and blinked her imploring
eyes at Sebastian, hoping to get help. Although she knew the man standing before her was her father,
she thought it would be better not to call him so without Mommyâs permission.
Vivianâs request elicited an unexpected response from Sebastian. A mocking smile broke across his
strikingly handsome face, making Vivian withdrew in fear.
âSo, are you telling me that your mother has another child other than you?â
Vivian looked at him in silence.
Yeah⦠Mommy has two more kids⦠Ian and Matt. Weâre all Mommyâs babies.
Looking at Sebastianâs expression, Ian decided to step in and begged him to help. âDaddy, please save
Matteo before itâs too late.â
âWhy should I save him? Heâs not related to me,â Sebastian asked in return.
His tone was scornful and indignant.
Seriously, this woman never fails to surprise me. Not only has she an illegitimate daughter, but she also
has another son. Hah! The last thing I would want to do is to associate myself with that disgusting
woman!
Just as Sebastian was about to reject his sonâs entreat, his phone rang.
âSebastian Hayes, do you really want your kid to die? Fine! Iâll give you what you want!â
Over the phone, there was a series of ruffling noises before a deafening gunshot pierced through the
noises. Almost concurrently, a desperate scream joined in the commotion. âNo!â A womanâs raucous
shout came right after the gunshot.
Sebastianâs mind went blank instantly.
Even he could feel the anguish of the woman from her scream.
Right then, Ianâs choking pleas shook Sebastian back to reality. The kid had heard the gunshot from
the phone and broke down as he clung to Sebastianâs leg. âDaddy, I hate you! Why didnât you save
Mommy? Why didnât you save Matteo?â