chapter 43

Nicolo was about to ask Justin where exactly in Kingsbridge he wanted to go when his phone rang. Richard.He put the call on speaker as he continued driving. “What is it?”“There’s an invitation for you, Boss. A formal event at the London Tower.”Nicolo narrowed his eyes. “Who’s hosting?”“The Queen herself,” Richard replied. “It’s a high-profile gathering—business elites, politicians, royals. It’s two days before Justin’s birthday.”Nicolo tapped his fingers against the wheel, thoughtful. He wasn’t one for grand parties, but rejecting an invitation from the Queen wasn’t ideal either. And now, with Justin choosing Kingsbridge, the timing seemed almost too perfect.His son suddenly spoke up from the passenger seat, eyes shining with curiosity. “Are you going to the party?”Nicolo smirked. “Seems like I don’t have a choice.”Justin hummed, looking back at his phone. He had sent a message earlier, but he hadn’t said to whom.“Do you still want to go to Kingsbridge?” Nicolo asked, testing him for the last time. He still gave him time to change his mind if he wanted to.Justin nodded without hesitation and confirmation.Nicolo glanced at him before turning his attention back to the road. His son’s request still puzzled him. Kingsbridge wasn’t a bad choice—it was quiet, historic, not too far from London. But something about Justin’s certainty made him wonder… why there? But he didn't give much thought. Selena was not the only reason why Nicolo put the option. He had barely spend time with his son and he wanted to take the excuse of his birthday to build their bond so that Justin could open up. This kid had mind autism and the only way to cure him was by spending time.“Well,” Nicolo muttered under his breath. “Looks like we’ll be in for a city tour. It's going to be a fun weak."***Amaira had barely stepped into her luxurious suite at the London Tower Hotel when exhaustion threatened to consume her. The journey from Italy had been long, and she had taken every measure to stay under the radar. No grand entrances, no public appearances—just silence and secrecy.The room itself was nothing short of perfection. Every inch of the space screamed elegance, from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames to the crisp white sheets of the king-sized bed. The Queen had arranged this stay personally, ensuring Amaira had both comfort and security.She let out a breath, slipping off her heels and walking toward the bed, finally ready to rest. But just as she reached for the soft pillows, her phone buzzed violently on the nightstand.A frown creased her forehead as she picked it up.Eliza.Amaira’s stomach dropped. She knew that Eliza wouldn’t call unless it was urgent.She answered immediately. “What happened?”There was a sharp inhale on the other end before Eliza’s frantic voice broke through. “Alex is missing.”The words sent a chill through Amaira’s veins.Her grip on the phone tightened. “What do you mean missing?” Her voice was dangerously calm, masking the storm inside her.“I—I don’t know! He was in his room playing, and then the next moment, he was gone! The staff has searched everywhere! He’s not in the house, Amaira!”The air in the room seemed to vanish.Amaira grabbed her coat, already heading for the door. “Find out when he left and check the security footage. I want every possible way he could have gone covered. NOW.”Eliza’s voice wavered. “There’s more…”Amaira stilled. “What?”“I checked my phone. The last message he sent was 4 mins ago…”Amaira’s breath hitched. Amaira's fingers clenched around the phone. "What did the message say?"Eliza hesitated. "Alex replied to me saying, 'I'll be in Kingsbridge today. Flight lands at 1 PM. Let mama know about it. I am scared to call her myself"Amaira's breath caught in her throat.Her eyes darted to the clock on the wall. 12:40 PM.Her heart slammed against her ribs. That little brat.Without another word, she grabbed her bag and rushed out of the hotel room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. The lift couldn't come fast enough. As soon as the doors opened, she stepped inside, pressing the ground floor button repeatedly, as if that would make it move faster.Her hands trembled as she texted Eliza. "Stay on the security feed. If he isn't there, check the exits."Eliza responded immediately. "I think he left before I even noticed. Amaira... he flew alone."Amaira sucked in a sharp breath.She knew Alex was smart, far too smart for his age, but this? This was beyond reckless. How had he managed to slip past everyone?The moment the lift doors opened, she bolted through the lobby, ignoring the curious gazes of the staff. She didn't care.Her son was somewhere in the air, alone.And she was going to kill him when she found him.Author's note: From now onwards I will upload chapters on alternate day. Happy reading!