Chapter 53

The icy mountain wind howled, tangling Susan Thompson's hair. Her nails dug deep into her palms as she stared at the two figures near the cliff's edge.

Nicole Capra was held at the precipice by the kidnappers, her flawless makeup streaked with tears. On the other side, little Daniel Almond swayed dangerously in the wind.

"Mommy!" Daniel's voice rang out, clear as a wind chime.

Susan's tears fell instantly. Her son looked thinner, his face frighteningly pale—but his eyes still shone bright.

"Don't be scared, Daniel." Susan forced a smile. "Mommy's here."

The kidnapper leader smirked at Andrew Lucas. "Andrew, choose. Save your little lover or this bastard?"

"He's not a bastard!" Susan's voice cracked as she looked up. "Andrew, Daniel is your son!"

Andrew's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. His gaze locked onto Daniel—the boy's lips pressed tight, his eyes piercingly clear.

"One!" The kidnapper began counting.

Nicole suddenly thrashed. "Andrew, save Daniel! I'd rather die than see you suffer!" Blood seeped from her rope-burned wrists as she struggled toward the edge.

"Two!"

Susan threw herself at Andrew's feet, her forehead striking sharp rocks. "Please, save Daniel! I'll do anything!"

Blood trickled down her face, blooming crimson on the ground.

Andrew's fists turned white. He remembered Susan last night at the auction—dancing in that cheap red dress under mocking stares.

"Three!"

"Release Nicole." Andrew's voice was glacial.

Susan's world shattered. She lunged for the cliff. "Daniel!"

The kidnapper laughed as he let go. Daniel's small body plummeted like a leaf.

"No—!" Susan's scream tore through the sky.

At the last possible second, a dark figure flashed past. Andrew leaped off the cliff, catching Daniel midair.

"Hold on!" he growled, his other hand gripping a jutting rock.

Susan knelt at the edge, watching father and son dangle between life and death. Her tears mixed with blood, dripping onto Andrew's straining arm.

"Andrew..." She reached out, trembling. "Please... don't let go..."

The wind wailed like a lament for this cruel choice.