In the early morning, majestic birds of the north soared through the forest, filling the sky with melodious calls. In front of the tranquil estate, a luxurious car came to a steady stop.
Aldrich pushed Elwin in his wheelchair and said, “Father, we’ve arrived here.”
A servant approached and took hold of Elwin’s wheelchair handles. Elwin waved to Maggie, “My dear, come over.”
Maggie stepped forward, “Mr. Barrett, thank you for your warm welcome.”
Elwin took Maggie’s hand, trying to feel the familiar energy from the previous night, but all he sensed was the scent of his son. “This boy’s possessiveness is truly overbearing,” Elwin grumbled in dissatisfaction. However, when expressing his concern to Maggie, his tone turned warm and fatherly. “My dear, if you find anything unsatisfactory about Aldrich’s Barrett Manor, don’t forget that you have me, in a way, as your father now.”
“Thank you,” Maggie replied with gratitude.
As Maggie looked at Elwin, she couldn’t help but feel the depth of his care for her. His presence offered her a sense of comfort.
As Aldrich and Maggie prepared to leave, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the peaceful countryside. Elwin stood before them, exuding wisdom and fatherly concern. His voice was sincere.
“Aldrich, I believe you will protect Maggie with all your might. She is precious to me, and I trust you have the capability to ensure her safety.”
Aldrich met Elwin’s gaze, resolute and unwavering. “I promise you, Elwin. I will do everything in my power to ensure her happiness.”
Elwin’s eyes glistened as he looked at Maggie, a faint smile on his lips. “Maggie, my dear, always remember that you have the strength within you to overcome any obstacle. Believe in yourself, and never lose hope.”
Maggie nodded, her voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Elwin. Your guidance and support mean everything to me.”
As they bid their final farewells, Elwin’s gaze lingered on Maggie, his eyes filled with love and curiosity. He watched her grow and bloom under his care and couldn’t help but wonder where her future would lead.
After an emotional parting, Aldrich and Maggie left Elwin’s Barrett Manor.
Marvin caught up with them, his footsteps echoing behind Aldrich and Maggie. His sudden appearance brought a sense of relief, as they knew they had gained another ally in their quest to find Grace.
“I thought you’d turn out to be a scaredy-cat.” Aldrich teased Marvin.
After Marvin got into the car, he turned his face towards the window, seemingly ignoring Aldrich. Just when Maggie thought Marvin was choosing to ignore Aldrich, he responded, “I’m just giving you a chance.”
“Is there a chance for a private meal with Father?” Aldrich continued to jest.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Maggie asked, “Did you oversleep? You missed breakfast this morning.”
Facing Maggie, Marvin’s attitude remained somewhat friendly. “Do you believe one can enjoy a meal without making a sound?”
Recalling the solemn breakfast scene, where no one spoke throughout, Maggie shook her head firmly. “I didn’t know there were such strict rules for breakfast.”
Aldrich explained, “Our mother closes her eyes in the morning, and Father always misses her.”
Maggie immediately understood Elwin’s situation. Marvin chimed in, “Grace showed up twice while you were present, didn’t she?”
“Of course, Grace’s target is me,” Maggie looked at Aldrich, “You haven’t told him that Grace has undergone some changes and needs our help?”
Before Aldrich could respond, Marvin interjected, “I already know, but I wanted to hear it from you, someone directly involved.”
Maggie took a deep breath and, looking into the distance, vividly described their encounters with Grace. She narrated the young woman’s state during their brief encounters, her voice filled with the pain she had witnessed. Every word was filled with her sympathy and sorrow.
Marvin listened intently, each new detail weighing heavily on him. His brows furrowed, and his face displayed a mix of anger and sadness. “How could anyone make her suffer like that? Just thinking about all she’s been through breaks my heart.”
As the car entered the bustling city, Aldrich’s phone rang with a message. He quickly retrieved it and read Charlie’s report. A glimmer of hope passed through his eyes. “We’ve received a message from Charlie. They’ve found Grace’s trail in the eastern suburbs. We need to head there immediately,” his voice filled with urgency and determination.
Marvin immediately spoke up, “Let’s go now!”
Aldrich turned to the driver with a resolute tone. “Change course and head to the eastern suburbs. Time is of the essence.”
The car raced through crowded streets, the cityscape whizzing by in a blur of lights and motion. The atmosphere inside the car was tense, with everyone lost in their own thoughts and emotions.
Marvin gripped the armrest, his knuckles turning white. He was consumed by his concern for Grace, her agonized image etched into his memory. He longed to find her, to offer her comfort and a chance at healing.
Maggie’s fingers tapped restlessly on her leg, her heart pounding with anticipation and anxiety. She replayed their encounters with Grace in her mind, the young woman’s face contorted with pain and fear. She hoped they would be able to contact her in time and provide her with the help she so desperately needed. The weight of responsibility rested on her shoulders, but she refused to let it deter her.
With each step they took, their determination grew stronger. United in their mission, they were resolute in their commitment to rescue Grace from the depths of despair.
Outside an abandoned house, Charlie had stationed his people. Their eyes scanned the surroundings, alert for any signs of movement. “The boss is here; everyone keep an eye on the house, and don’t move unless ordered,” Charlie warned the other wolves, his voice laced with caution. When they saw Marvin, their expressions turned to surprise. His sudden arrival piqued their curiosity, and they eagerly awaited further instructions.
“Marvin, it’s good to see you here with Aldrich,” Charlie said sincerely as Marvin approached.
Marvin came closer to Charlie, a sense of urgency in his voice. “Where’s Grace? Is she inside?” His eyes searched for any sign of hope, desperate to catch a glimpse of the woman they were there to rescue.
Charlie explained the situation, his expression darkening. “We’ve been standing here all day, but Grace hasn’t come out. She might still be inside. Should we force our way in?”
“No,” Maggie immediately spoke up. “If we startle Grace and she loses control again, releasing her immense power, it will only make the situation more complicated.”
Aldrich nodded in agreement. “You’re right. Unless absolutely necessary, we must avoid harming Grace.”
Marvin’s worries deepened, and he furrowed his brow in concern. He weighed the options, knowing that time was critical. “I’ll go in first, assess the situation, and then we can decide on our next steps. This is important.”
Aldrich concurred, his tone cautious. “Marvin, be careful. Grace’s powers have become extremely potent, and her mental state may be unstable. If you sense any danger, call for backup immediately.”
Marvin took a steadying breath, his eyes filled with determination. He nodded and turned to head towards the old house, with a mixture of hope and anxiety in his heart. Each step he took brought him closer to uncovering the truth and the possibility of rescuing Grace from her own demons.
As Marvin approached the entrance, his hand trembled slightly, a testament to the weight of the task before him. Pushing the door open, the creaking of the old wood echoed in protest, revealing the dim interior where time seemed frozen. Sunlight streamed in through the cracks in the boarded-up windows, casting dust particles into a swirling dance.
Marvin cautiously stepped inside, his senses on high alert. The air was thick with a musty odor, mixed with neglect and decay. His eyes adjusted to the dim environment, revealing the remnants of forgotten lives scattered throughout the room.
The floor creaked, echoing through the empty space, intensifying the silence. Marvin’s heart raced in his chest as he ventured further, scanning every nook and cranny, every shadow, with each step he took, growing closer to uncovering the truth.