Found Obsession

Chapter 100: The Adoptions. The Concert. The First Goodbye.

Rose, Sasha, Wyatt, Jonathan, Mark, and Levi stood inside a sleek, private black bus, its luxury interior hidden behind heavily tinted windows. Each of them was suited in black tactical gear, their identities obscured, their movements silent and precise. They were armed with darts and other weapons, prepared for anything the day might bring.

Levi and Rose had descended a few meters away from the bus to keep it hidden, walking quietly toward Riley and Teresa's house.

Rose had sent Riley a message earlier, letting him know she'd come to collect the children today.

As they approached, Riley and Teresa were already outside, dressed in similar black gear. Rose could see the children already loaded into another bus, their appearances far improved-clean, well-fed, and wearing fresh clothes. Inside the buses, she spotted Chance and Lillian, keeping an eye on the children.

A pang of curiosity struck Rose. Where are the baby and Brianna?

Levi and her descended the last steps toward the group, not removing their cover.

"Rose!" Lillian exclaimed, rushing forward to hug her, followed quickly by Chance.

"They look good," Rose whispered, her eyes scanning the children.

"They're much better," Riley said.

Teresa nodded. "We thought you at least come to see them once in a while."

"It's too dangerous for that," Rose replied. Her tone was clipped but soft enough to show she meant no harm.

The four exchanged uneasy glances.

"So, what's the plan?" Teresa asked, her eyes scanning the quiet surroundings. "Where are the others?"

"How did you get here?" Riley added suspiciously.

"There's no need for questions," Rose said firmly. "We're here to take the children. Levi and I must get going."

Riley and Teresa exchanged glances, their brows furrowing.

"Don't you need us?" Riley asked. "Don't you need help registering the children, handling the logistics?"

"No," Rose replied, her voice calm but resolute. "I appreciate all you've done. Truly." She handed a check to Riley and Teresa.

Teresa stared at it, her hand trembling slightly, as though fighting the urge to crumple it.

"Rose, you can't just take them," Lillian said, her voice breaking. "You left them with us for so long, and now you expect us to let them go without knowing where they're going? Are you taking them to another orphanage?"

"They'll be safe," Rose assured them. She met their eyes but couldn't provide more details.

"Tell me," Riley pressed, his voice low. "It's not another orphanage, is it?"

Levi stepped forward, his tone urgent. "We have to go."

Teresa's jaw clenched. "At least let Chance go with you. He can keep the children calm."

"No," Rose stated flatly.

Tension crackled between the two groups, and just as it seemed words might escalate, Levi moved in a blur. Before anyone could react, Riley, Teresa, and Lillian collapsed, darts lodged in their necks.

Rose blinked, stunned, as Levi calmly lowered his dart gun.

"Where are Brianna and the baby?"

Chance went pale, stepping in front of the bus protectively.

Then Lucas stepped out, carrying the baby in his arms, Brianna holding tightly to his hand. The scene froze for a moment-Lucas staring at Riley, Teresa, and Lillian on the ground, then at Rose and Levi. Rose was surprised to see him like that.