Teach Me (18+)

Chapter Forty One

Eden's Point Of View

I paced around the kitchen, fighting back the tears that pricked at my eyes. I know I shouldn't have said those words to Gianna, but Lily wouldn't have gone missing if I had been here.

I stopped pacing and leaned against the counter, my eyes fixed on the floor. My words to Gianna echoed in my mind, and I felt a pang of remorse. But I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgment. I had to focus on finding Lily.

Artemis walked into the kitchen, her expression somber. "Eden, I reviewed the security footage from the estate's perimeter. We didn't see anything unusual, but we're enhancing the images to see if we can pick up anything."

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Keep working on it. I want to know everything we can about Lily's disappearance."

As Artemis nodded and turned to leave, I saw myself in the window's reflection. My eyes looked haunted, my face drained. I knew I had to pull myself together, for Lily's sake.

But the image of Gianna's tear-stained face lingered in my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just made a terrible mistake.

"Fuck."

Artemis's voice rang out, raising my eyebrows.

I turned to face Artemis, surprised by the curse. "What's wrong?" I asked, my voice sharp with concern.

I stood in the kitchen, trying to focus on the task - finding Lily. But my mind kept wandering back to Gianna. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had hurt her deeply.

Artemis hesitated before speaking. "We've received a ransom demand for Lily."

My eyes narrowed. "What do they want?"

Artemis's expression was grim. "Five million dollars," her voice trailed off. "And half the company."

I felt a surge of anger. "Half the company?" I repeated, feeling my heart bang against my rib cage. "They've lost their fucking mind."

My thoughts wandered; there was only one person who would make such demands.

Only one person who would want half my company.

"I'll give her the fucking money, but she's not getting my company." I declared, holding Artemis's gaze.

Artemis nodded, her eyes locked on mine. "Okay. I'll get them to send the address."

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. I was determined to do whatever it took to bring Lily home safely.

I went up to my closet, pulling the many clothes back until I was met with the keypad that was installed on the wall.

I put in the code, watching as the safe door opened. Inside the safe, stacks of cash and important documents were neatly organized. Guns lined the walls, both big and small, along with the ammunition I needed for each of the firearms I grabbed.

I grabbed a duffel bag and started filling it with the cash and the guns, my mind focused on the task at hand. As I worked, I couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out for Lily.

Once the bag was filled to its capacity, I zipped it up and grabbed my phone. I sent a text to Artemis, letting her know that I had some of the money ready and the rest I would have to wire over.

As I waited for her response, I couldn't help but think about why she would take Lily? What did she want with her? And would she really let her go once she had the money?

The questions swirled in my mind, but I pushed them aside. I would deal with those questions later. Currently, my priority is getting Lily back safely and sound.