Meanwhile, with Elian's men surrounding the Haynes residence, Nicklaus was unable to leave the house.
Cindy realized she would have to deal with the situation herself.
She returned to the unfinished building where Mrs. Anna was being held.
When she entered, Mrs. Anna immediately looked at her with suspicion.
Cindy walked toward her slowly.
"You've caused us a lot of trouble."
Mrs. Anna glared at her.
"I haven't done anything to you."
Cindy suddenly grabbed her by the face, covering her mouth and squeezing her cheeks tightly.
Mrs. Anna struggled against her grip.
Cindy leaned closer, her expression filled with resentment.
"This is because of Elian."
Mrs. Anna's eyes widened.
"You took him away from everything I wanted."
She tightened her grip.
"He left me behind because of Cherry. Everything he does now is because of her."
Mrs. Anna tried to pull away.
Cindy's anger grew.
"So if I can't have the life I wanted, I'll make sure you suffer for everything you've caused."
Mrs. Anna stared at her defiantly despite her fear.
"You're blaming me for your own choices."
Cindy's expression hardened.
"Keep talking."
Mrs. Anna shook her head.
"You're only hurting yourself."
Cindy released her abruptly.
Mrs. Anna gasped for air, coughing as she glared at Cindy.
Cindy stepped back.
"You're going to regret ever coming into Elian's life."
Mrs. Anna's eyes filled with anger.
"No matter what you do to me, Elian will never become the person you want him to be."
Cindy stared at her coldly.
"We'll see."
She turned away, leaving Mrs. Anna frightened but still determined not to reveal Elian's secret
A week passed.
Elian's men remained around the Haynes residence day and night.
They took their duty seriously, watching every entrance and keeping a constant eye on everyone inside. No one was allowed to leave the property without Elian's knowledge.
But Nicklaus had become increasingly desperate.
That night, he stood inside his room, staring out of the window.
He had waited long enough.
He changed into black clothes similar to those worn by Elian's men and pulled a cap low over his face.
Then, after making sure no one was watching from inside the house, he climbed out through the window.
He landed quietly outside.
The guards noticed him immediately.
They exchanged brief glances but deliberately pretended not to recognize him.
One of them stepped aside and opened the gate.
Nicklaus hurried through and disappeared into the darkness.
The moment he was out of sight, one of the guards pulled out his phone and called Elian.
"Elian."
"What's wrong?"
"Nicklaus just left the house."
There was a brief silence.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir. He's outside now."
Elian's voice remained calm.
"I'm outside the house too."
The guard froze.
"You're there?"
"Yes."
Elian looked toward the road.
"Bring the others. Meet me outside."
"Understood, sir."
Elian ended the call.
He stood waiting in the darkness, his expression hard.
Nicklaus had finally made his move.
And this time, Elian was ready to follow him.
The sound of several car engines suddenly filled the quiet night.
One after another, Elian's men pulled their cars out through the gates, headlights cutting across the darkness as they quickly disappeared down the road.
Inside the Haynes residence, Nicholas immediately sensed that something was wrong.
He exchanged a worried glance with Jennie.
"Why are they leaving all at once?" Jennie asked, her voice tense.
"I don't know."
Nicholas turned and hurried upstairs with Jennie following closely behind.
They reached Nicklaus's room.
Nicholas pushed the door open.
Empty.
The bed was untouched. The window was open, and the curtains moved gently in the night breeze.
Jennie's face went pale.
"Nicklaus…"
Nicholas walked toward the window and looked outside.
"He's gone."
Jennie covered her mouth.
After everything that had happened, neither of them needed an explanation to understand how serious that was.
Nicholas immediately pulled out his phone and called Nicklaus.
No answer.
He tried again.
Still nothing.
"I'm going after him."
Nicholas grabbed his car keys from the table and rushed downstairs.
Jennie followed.
"I'm coming with you."
Nicholas turned toward her. "Jennie, no. You stay here."
"No." Her voice was firm. "He's our son, Nicholas. If he's involved in whatever is happening tonight, I need to know where he's going."
Before Nicholas could answer, Cherry hurried downstairs as well.
"I heard the cars leaving."
She looked between them.
"What's happening?"
Jennie stepped toward her.
"Nicklaus is missing. He left through his window."
Cherry's expression changed immediately.
"Then I'm coming too."
Nicholas frowned.
"Cherry—"
"I'm not staying here while Elian is chasing him," she interrupted. "If this has anything to do with Anna, I need to be there."
Nicholas stared at both women.
The fear in their faces made it clear that neither was going to back down.
Finally, he sighed.
"Fine. But you both stay in the car. Whatever happens, don't get involved."
Cherry nodded.
Jennie quickly climbed into the passenger seat while Cherry got into the back.
Nicholas started the engine and pulled away from the house.
A short distance ahead, they could see several vehicles belonging to Elian's men.
And farther ahead of them was Elian's car.
Nicholas tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
"They're following someone."
Jennie leaned forward slightly.
"Who?"
Nicholas narrowed his eyes.
Then he saw it.
A black Jeep moving ahead of Elian's car.
There was something strange about it.
"No number plate," Nicholas muttered.
Cherry's heart began pounding.
"Do you think that's them?"
Nicholas didn't answer immediately.
He kept his eyes fixed on the black Jeep.
Elian's men maintained their distance, while Elian's car followed behind them.
Jennie stared at the vehicle, anxiety growing inside her.
"If that's Nicklaus…"
Nicholas's jaw tightened.
"We're going to find out."
Cherry looked through the windshield at Elian's car.
"Please let him find Anna."
Her voice trembled.
"Please."
Nicholas glanced at her through the mirror.
Then his eyes returned to the road.
Whatever was waiting ahead, they were going to find out tonight.