Chapter 7: His Choice When Stella's Life Hung in the Balance

Stella couldn’t believe it—her son, kidnapped?!

The image on her phone screen burned into her eyes like a searing brand. A photo of Tyler, bound and helpless, stared back at her, and her trembling voice broke the silence.

“How could this…?” she whispered, her words barely audible.

Where was Graham Whitaker?!

The Whitaker villa had round-the-clock security. Tyler’s chauffeur and bodyguard never left his side. Even when Susie Landry went out to buy flowers, Graham sent three cars to escort her. Yet somehow, their son had been taken.

Despite Tyler’s recent favoritism toward Susie Landry, he was still her son. How could she not care?

Her phone vibrated again, pulling her from her spiral of panic.

Another text appeared from the unknown number, this time with a location.

"Bring $1 million in cash. Come alone. No police, no telling anyone—or else."

Stella’s chest tightened as she read the message. Her hands trembled, her pupils dilating in shock. The demand made no sense. If the kidnappers wanted money, why not go directly to Graham? He was the one who could effortlessly produce millions. Why target her?

Frantically, she dialed Graham’s number, desperate to confirm Tyler’s safety. The line rang and rang, but no one answered.

“Damn it, Graham! Where are you? Do you even know what’s happening to Tyler right now?!”

Her panic mounting, she called the villa’s staff. Her voice was sharp, frantic.

“Is Tyler at the villa?!”

The hesitation in the housekeeper’s response sent chills down Stella’s spine.

“Answer me!” she yelled.

“Ma’am… Tyler left for school this morning. He’s not here.”

“And Graham?!”

“The master also left earlier.”

The cold truth hit her like a punch to the stomach. They weren’t home.

“School!” she muttered, hope flickering. She quickly contacted Tyler’s teacher, but her last shred of optimism shattered when they confirmed Tyler hadn’t arrived at school either.

“How… how could this happen? Who took him?”

Stella tried to steady her breath, forcing herself to think clearly. But as she grasped for answers, another message came through, delivering a fatal blow.

"You have one hour."

The accompanying photo showed a puddle of red liquid on the floor. Blood.

“No! My child!”

Time seemed to mock her, ticking away relentlessly. Her ears buzzed, her heart pounded. She had no choice. She couldn’t wait.

Rushing to a drawer, she grabbed every bit of cash she could find, emptied her bank cards into her bag, and snatched her car keys. Then she bolted out the door.

Her car roared to life as she sped through the city, running red lights, flooring the accelerator. The world outside blurred, the scenery rushing past.

Images of Tyler’s childhood flashed in her mind. His first smile in her arms. The first time he called her “Mom.” His first wobbly steps. His first day at school.

Tears stung her eyes.

“Tyler, don’t be afraid. Mommy’s coming.”

She had to save him. Nothing else mattered—not Graham’s indifference, not their broken home. Tyler was her world, her only reason to keep fighting.

The road grew quieter as she ventured into the outskirts of the city. The farther she drove, the more isolated it became. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her palms damp with sweat.

As she approached the remote destination, a black sedan suddenly shot out from a side road, heading straight for her.

Stella’s heart lurched. She slammed the brakes, swerving to avoid a collision. But the other car didn’t slow down. Its headlights blazed, blinding her.

“What’s wrong with this driver?! Stop!”

Her pulse raced as the sedan bore down on her. She yanked the steering wheel, trying to dodge, but it was too late.

A deafening crash erupted.

The impact hurled Stella forward violently. Her car spun out of control, skidding across the road before slamming into a tree. Glass shattered around her, shards raining down inside the wrecked vehicle.

Pain shot through her chest, sharp and unrelenting. Every breath felt like fire. Blood trickled down her forehead, blurring her vision with streaks of red.

“Cough… cough…” She struggled to breathe, her voice weak. She tried to push open the crumpled car door, but her arms felt like lead.

Through the cracked windshield, she saw the other car’s door swing open. A woman in a blood-soaked white dress stumbled out, collapsing onto the ground.

Stella’s heart froze when she recognized the face.

Susie Landry.

Shock paralyzed her. Why was Susie here?

The realization hit her like a thunderbolt. The black sedan’s reckless charge—it wasn’t an accident. Susie had done this on purpose.

Pain and disbelief clouded Stella’s thoughts. Her vision swam, her body growing weaker.

Amid the chaos, a familiar voice cut through the haze.

“Susie!”

Stella’s head jerked up. Through the smoke and debris, a tall figure emerged, running toward them.

“Graham…”

It was him. Graham Whitaker.

Relief flickered briefly, but it quickly turned to despair as she watched him sprint past her wrecked car, ignoring her outstretched hand.

He went straight to Susie.

Stella’s heart shattered.

Her body screamed in agony, her breaths shallow and labored. “Tyler… I’m sorry,” she whispered, tears spilling down her bloodstained cheeks. “I couldn’t make it…”

Would she die here?

Questions swirled in her fading consciousness. Her broken heart clung to one final hope.

“Graham Whitaker… will you come for me? Or will you choose Susie Landry again, leaving me to die alone?”

A single tear rolled down her cheek as darkness consumed her.