Chapter 41 A Small Misunderstanding

Silas's POV:

I ran my hand over Alex's head, still out cold, feeling like crap and guilty as hell.

Leaving Alex home alone wasn't an option, so I had to drag him along, tailing the cops and the convoy chasing the kidnapper's ride.

I felt bad for that kid Lucas. I knew I was selfish; when the kidnapper said he'd let Alex go first, I was so relieved.

No one meant more to me than Alex.

But then, the shame hit me hard. As a leader and a man, I promised Stella I'd bring her kid back safe, but I ended up putting her kid in danger to save my own.

If she found out, what would she think of me? Would she see me as a liar, unfit to lead the pack, and be totally let down?

Thinking about it made me all jittery and restless.

"Mr. Everhart, the car coming out from the side road ahead should be Stella's. She's catching up!" the driver up front said, sounding urgent.

I looked up and saw Stella's car way ahead. Just by her speed, I could tell how freaked out and desperate she was.

That made me feel even worse about her and her kid. I was so ashamed I couldn't even look up.

Suddenly, the car slowed to a stop, and my heart sank as I tried to see what was going on up ahead.

But the cop cars blocked my view, and my gut told me something bad was going down.

Could that damn kidnapper, knowing he was cornered, be making a last-ditch move?

What about the kid? Was he okay?

My heart skipped a beat. Just as I opened the car door, a cop ran over.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice urgent, praying the kid was okay.

"Mr. Everhart, I heard the kidnapper tried to rape Cecilia. She fought back, grabbed the gun, and killed the kidnapper. The car hit the guardrail and stopped."

Hearing that, I immediately thought of Lucas in the trunk and got nervous again.

"What about the kid?" I asked, worried.

"He's fine. His mom's with him. That kid's smart; he opened the trunk in advance. Otherwise, even if he wasn't in mortal danger, he would've broken a rib in the crash," the cop said.

Hearing Lucas was safe, I finally felt a wave of relief.

"That's good," I muttered to myself, looking down.

At least I could face Stella.

"Silas!" Cecilia popped out of nowhere, climbed into the car, and threw herself into my arms, holding me tight.

"I thought I'd never see you again. I was so scared," she sobbed, shaking like a leaf.

The cop left, but I wasn't feeling this at all.

Just as I was about to push her away, Cecilia said, "I was terrified, but thinking that I saved Alex and that kid, I don't regret it at all. Even if I had another chance, I'd do the same!"

Yeah, right.

I lowered my hand.

No matter what, Cecilia did save Alex. It was normal for her to be freaked out after something like this. Pushing her away now would be pretty heartless.

Thinking of this, I just sighed and let her cry it out in my arms.

"It's okay now," I patted her shoulder, hoping she'd calm down and back off soon.

Just then, Stella walked over with her kid. She paused when she saw Cecilia clinging to me, looking a bit awkward.

I felt kinda uncomfortable too and scratched my neck awkwardly.

"Mr. Silas Everhart, my child is hurt. I'm taking him to the hospital first. I'll definitely come to thank you in person next time," she said softly, sounding all formal and distant.

Mr. Silas Everhart?

That was the first time she called me that. It felt kinda harsh, and I felt Cecilia's grip on my waist tighten.

Before I could react to her little move, I heard Stella continue, "Well then, goodbye."

With that, she didn't wait for my response and turned to leave with her kid.

Watching her go, I felt a slight pang in my heart.

She looked so frail and small, yet she was so strong and smart.

Stella, you were one mysterious woman.

"Dad," Alex woke up just then. The first thing he did after opening his eyes was ask, "Where's Lucas? Is he safe?"

"He's very safe. He's already gone home with his mom," I said, gently stroking Alex's head.

Hearing this, Alex reached the car window and looked outside. At that moment, Lucas, who hadn't gone far, looked up and made a funny face.

Alex couldn't help but cover his mouth and laugh.

Seeing this, I couldn't help but smile too.

"Dad, can I invite Aunt Stella, Lucas, and his sister Saki to my next birthday party?" Alex looked up at me with bright, expectant eyes.

"Of course!" I gave him a gentle smile.

"Great, thanks, Dad!" Alex was over the moon.

Seeing him so lively and cheerful, my heart felt warm.

Cecilia's POV:

Hearing that Alex still wanted to invite that woman to his birthday party made me furious.

I swear, I'll send Stella and her kids to hell before Alex's birthday!