?Chapter 2851:


    “Pass me the child! Hurry—get in!”


    “Okay!” The woman shoved the bundle toward him and scrambled up into the truck.


    “They’re trying to escape!”


    “I’ll catch them!” Eric barked over his shoulder.


    “Call for backup!”


    “Got it!” Hadley fumbled for her phone, hands trembling as she zoomed in on the truck and snapped a quick photo. Then she called the two bodyguards assigned to them and told them exactly where they were.


    Without pausing, she dialed Phillips.


    “Phillips, it’s me…”


    She ryed the essentials, ended the call, and sprinted after Eric.


    Ahead, Eric was already closing the distance, jaw clenched, eyes locked on the moving truck.


    “He’s catching up! He’s too fast—ah!”


    The woman shrieked as Eric leapt, grabbing the rear edge of the truck.


    “He’s on the truck!” she gasped, panic seizing her.


    “What now?”


    “Damn it!” the man spat, fury twisting his face.


    “How is he this fast—”


    Eric hauled himself up, muscles straining, then ttened himself against the truck bed.


    From there, he saw the woman crouched in the corner, clutching the bundle, terror stretched wide in her eyes.


    “Joy! Is that you?” Eric called hoarsely, his voice cracking with desperation.


    “Joy! It’s Daddy! Can you hear me? Say something!”


    No response.


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    His chest tightened. Was it not Joy?


    He tried again, louder.


    “Locke! Is that you? It’s Uncle Eric! I’m here—please, answer me!”


    Still nothing.


    Eric’s frown deepened. Why wasn’t the child reacting?


    Were they drugged? Unconscious?


    “Joy? Locke?” The woman turned to the man, trembling.


    “He’s after the child! Do something!”


    “Rx!” The man snatched up a small wooden stool and advanced with a vicious re.


    “You asked for this! Don’t me me!”


    He swung the stool overhead and brought it down at Eric.


    “Wait!” Eric’s shout tore from his throat.


    “I’ll pay you—money! As much as you want!”


    His gaze never left the bundle.


    “Just give me the child! Name your price—I’ll meet it. Whatever it takes!”


    “Money?” The man hesitated—then sneered.


    “I don’t want money. I want the child!”


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