Chapter 319: A Protective Lioness

Luca briefly explained the situation to Vivienne.

She was surprised to learn that he had yet another woman in his life, but she quickly pushed the thought aside. A pregnant woman had just been abducted. This was hardly the time to be jealous.

Besides, what kind of insecure woman would she have to be to worry about romantic rivals when someone’s life might be in danger?

Whatever complicated feelings she might have about Luca’s relationships could wait.

Right now, they needed to find Amelia.

Luca pulled out his phone and immediately called Captain Rico.

"I’ll have a private flight arranged to San Fierro right now. Bring a full team with you, and tell Hernandez to send a squad as well. We’ve got a kidnapping case to handle."

"Understood, sir! We’ll be in San Fierro in less than an hour."

"Good."

Luca ended the call and turned toward Vivienne.

"I’m heading out."

"I’ll come with you."

She slipped her arm through his before he could say anything else.

Luca looked at her, a slight frown appearing on his face. The last thing he wanted was to put unnecessary stress on her while she was carrying their child.

However, he also understood why she wanted to come.

They had been apart for weeks while he dealt with matters in Capital City. They had only just reunited, and now he was leaving again almost immediately.

Even if the trip lasted only a few hours, it would still mean more time apart after such a long separation.

Besides, Vivienne had every reason to be concerned about Amelia’s safety.

After a brief hesitation, Luca nodded.

"All right. But don’t push yourself, okay?"

Vivienne smiled. "I won’t."

Just then, Naomi stepped out of the private dining room and spotted the two of them standing in the corridor.

"Um... what’s going on?"

Luca and Vivienne exchanged a glance.

For a moment, they looked like two people who had just been caught sneaking away without telling anyone.

After explaining the situation, they expected Naomi to insist on coming along as well.

To their surprise, she shook her head.

"You two should go. I’ll stay here and keep everyone calm. There’s no point in making the others worry before we know what’s happened."

Luca gave her an appreciative nod.

"Thanks, Naomi."

With that, he and Vivienne headed out together.

...

Forty-five minutes later, San Fierro Airport.

Luca’s car pulled up just as Captain Rico, Justina and Hernandez Farce, and a team of fifteen men in suits emerged from the airport.

Several of the men carried large bags, the contents of which left little doubt that they were equipped for more than an ordinary business meeting.

Under normal circumstances, bringing such equipment through an airport would have been difficult, if not impossible. However, this was Luca’s airport, and he had personally arranged for their exit and entry. The staff had received instructions in advance, ensuring there would be no unnecessary delays.

Vivienne had also arranged for three black SUVs to be waiting outside.

Captain Rico and Justina joined Luca and Vivienne in their vehicle, while Hernandez and the rest of the team boarded the other SUVs.

Once everyone was settled, the convoy pulled away from the airport and headed toward the city.

The atmosphere inside Luca’s vehicle was tense.

Who would dare kidnap Amelia?

And more importantly, why?

Was this a random crime, or had someone deliberately targeted her?

Luca had no intention of jumping to conclusions before they had more information, but the possibilities were troubling. Amelia was pregnant, and whoever had taken her might not even know about the child.

Or perhaps they did.

There were simply too many uncertainties.

Beside him, Vivienne noticed the tension in Luca’s arm. Without saying anything, she tightened her grip on it, offering what little comfort she could.

She knew he was worried.

And until they found Amelia, neither of them would be able to relax.

...

Meanwhile, somewhere in San Fierro...

"Stay here for now. Once the boss arrives, he’ll decide what to do with you."

A man with a rough, cracked voice dragged Amelia into an isolated room inside what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse.

His grip on her arm was painfully tight.

"Let... me go!"

Amelia struggled against him, desperately trying to pull herself free. After a moment, he finally released her with an irritated grunt.

"Hmph. You’re lucky the boss told us not to touch you. Otherwise, you’d be in a lot more trouble."

He turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him. A moment later, Amelia heard the lock click into place.

Silence settled over the room.

For several seconds, she remained where she was, staring at the closed door.

The walls were old and filthy, with paint peeling away in long, uneven strips. There was barely anything inside the room, and the stale air carried the faint smell of dust and dampness.

Amelia slowly backed toward the wall, resting against it for support.

Her legs felt weak.

She slid down until she was sitting on the cold floor, then instinctively brought both hands to her abdomen.

She had been doing the same thing throughout the journey, shielding her stomach as though her body alone could protect the child growing inside her.

Even when the men had dragged her away, her first instinct had been to protect her belly.

Now that she was finally alone, the full reality of what had happened began to sink in.

She had been abducted.

The realization made her eyes sting, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

She had been frightened ever since the moment those men took her, but until now, she hadn’t truly had the chance to process what was happening. She had spent the entire journey hoping someone would notice her disappearance, that the men would change their minds, or that she would somehow find an opportunity to escape.

None of those things had happened.

And now she was trapped in an unfamiliar warehouse, surrounded by people whose intentions she couldn’t begin to understand.

What did they want from her?

Why had they taken her?

Most importantly, would they hurt her child?

Amelia pressed a hand more firmly against her stomach, trying to steady her breathing as another tear rolled down her cheek.

She had never felt so helpless in her life.