Chapter 15 - THE BREAKING POINT
Despite Ethan's unwavering faith, the crushing weight of the corporate investigation took a massive toll on their household.
Federal agents swarmed the Blackwood offices, demanding access to Hannah's personal devices and financial history.
The tension finally snapped late one evening when Hannah suggested packing her bags and leaving.
"If I walk away, the press will follow me, and your company can recover," Hannah argued, crying desperately.
Ethan slammed his fist against the marble kitchen counter, the explosive sound making her jump.
"You are not running away, and I am not letting you sacrifice yourself for a damn stock price!" he roared.
Their voices echoed loudly down the dark hallways of the massive, silent estate.
Neither of them realized that seven-year-old Noah was standing in the shadows of the staircase, clutching his stuffed bear.
Noah had never heard Ethan yell like that, and the terrifying memories of his mother crying alone flooded his little mind.
Believing that he and his mother were in danger again, Noah made a disastrous, childish decision.
He quietly slipped out the side door of the kitchen, marching straight into the freezing Chicago rain.
Thirty minutes later, Hannah went upstairs to check on him, only to find an empty bed and an open window.
Her bloodcurdling scream brought Ethan sprinting up the stairs, his heart stopping completely at the sight of the empty room.
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The billionaire empire, the stock prices, and the ruthless media instantly ceased to matter.
Their world had just been plunged into a terrifying, pitch-black nightmare.
