Chapter 6
He’d constantly dismissed me, refusing to believe a single word I said.
Even when friends called asking what had happened and if they could help raise money to rescue Jax, he just told them: “Riley’s putting on an act. Jax is perfectly fine at summer camp. I took Brielle out for her birthday once, and now she’s staging this drama for attention. Don’t give her a cent.”
Remembering this, Knox finally broke down, dropping his head as gut–wrenching sobs escaped him.]
“I’m sorry, Riley. I’m sorry, Jax.”
“I’m a monster.”
He cried for hours until daybreak, leaving a pile of cigarette butts on the floor.]
Finally, he pulled himself up using the windowsill and, without even changing his clothes, rushed to his company.
The moment he stepped through the doors, he pointed at the receptionist and roared: “Who called? Can’t you distinguish between real calls and scams?!“]
“Find those previous call records immediately. If you can’t recover them, you’re all fired!‘
The receptionist was an intern who trembled with fear but gathered enough courage to respond through her tears: “We tried to report the calls to you, but when Ms. Morgan answered, she told us they were scammers.“]
“She said they were falsely claiming to have kidnapped your son for ransom and instructed us not to disturb your work.” 0
“We were afraid you might be deceived and something terrible would happen, and then you’d blame us for not screening information properly…”
Before she could finish, someone nearby nudged her, shaking their head to signal her to stop talking, and she fell silent.
These words hit Knox like a thunderbolt. He staggered, nearly falling to the ground, but his assistant rushed over to steady him.
Regaining his balance, Knox clenched his fists tightly. “So it was her all along.“]
“Bring that bitch Brielle back from Hawaii. Don’t let her cause any more harm.“]
Meanwhile, I had rented a place in Daleview City and found a burial site for Jax.[]
The police departiment had recently informed me that fingerprint identification would be difficult, making it challenging to find the perpetrators. They also asked if I wanted forensic assistance, which I declined. I didn’t want my child’s small body to suffer anymore, so I chose cremation.
As I carried my son’s urn toward the cemetery, Knox suddenly appeared.]
“Riley…
In just a few days, he looked like a different person.
si.aven, with several white strands amid his once glossy brown hair, his swollen red eyes told me he hadn’t been doing well
He slowly approached, reaching for the urn, but I stepped away.
Instantly, tears fell from his eyes.[]
The police contacted me, told me you were here. I’ve announced a substantial reward–anyone providing useful Information gets a million dollars.”
I believe we’ll find the killers soon.
To this, I responded with bitter resignation: “What good will finding the killers do? Will it bring our child back?
Just leave. We don’t need you. Jax wouldn’t want to see you either.”
“Even withou‘ your reward, I believe the police will find the perpetrators.”
Seeing my cruelty, he tried to grab my arm, but I stepped back, leaving his hands awkwardly hanging in mid–air.]
“What are you saying? Riley, I’m Jax’s father.
Father? That sweet word Jax used to call him with such love, only to have his death ignored. Remembering the past, my voice became choked with emotion. “A father like you is worse than no father at all. “You wouldn’t spend money to save his life, but now you’re throwing money around to catch the killers? Trying to look generous?‘
“When Jax and I needed you, you weren’t there. Now we don’t need you anymore.“]
With that, I tried to walk past him, but he quickly dropped to his knees, blocking my path. “Riley, I was wrong. I deserve to die.”
“I failed you and Jax I even thought you were faking his kidnapping.
“I misjudged you as petty. That bitch Briebe deceived me.”
“I promise I’ll get justice for you and our son.
Seeing no reaction from me, he raised his hand and began slapping himself repeatedly]
