Part 6
The handcuffs clicked shut.
The cold, heavy metal touched Rosa's trembling wrists.
In that exact moment, she felt her entire soul shatter into pieces.
"Mommy! Mommy!" Lily screamed, running over and pulling hard on Rosa’s apron.
"Don't take my mommy away!"
Veronica stood near the window, looking completely satisfied with herself.
"You should probably call social services for the child," Veronica suggested to the officer.
"She shouldn't be raised by a criminal anyway."
"No! Please don't take my daughter!" Rosa sobbed, her heart breaking.
Just then, the heavy front door of the penthouse slammed open with incredible force.
Ethan stood in the doorway.
He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving.
His tie was pulled loose, and his hair was messy.
His sharp eyes quickly swept across the room.
He saw the metal handcuffs on Rosa’s wrists.
He saw Lily crying hysterically on the floor.
He saw Veronica holding the diamond necklace with a smug smile.
"What is going on here?" Ethan roared.
The entire room went completely still.
Even the uniform police officers hesitated at the sheer power in his voice.
"Ethan!" Veronica cried out, instantly running toward him with fake tears in her eyes.
"Thank goodness you're finally here! This horrible woman stole your mother's necklace! I caught her red-handed!"
Ethan didn't look at Veronica.
He didn't even acknowledge her presence.
He walked straight past her, ignoring her completely.
He knelt down next to Lily first, gently picking the little girl up into his strong arms.
Then, he stood up and looked directly at the police officer holding Rosa.
"Take those handcuffs off her. Right now."
The officer looked confused and stuttered, "But sir, we found the stolen property right here in her possession—"
"I said, take them off," Ethan commanded.
His voice was no longer loud.
May you like
It was dangerously quiet.
And that was far more terrifying.
