A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 192

The kidnapper's call had Yvan and the team of special unit detectives wound up tight as a drum. The moment the phone rang, Yvan shot up from his chair and answered, "Name your price, but don't you dare hurt that kid!"

"Ha-ha-ha, who knew the stone-cold Yvan could have a soft spot? I'd love to hear you beg. Come on, kid, tell your daddy goodnight."

At 4 a.m., Logan's voice came through the line, tearful and choked, "Dad... help..."

It had been ages since he'd called out for his dad. Now, the word 'dad' was like a dagger to Yvan's heart. He felt his blood run backwards, and his eyes, those of a grown man, reddened. "Hang in there, son. Daddy's coming to save you."

The thug snatched the phone back, demanded a staggering fifty million, and gave Yvan the location for the exchange before hanging up. The cold tone of the disconnected call echoed in Yvan's ears, his hand trembling as he held the phone.

Carl had rushed over in the dead of night upon hearing about the trouble at Yvan's place. Now, standing by his side, he watched Yvan, eyes red, turn to him and bark, "Get the fifty million ready! Now!"

Only when facing the potential loss of someone dear do all the powers and status in the world amount to a cruel joke.

Once a man dies, he's left with nothing.

The call had been recorded by the police, some of whom were analyzing the voices while others prepared a capture plan. Learning that the exchange was to take place at the Sea City docks, they had made their way there under cover of darkness to set up a discreet ambush. Plainclothes officers began monitoring every movement around the harbor, which was under surveillance; another team of cops was stationed nearby to watch for any unusual activity.

Yvan arrived at the docks half an hour later, half an hour before the scheduled exchange time, but he couldn't wait. Logan's life was hanging by a thread, and Yvan couldn't gamble with his son's life.

Fifty million, five hundred million – could any amount buy a second chance at time?

Yvan's heart was on the grill, being seared over and over. He stood in the biting wind until, at long last, someone appeared with Logan.