Chapter 2

However, by noon the next day,

the flimsy motel door was violently kicked open from the outside.

Derek barged in, followed by several burly men.

He was holding up a phone, streaming live.

"Found her! Guys, I found this cold-blooded monster!"

Derek shouted ecstatically into the camera.

"Look at her! Hiding out in this filthy dive while Mr. Sterling's son is being tortured by kidnappers!"

The live chat scrolled frantically, virtual gifts and badges flying across the screen.

"Drag her out!"

"I’ll gift a superchat if someone slaps her right now!"

Megan stepped out from behind Derek, a triumphant smirk plastered on her face.

"Look at you now, Chloe. You look like a rat scurrying through the sewer."

"Mr. Sterling said that as long as you cooperate right now, the five hundred million is still on the table."

"Just tell us where the boy is. We’ll handle the rest."

I stared at Megan, a mocking smirk playing on my lips.

"Megan, if you want the money so badly, why don't you find him yourself?"

Megan’s smile froze instantly.

"You know damn well none of us have psychic gifts! You're the only one who can sense locations!"

I stood up and dusted off my jeans.

"Then let me repeat myself one more time."

"Whoever touches this case dies."

"If you don't believe me, go ahead and test your luck."

Derek spat again.

"Cut the mystical crap! You’re just trying to drive up your price!"

"You think we can't see right through your dirty games?"

As he yelled, he flipped the phone screen toward my face.

It was a live video conference call.

On the other end, Victor Sterling was seated in the back of a luxury stretched Rolls-Royce.

His face looked dreadful, his eyes streaked with dark red veins.

"Ms. Vance, don't push your luck."

Victor's voice was low, carrying chilling authority.

"Five hundred million. That’s more than enough to make your entire lineage filthy rich."

Derek waved the phone excitedly.

"Did you hear that, Chloe? Five hundred million dollars!"

"You couldn't make that in ten lifetimes!"

Megan let out a heavy sigh.

"Chloe, take my advice. Give up the address."

"Don’t pick a fight with cold, hard cash."

I chuckled disdainfully and stayed silent.

Just then, a woman shoved her way into the video frame.

It was Victor’s wife, Eleanor Sterling.

Normally dripping in diamonds and haute couture, she now looked completely unhinged, her hair wild and disheveled. She dropped straight to her knees inside the car.

The camera shook violently.

The billionaire’s wife began sobbing hysterically toward the lens, slamming her forehead down in desperation.

"Ms. Vance, I beg you, save my baby!"

"Leo is only eight years old! He can't die!"

"Just tell me where he is! I’ll build you a shrine and pray to you every single day!"

Tears and mascara poured down her cheeks.

Watching this frantic mother break down on screen, a flicker of emotion stirred in my chest.

A mother’s love is truly powerful.

But then the horrific visions I had witnessed with my psychic sight the previous night flashed through my mind. I shut my eyes, hardening my heart.

"I cannot reveal his location."

"No matter how much money you offer, my answer is no."

Hearing my words, Eleanor’s weeping cut off abruptly, caught in her throat.

Her face turned paper white, and she collapsed onto the car floor.

Victor’s eyes turned pitch black with fury.

"Chloe Vance. You really want to do this the hard way?"

Derek went wild, shoving the lens directly into my face.

"Look at her, everyone! Look at your missing-persons hero!"

"A grieving mother is on her knees begging, and she doesn't even blink!"

"A soulless psycho like this doesn't deserve to breathe!"

The live comments exploded into an absolute frenzy.

*She makes me sick! Someone beat her ass!*

*Refusing five hundred million to save an eight-year-old? Does she think she’s God?*

*Doxx her whole family! Make them pay for this!*