In New York, the Livingston household was enveloped in an atmosphere of turmoil and frenzy. The sudden disappearance of Bella had stirred a tempest within the usually composed and rigid family.
Richard and Isabella Livingston were both stricken with disbelief and anger, but mostly it was rage. Their attempts to locate Bella had hit numerous dead ends, sending ripples of frustration through the household. Calls were made, investigators summoned, but there was no trace of their daughter.
Isabella paced the living room, her eyes clouded with concern. "Richard, we need to find her. Who knows what she's gotten herself into? We can’t allow this pregnancy to progress or the bastard to become public knowledge."
Richard, trying to maintain his composure, paced in tandem with his wife. "I've reac
