(Akira’s POV)
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Being stalked was not something new that I encountered in my profession.
There were those who wanted to scare me away to drop legal cases that I was in charge with. Some gave me death threats.
I knew my risks and I was never afraid of them.
But after knowing about how close I was to meeting my son, for the first time, I sensed fear. I couldn't fail here.
While still wearing my sunglasses, I took a glance at my stalker. A tall man with muscular physique. His deep eyes were staring at me. Intensely. Not at all bothered to hide his intention to catch me.
Who gave him such guts? Was the security in Amberose city already so bad now?
I glanced at him again as I passed the corner. And this time he even showed me a bloodthirsty smile with the dagger in his jacket.
Damn it! Was he really going to take my life?
Then who sent him here? My evil aunt and cousin? The Strauss family? Had they already found out my identity and planned to take Samuel away from me again?
I felt my heart pounding as I picked up my pace. From the reflection in the store window, I saw that man flash another smug smile at me, just like a beast enjoying its prey making its final struggle.
Then, I saw someone approached him. The other guy had leather gloves worn and looked straight at me. I was the target.
F*ck, they are coming after me!
Was I really going to die here? When I was so close to meeting my boy.
'No. Calm down, Akira. You're not the old yourself anymore. Keep your mind and find the way."
I took a deep breath as I carefully identified the surroundings. Suddenly I remember a police station nearby. Only ten minutes to walk. As long as I got there before he caught me, I would be safe.
I continued walking at an increased speed, approaching some pedestrians crossing the street. But suddenly, a car came out of nowhere and I almost got into an accident.
I stopped my tracks to calm myself before continuing walking. However, the driver hurried out all of a sudden and blocked my way.
“Are you alright, Miss? I did not see you coming”
I nodded and tried to move away from him but this driver blocked my way. He got closer and whispered to me.
“Miss West, Mr. Tom Reiner sends his regards."
Tom Reiner. I finally realized the truth as I heard that name.The ex-husband of my previous client Sandra Stone, a sadist who had a sick controlling towards his wife and child. It took me quite a bit of work to free them from that cruel hell.
He hated me. And I knew that well.
The driver showed the gun placed inside his jacket, “Miss West, you're a clever woman. Come with me and we shall end this quietly.”
After knowing that they are coming for Akira West, I was not that panicked anymore. My little Samuel was still safe.
I pushed the man and took steps back, “Is he threatening me now? Tell Tom Reiner that I’m not afraid of him!”
I gave out short laughs mocking the driver. Taking glances surrounding me, I saw two policemen walking towards me. That was my chance to get free.
“Officers, this man tried to hit me with his car. He just gave me a death threat. I recorded it all.”
I pretended that I had all the conversation recorded on Sebastian’s phone. And seeing the policemen approaching, the driver cursed and warned me, "It's a pity, Miss West. You just chose the worst way to start the war."
He was about to get back in the car but paused to give me another warning, “You should be glad that you have no child. Or my boss would make you suffer, feeling the same pain of being separated from your own child."
I couldn't help but clench my hands, trying hard not to show him any of my weaknesses. I would never let them find my boy.
He then flipped a black card with his fingers before he drove away."Be careful, Miss West. They will be watching you.”
I caught the card in reflex and saw it with a red symbol of death.
I was marked.
Not by just the Reiner family. They had engaged with the most powerful Mafia group to get me.
The Red King.
No one knew who the leader was. Those who had seen him would not stay alive to describe how the man looked like.
The black card was a warning sent to me, in broad daylight. I was in big trouble.
After settling the report with the police, the policemen sent me back to my rented apartment. Henry wanted me to leave immediately but I had to get my luggage bag left at the apartment. It had some important documents in it, mostly my research about my son.
Before dealing with Tom Reiner, I couldn't let any of them know about the existence of my son.
They were watching me still, I could sense it.
With a heavy heart, I had to wait before I could see my boy again.
At least, I knew where he was now. My little Sammy. Safe and loved, according to Rosie Javier.
"Just give me a bit more time, Sammy. Mommy will soon get you back."
Calming my emotions, I entered my rented unit, then to see the father of my son was seated at the sofa, waiting for me.
“Hello. Miss Akira West”
He knew my name? What else had he known?