Clara’s POV

The road stretched in silence, broken only by the hum of my engine and the pounding rhythm inside my chest. I drove exactly as the message instructed no questions, no hesitation, no calls for help. The words had been too clear, too cold:

“Do not involve the police. Follow the instructions. Or she dies.”

It had been hours since my treasurer confirmed the transfer. Half a billion dollars gone money meant for the project we had built with sweat, promises, and long years of ...