Chapter 13 - 58 % X I had just managed to calm my grandson down when I turned to my assistant . " Find out where Suzy is , " I ordered , " It's been days , and she still hasn't come back . Throwing a tantrum has its limits . " Then , I dialed my son's number to update him about what happened with my grandson , but after calling ten times and getting no answer , my frustration grew . Andrew had always been good at answering , no matter how busy he was . So why wasn't he answering now ? Marian had called hours ago , so there should be no reason for him to ignore me . I was sitting there , my mind swirling , when suddenly my phone buzzed - an unknown caller . My stomach sank . I answered , not expecting what came next . " Franco , long time no see . Your son is in my hands now . If you don't want me to send him back in pieces , wire me ten million . " I froze , recognizing the voice instantly . Trent Maxwell . My half - brother . The man I had tried to forget for years . Trent's mother climbed her way to the top by marrying my father , but at what expense ? She drove my mother to her death , and for years , I had to endure their bullying . I finally broke free and created my own success , but Trent ? He's always been a thorn in my side . His mocking tone pulled me back into reality . " Do you think the punishment from back then wasn't enough ? Now you're asking for more ? " I said , trying to keep my composure . His voice went cold , and I could hear the malicious satisfaction in his words . " Stop talking . Transfer the money right now , or I'll kill your son . " I felt my chest tighten . The sound of Andrew's desperate voice echoed through the phone . " Dad , help me ! " My blood ran cold . Every rational thought I had flew out the window . " I'll send the money ," I replied , my voice clipped , " but I need to confirm Andrew's safety first . Give me the address , and I'll come to you . " Trent didn't hesitate to warn me . " I warn you , don't try any tricks , or I'll sever your son's main artery . You can come to me , but only alone . " I could feel my heart pounding in my ears . My son's life was on the line . I had no choice but Chapter 12 Mon , Aug 58 % D - X to agree ; my stomach twisted with dread . Less than thirty minutes later , I found myself standing outside an abandoned factory on the outskirts of town . Every step felt heavier than the last . I stepped inside , my eyes immediately locking onto my son . Andrew was tied to a stone pillar , his limbs bound and covered in bruises and cuts . My heart clenched at the sight . Rage surged through me , and I couldn't contain it . " Trent , if you want money , I'll give it to you ! But why do you have to involve and torture my son ? " He sneered at me , eyes burning with hatred . " How dare you ask me that , Franco ? If it weren't for you , I'd have made something of myself by now . Instead , I'm here , kidnapping your son for money ! " My anger flared even hotter , but I tried to stay calm . Memories of our past flashed through my mind . Back then , Trent sold our land while we were not rich , attempting to raise money for a business . What he hadn't revealed was that the business was illegal . I reported him , and he ended up in prison because of it . I was even recognized for my role , which helped establish Maxwell Group . Before Trent went to prison , he attempted to get revenge on me , but Suzy stepped in . Courageously , she took the knife meant for me , saving my life and extending Trent's time behind bars . Now , after all these years , Trent had come back , his hatred still burning fiercely . I didn't want to push him further , so I transferred the $ 10 million into his account right in front of him . " I've transferred the money . Now , let my son go, Trevor . " Chapter 13