His Destructive, Toxic Love

Dillon sucked in a sharp breath, feeling the cold air sting his lungs. Casper's heart pounded, his blood racing to his head. Struggling to steady his erratic breathing, he asked, "Which shopping mall will he go to?" "I... I don't know."

Falconridge had plenty of shopping malls, and Aaron hadn't mentioned the details to Nova. Casper dialed Eliza's number, but there was no answer. Panic started to creep in.

"Dillon, round up more people. I want every shopping mall searched now!"

"On it, Mr. Casper."

Casper snatched his coat and hurried out of the office, Dillon right behind him.

Meanwhile, in a modest-sized shopping mall in Falconridge, Eliza was in the toy section, helping Brock pick out his favorite toy car.

"Do you like this one?" she asked.

Brock clutched one car in each hand, torn between the two. "I want both."

"You can only pick one," Eliza gently reminded him.

Brock looked from one to the other, clearly torn. Finally, with a reluctant sigh, he let go of one. "I'll take this one."

"Good choice," she said, smiling.

Aaron walked over with two cups of iced tea, handing one to Eliza and the other to Brock. "Let's take a break. He's all sweaty from the excitement."

"It's okay. It's not often we get to enjoy a day out at the mall together," Eliza replied.

Aaron had invited her out for the day and specifically asked her to bring Brock along. She hadn't wanted to come but was curious about Aaron's intentions, especially after the recent string of incidents-from near-drownings to kidnappings that made her wary of him. "Aaron, why do you invite us today?" she asked.

Aaron's smile was as gentle and

elegant as ever. "You've been back in Falconridge for a while now. You're living at Welton Estate, and we

hardly see each other. Honestly, I've missed you and Brock."

"We're doing fine," she said with a light smile.

"I know Casper can be difficult. It must be hard living with him," Aaron said, reaching for Eliza's hand.

She instinctively pulled away, leaving him looking a bit embarrassed and surprised.

"I know you're still upset with me," he said, a touch of sadness in his voice.

"Aaron, we've known each other for years. I know what kind of person you are she said, not revealing whether she trusted or forgave him. This ambiguity unsettled him

His eyes darkened. "Let's not dwell on that. There's an amusement park ahead. Let's take Brock there."

Aaron reached out to pick up Brock, but the little boy nestled closer to Eliza.

"Aaron, we're not going. Brock is tired, and it's almost his nap time. Maybe it's best if Brock and I head back."

"Alright, then we'll head back

together, he said, reaching for the iced tea he'd bought earlier. In his haste, he accidentally spilled it on Eliza's crisp white shirt.

"I'm so sorry! I'll buy you another one," Aaron said, full of apologies.

Eliza wasn't bothered. "It's okay, I'll just clean it up."Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

"Let me look after Brock. There's a restroom right up ahead," Aaron offered, reaching for the child again.

Eliza subtly stepped back. "It's okay. He's small. I'll take him with me."

"People might mind. You know how some react to seeing a boy in the ladies' room," he said considerately.

Eliza still didn't hand Brock over. "It's fine. They will understand."

She was starting to regret bringing Brock out. The iced tea spill was no accident; it was clearly intentional. Was Brock his target? What did Aaron want with her child?