Chapter 50 What Exactly Is Renee’s Relationship Wit…
“William, over here!”
Denton dashed over. He briefly paused when he noticed Esme and Sylvía, confusion flickering across his face. But urgency was weighing on him, so he turned to William. “The boy’s being rescued. His life’s in danger. Renee’s upstairs; I’ll take you to her.”
Esme, overhearing Renee’s name, couldn’t hide her concern. She grabbed William’s arm, a sense of dread creeping into her voice. “William, what’s going on? Why’s Renee here? We came for… that boy, didn’t we?”
She leaned in, speaking in a near-whisper, careful not to be overheard by Denton.
William’s voice was curt. “It’s exactly that boy, Mom.”
Esme froze. “He is… Renee’s son?”
Denton, still lost in the puzzle, blinked. “What’s going on?” What are you talking about?
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William gave him a stern look. “Let’s just go upstairs first.”
As the elevator doors closed, Denton seemed to recall something. His eyes softened
with sympathy. “The boy… seems to be Renee and Ryder’s.”
William didn’t flinch, but Sylvia’s expression darkened.
The elevator finally reached its destination. At the entrance to the critical care unit, armed guards stood like statues, forbidding anyone from passing.
When they tried to approach, one soldier held out a hand. “Sorry, Mr. Mitchell. Our Captain gave strict orders-no one but medical staff is allowed in until he gets here.”
The disturbance caught Renee’s attention. She glanced over, and when her eyes landed on William, her face was unreadable-like she was staring at a stranger. But when her gaze flicked to Sylvia, her expression hardened, ice creeping into her features.
She exchanged a few words with the soldiers beside her, who then turned and walked towards Sylvia.
“Are you Sylvia Payne?” one of them asked, his voice heavy with formality,
Sylvia was caught off guard but nodded, her nerves showing.
Before things could escalate, Esme stepped in front of Sylvia, her tone commanding “If you’ve got something to say, you can direct it to me. I’m William’s mother and Eric’s
wife,”
The mention of Eric’s name caused the soldiers to straighten immediately, saluting Esme respectfully. “Hello, Mrs. Mitchell.”
Esme gave a satisfied nod, knowing the situation was now in hand,
One of the soldiers then took a step forward, his voice firm yet polite, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Mitchell, but Miss Payne is suspected of kidnapping. She needs to come with us.”
Esme’s expression turned thunderous, “What nonsense is this?” Her sharp gaze shot toward Renee, who stood at a distance, watching in silence. “Did Renee put you up to this? Who does she think she is? Does she really believe she can have someone taken away on a whim? If she wants to take Sylvia, fine-let her come over and say it to my
face.”
“Apologies, Mrs. Mitchell. We’re just following orders. We ask for your cooperation.”
Esme let out a derisive laugh, her patience wearing thin. “Orders? From whom? Renee?”
Her tone dripped with scorn. “Use your heads. Do you even understand who you’re dealing with? William is a former special forces captain, and I am a high-ranking- official’s wife. Yet you’re obeying a woman with no rank, no influence? Tell me, what are your names? Who’s your superior? I’d love to have a chat with them about whether they approve of this farce.”
The soldiers, completely unfazed by Esme’s intimidation, promptly stated their names and, with unwavering resolve, repeated,
- Mitchell, please cooperate.”
She
“You-” Esme’s frustration boiled over. She turned to William, her voice sharp with urgency. “William! Do something!”
William, who had been silently locked onto Renee this entire time, finally tore his gaze away and regarded the soldiers. His voice was cool, almost casual. “What exactly is Renee’s relationship with Ryder?”
