A storm of thoughts crashed through Max's mind the moment he heard the word taken. Was this Chad making a move? Trying to force Max into a corner, to squeeze him for his wealth?
Only Chad and Dipter really knew that people were a kind of weakness for Max, or at least for the version of Max he let most people see.
But then Max noticed something else.
When he heard the news… his heart had jumped. Not in fear, not even in anger, just sharp. Immediate. Real.
Aron continued, voice clipped and professional. "The security team you hired was keeping an eye on her. They kept their distance since the situation wasn't clear and didn't want to escalate too early. But it appears Abby, and two other students, Cindy and Sheri, were taken by individuals from Seaton Academy."
Seaton Academy.
Max's brow furrowed.
Isn't that the school we just formed an alliance with? What's going on over there? Could it really just be a coincidence?
