Chapter 61

Anna's POV I trembled with fury as I vented my pain. "Because of his damn gambling, we are drowning in debts. Loan sharks threaten us constantly. I've been working every job, scraping every cent to keep this family afloat… to clean up his mess. And Zane—" My voice cracked. "Zane became someone's secret lover just to help me." My shoulders shook, and I let out a sharp, ragged breath. "And my father still had the nerve to show up… to beat Zane like that and kidnap him. That image—it won't leave my head." The memory of Zane collapsing under that brutal blow flashed before my eyes, tightening my chest with helpless fury. I reached for my phone, my fingers trembling. "I need to talk to him. I'll find him. I'll make him give Zane back." But before I could unlock the phone, Lucian stepped forward and caught my wrist. "Anna—don't," he said softly, yet firmly. "He is with the kidnappers. One wrong move could put Zane in more danger. We can't risk that." Tears welled in my eyes. "But I can't jus