Chapter 26
Xander had lived there most of his life; he knew every family's story. Anyone who'd escaped had long since moved away.
"Wait, why are they stopping at our building?" Roland's voice trembled. He described the scene like a sports commentator: "The car doors are opening. People are getting out. They're really coming into our building!"
This caught Ivy's attention. Unable to stay seated, she crept to the door and peered outside. She saw the second car door open, and a man rushed from the front, respectfully pulling open the back door.
A tall, lean man emerged, his posture commanding. He radiated authority, drawing everyone's attention effortlessly. Instantly, every street-facing window in the old building filled with people straining for a view. People recognized the cars, gasping with excitement, hushed whispers and murmured names of the luxury vehicles filling the air. Screams of awe punctuated the scene as the sharply dressed group made their presence known.
"Mr. Harrison, this is the place," Harry said, checking his phone.
Daxon glanced at the dark stairwell and, without hesitation, began ascending. His entourage followed immediately. Harry hurried to the front, using his phone's flashlight to light the way.
The stairwell walls were grimy, the air thick with a foul odor. The uneven floor squished underfoot, some areas slick with dirty water. Their polished shoes squeaked with each step. Soon, they stood outside the Maxwells' door.
Shouting and someone begging for mercy came from within. Daxon's brow furrowed. "How many daughters do the Maxwells have?"
Harry quickly consulted his documents. "Just one," he replied.
A horrible realization struck him. His eyes darted to the door, panic seizing him. If there was only one daughter, the person being beaten must be Mr. Harrison's sister. The Maxwells were in deep trouble.
Dustin shivered, clearly thinking the same. He hurried to the door and knocked, praying the couple inside wouldn't involve him. But the commotion inside drowned out his knocks.
Feeling Daxon's gaze, Dustin's panic escalated. His gentle knocking became frantic pounding. "Open up! Open the damn door!"
Neighbors on the same floor opened their doors slightly, quietly observing the commotion.
"Who the hell is it?" Xander grumbled, opening his door without checking. "I'm disciplining my own daughter, and what—"
The rest of his words died as he saw who stood before him.
Without a word, Dustin shoved Xander aside, flung the door open, and gestured Daxon inside with practiced grace.
Ivy assumed it was another nosy neighbor. She was about to rebuke them when several men entered. The leader was cold and impassive, his tailored suit immaculate, his watch flashing like cold steel. His commanding presence froze Xander and Ivy, their bravado vanishing.
"W-who are you?" Ivy stammered, clutching a stick, her voice shaking despite her attempt at toughness. "Who let you in? Trespassing! I'll—"
Daxon ignored her, striding to the trembling girl huddled in the corner. He knelt, draping a coat over her.
Lola, curled up with her hands over her head, smelled a pleasant cologne. Hesitantly looking up, she stared into calm, deep eyes. The man was the most handsome she'd ever seen, leaving her speechless.
Chapter 26 (continued)
"You've come," Daxon said, his hand gently resting on her face. His eyes softened, a flicker of joy replacing the coldness. "I'm Daxon Harrison, your brother. I'm here to take you home."
Disbelief washed over Lola. What did he just say? He's my brother?
Harry filled Lola in on the story, detailing the Harrison family's years-long search and how much everyone had missed her. Daxon opened his palm, a small blood agate resting there. Lola recognized it instantly. She'd worn it for as long as she could remember, keeping it hidden.
A spark of joy lit her eyes. She eyed Daxon up and down, doubt swirling. Could this really be Lola's brother? Rich families usually kept their daughters well-protected. Could he be a scammer?
Ivy, further fueling her fears, grabbed Xander's arm, whispering, "We've raised that girl for years! Her real family has come looking for her. We've hit the jackpot!"
Xander's eyes lit up. "If they want to take Lola away, surely the man should give us some money. That'd be way better than sending her off to work at Philippe's!" Ivy glanced at Daxon, who was still crouching by Lola, already thinking of how to squeeze extra cash from this situation.
"Are you really my brother?" Lola asked.
Zander and Ivy's biological daughter, Lola was too young when she went missing to remember where she came from. Without the Maxwells, the suspicion that she wasn't actually theirs was written all over her face. Over the years, she'd daydreamed of her real family finding her.
Daxon scooped Lola into his arms and sat on the sofa, his long legs stretching out. His entourage flanked him, the door remaining open, giving a full view of the hallway and neighbors.
"Things are sorted. I'll take you home," Daxon said.
Lola nestled in Daxon's lap, unable to believe it was real. Can I really be leaving this place?
Ivy straightened, forcing a smile, the fat on her cheeks bunching awkwardly. She dragged Xander to the side sofa. "Uh, you're really Lola's brother! You two look just alike!"
The rest of her words died in her throat. Daxon's gaze made her feel as if she were standing before her company's CEO. The feeling of being judged rattled her. Eventually, greed won. She wouldn't let this chance slip away.