Zeke's POV

That sly bitch had been plotting something all along.

I left the item I'd retrieved from Ellen's room on the bed and went straight to the bathroom. The hot water did little to ease the tension in my muscles, but it was a start.

Refreshed, I changed into a light shirt and comfortable pants, then exited my closet. I picked up the pocket photograph of my children from the bed.

This photo had been missing from my room for months. Little did I know Ellen had it all along. Its presence in my room only confirmed one thing: someone in my house was feeding her information. She'd known about my children all along. This was proof that Ellen and her father were behind the kidnapping.

Earlier, after arriving at the mansion, I'd barged into her room, but she wasn't there. I'd had Andrew, my Chief of Security, instruct his team to search her room thoroughly, leaving no trace of their presence.

That's how I discovered the photograph hidden in one of Ellen's purses.

I bet my kids were silently suffering all along…

I'd already installed a camera and recorder in her room, and her phone was tapped. Now, all I had to do was watch.

I went to my study, turned on my PC, and waited, eyes fixed on the screen, for any activity in Ellen's room. She merely tossed and turned in bed, infuriating me.

Rolling my eyes and yawning, I decided to check on Kamille. I called Zane.

"Hello, Zane," I said.

"Hello, brother. Good to hear from you," he replied, sounding exhausted.

"How's it going?" I asked.

"She's still sleeping," he said quietly.

"What about Belle?" I asked, knowing how close she was to Kamille and the kids. I didn't want to neglect her.

Zane sighed heavily. "She's been really moody, Zeke. I don't know what to do. At first, I thought it was just about Kamille and the kids, but now… I think there's more to it. She's been crying a lot."

I sighed, feeling the weight of it all. "Make sure Kamille is well-protected. Then take Belle out for some fresh air; bring her back when she's feeling better." I didn't want her distress to upset Kamille.

"Okay, brother," Zane agreed, his voice filled with concern. "I'll take care of it."

"Thanks, Zane." I ended the call and returned to the screen. Ellen was answering a call. Her voice was clear through the tapped phone.

"Okay, Father, I'll be there by morning," she said.

I clenched my fists, furious. They thought they could get away with this, but they were wrong. Very wrong.

I watched her carefully, noting every detail. She was packing a small bag, preparing for something significant. I needed to stay ahead of her.

I called Fletcher. "Hello,"

"Hello, brother, how's it going?" Fletcher replied. He'd been helping me coordinate the special operations team searching for my kids.

"Ellen's planning something. She told her father she'll be with him by morning. I need you to be ready for anything."

"Got it, Zeke. We're on standby," Fletcher replied seriously.

"Any information from that son of a bitch?" I asked. Christopher, while at the school, was responsible for the children's safety but had been careless, allowing one of his staff to endanger my kids. I wouldn't ignore that.

"He's still with the police, giving his report. The woman was a hired cleaner, very nice to the kids. So, she was either planted or contracted. But Chris has no idea who she is," Fletcher replied.

"No idea? Shouldn't he be more hands-on with who he hires?" I asked.

"It seems Chris has other business interests," Fletcher suggested.

"Find out what else he's doing," I instructed before hanging up. A knot formed in my stomach; things were about to escalate.

I returned my focus to the screen, watching Ellen's every move. This was a game of chess, and I needed to be several steps ahead.

My blood boiled. This confirmed their involvement in the kidnapping. They'd taken my children, and now they were plotting something else. But I wouldn't let them get away with it.

Zooming in on the screen, I tried to catch additional details. Ellen's expression was calm, but I knew her well enough to see the malice in her eyes. Her confidence would be her downfall.

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. I couldn't afford any mistakes.

I made more calls, ensuring all my resources were on high alert. Every contact, every favor, every piece of leverage I had was mobilized.

This wasn't just about my children anymore; it was about dismantling Ellen and her father's entire network.

This was for Kamille, too.