Chapter 9: The Daughter Who Never Knew Her Name
The young intern stared at the tiny heart-shaped birthmark on her wrist.
For the first time in her life...
She remembered something.
A little lullaby.
A woman's gentle voice singing,
"No matter where you are... we'll always find you."
Her hands began to shake.
"Why do I know that song?"
The investigator slowly approached.
"What's your full name?"
"Anna Carter."
"Were you adopted?"
She hesitated.
"...Yes."
"My parents told me they found me after a house fire."
Jonathan's heart nearly stopped.
"Eleanor..."
"That's the fire."
The investigator immediately requested Anna's adoption records.
Twenty minutes later...
A sealed federal archive arrived by helicopter.
The file had never been opened.
The investigator broke the seal.
Every person in the room held their breath.
Inside was one faded document.
Original Name: Emily Hayes
The room exploded with emotion.
Anna covered her mouth.
"No..."
Jonathan struggled to sit up despite the pain.
"Emily..."
She slowly walked toward him.
"I... I don't remember you."
Jonathan smiled through tears.
"You don't have to."
"I remembered enough for both of us."
Father and daughter embraced for the first time in twenty-three years.
Even the doctors couldn't hold back their tears.
It seemed the nightmare was finally over.
Then...
One of the federal agents answered his phone.
His face turned pale.
"They've escaped."
"Who?" the investigator asked.
"The Phoenix Circle."
"And..."
"They've kidnapped Eleanor."
Jonathan's smile vanished.
A small black box had been left on Eleanor's empty chair.
Inside...
A countdown timer flashed.
01:00:00
Exactly one hour remained.
A recorded voice began to play.
May you like
"Bring Emily to us..."
"...or your wife dies."
