Chapter Forty One - The Mysterious Benefactor

Amelia's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled against the zip ties binding her wrists. The van lurched around another corner, throwing her against the cold metal wall. She could hear her captors arguing in hushed tones from the front seat. "We should've asked for more money," one of them grumbled. "Shut up," the other hissed. "Just stick to the plan." Amelia closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. How had a simple trip to the farmer's market turned into this nightmare? She thought of Alessandro, wondering if he even knew she was missing yet. Suddenly, the van screeched to a halt. Shouts erupted outside, followed by the distinctive pop of gunfire. Amelia's eyes flew open as the back doors were wrenched open. "Ms. Hartwell?" a man in a dark suit called out. "We're here to get you out. Are you hurt?" Relief flooded through her as she realized these must be Alessandro's men. "I'm okay," she managed to say, her voice shaky. "Just tied up." The man pulled out a knife,