“When he noticed me, he moved so quickly it made me freeze. He slipped out of the window before I could scream. The alarm did not go off. I have no idea how he bypassed the security system. I did not chase him. My first thought was to grab the children and get them somewhere I could reach an exit if I needed to run. So I carried them here and waited. I have been praying that someone would walk in.”
Preston tried to stand, but his legs wobbled. He sat back down and pressed his palm against his forehead. For a moment, the room blurred. He had spent billions developing properties across the country, yet he had failed to protect the only two beings he valued more than wealth.
Before he could speak, another voice called from near the staircase.
“Sir. Mr. Aldridge. We found something.”
James Donnelly, the head housekeeper, rushed into the room, breathing hard. His face looked pale.
“There are muddy footprints by the back terrace that lead toward the forest. They do not match anyone’s shoes here. We also found a broken latch on the nursery window.”
Preston stared at James without speaking. His voice was gone. His thoughts churned like storm clouds. His children clung to Annalise. Annalise looked like she would collapse if she loosened her grip.
Finally, Preston forced himself up. He knelt in front of Annalise and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Thank you,” he said quietly. “You may have saved their lives tonight. I need you to understand that I recognize that.”
Annalise shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “I did what anyone would have done.”
“No,” Preston replied. “Not everyone would have had the courage to stay calm. Not everyone would have prioritized them before anything else. You did something extraordinary.”
Mikaelyn looked up at Annalise with trust etched across her young face. Masonel nestled closer, his breathing beginning to calm.
Preston stood and called out to James. “Alert the security team. I want the entire perimeter checked. Contact the police and tell them I want investigators here immediately. After that, contact a private security firm. From tomorrow onward, this home receives round-the-clock surveillance with personnel vetted directly by me.”
James nodded and sprinted away.
Preston returned to Annalise’s side. He extended his hand to her and helped her to her feet. Once she stood, she seemed unsteady, so he gently supported her elbow.