Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1179

Back at Number One Mansion, Elysia immediately threw herself into Tarquin's arms, tears streaming down her face.

"I saw Winona, Tarquin! I'm a hundred percent sure it was her in the video!"

"I know, I saw it too. It's a good thing, it means she's alive."

"But she had bruises, and the terror in her eyes... She’s definitely been through hell."

Tarquin held her tight, whispering words of comfort.

"We're getting closer to her, Elysia. I promise you, the day we rescue her isn't far off."

Elysia wiped her tears away, "Zane’s trying to use Winona to extort money from you!"

"I've got money, and I'm ready to give it to him if needed. Don't worry about that."

Elysia immediately protested, "That's our family’s money! Why should he get any of it? I’m trying to think of a way to get Winona back without handing him a dime."

Tarquin spoke softly, "Leave the rescue to me. I'll figure something out."

Elysia sighed, feeling a bit out of her depth. Her mind ran a mile a minute, but she couldn't think of a foolproof plan.

The only thing she could come up with was trying to hypnotize Zane, but it didn't yield the results she hoped for. They still didn’t know Winona’s exact location.

"I’m heading to the study to finish sketching those suspicious locations from Zane’s subconscious."

She had only managed to draw part of them before Zane called and asked to meet up.

"Alright, you go on ahead."

Elysia left for the study, while Tarquin headed over to Elliot's room.

Evan and Elijah were there too, all three kids glued to the surveillance feed, watching Zane’s every move.

After parting ways with Elysia, Zane went to see Ridley, supposedly about some family heirloom.

Tarquin approached them, "What do you make of this situation?"

Elliot chimed in, "I feel like there’s more to it. Besides wanting money, I think Zane has another agenda."

Elijah nodded in agreement, "I have the same feeling. Zane is cunning. If he’s meeting with Mom, it’s not just about the money."

"Eight places, six are gloomy, only two are bright— the library and this one."

"This last place is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with mountains behind. It seems like a place Zane dreams of living."

Tarquin, Elliot, and Elijah studied each sketch with serious expressions.

Just as they were deep in thought, Elysia’s phone rang.

It was an unfamiliar number.

Elliot was cautious and signaled to Elijah, who quickly retreated to his room to tap into the call.

Elysia answered, "Hello?"

"Miss Elysia, we have Winona. If you call the cops, she's dead!"

"And we don’t want your husband meddling either. If he tries anything, she’s dead!"

"Get a billion dollars ready and meet up with Zane. He’ll bring you to Winona!"