Chapter 154

**Sarah**

Two of Chairman Benner's bodyguards-burly men in black suits-followed us closely, their eyes constantly scanning the air. The tension was thick, and the silence between us was oppressive.

As we approached the Presidential Suite, memories flooded my mind. It had been years since we'd shared any meaningful interaction. The last time we truly spoke, I was pregnant with the twins, and his words had cut deeper than any knife. The pain and rejection still felt fresh, a wound that refused to heal.

When we entered the suite, a crystal chandelier cast a warm glow over the spacious living area. My father then excused himself.

"I'll just change my clothes," he said.

Without waiting for a response, he disappeared into the primary bedroom, leaving me alone in the abundant space. Sitting on the soft couch in the suite's living area, I sent a message to Philip.

***Me:*** *'Babe, I'm with Chairman Benner in his suite. He intercepted the wine Margarette was about to pour on me. Out of courtesy, I'm here now.'*

Philip's response came almost instantly: 'What exactly happened? Are you okay?'

***Me:*** *'Long story I'll tell you later. How are the kids?'*

***Philip:*** *'Alright! I miss you already! There are at least 15 other children here. Iris befriended a little girl in a princess dress, and Rowan was busy with some building blocks. Oh, and I just bumped into Ethan and Dr. Ruth. Their son is getting so big!'*

A few minutes passed before my father, Chairman Benner, came out of the bedroom. I stood up as our eyes met.

"It's been ten years..." he said, his voice heavy with unspoken history.

I understood what he meant. It had been ten years since he disowned me as a Benner princess. He couldn't accept the results of our DNA test, and neither could I!

"May I speak with you briefly before we rejoin the party?" he asked me earnestly.

I nodded before settling back onto the couch. He took a seat in the adjacent armchair.

"I'm glad you accepted the invitation and brought the kids," my father began, referring to my children. "I have an idea of the path you're on, Sarah I want to apologize for blaming you for my wife's death."

My jaw clenched. It was laughable that he had the nerve to blame me for something beyond my control. Yet he never considered his infidelity and the pain he caused my mother!

I remained silent, unwilling to justify or explain myself.

Chairman Benner's following words made my eyes widen, my heart race, and my mind spin. "Truth is, I saw your mother last month."

"What?" What did he mean? My thoughts quickly shifted to Auntie Marietta-my mother's twin.

"Auntie Marietta has deceived you once I didn't think you'd fall for her tricks again" But then I remembered she was in jail after the club incident four years ago. "Wait, is Auntie Marietta out of jail?"

"No, Sarah. I" Confusion clouded my father's features. My father dryly coughed before continuing. "I... I don't know. You're probably right! She told me she would wait for you in the penthouse suite of this hotel to tell you the truth."

I wasn't sure if Chairman Benner and Auntie Marietta were playing with me, but my interest was piqued. If the woman was Auntie Marietta, I was more than ready to ensure her return to prison.

But what if Chairman Benner was telling the truth, and he saw my mother?

Whatever the result, I felt unsafe, but my curiosity was too strong to ignore.

"Hang on," I said, rising from the couch. I strode to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the city sprawled beneath me like a glittering carpet. I dialed Jakob's number. If anyone could get me answers quickly, it was him.

My friend was currently busy with a project, so I knew he was in the BM Technologies office.

"Hey, doll!" Jakob's cheerful voice answered after two rings.

"Jakob, I need you to find out where Auntie Marietta is right now," I said, "It's urgent."

"Auntie Marietta?" he asked, confusion evident in his tone.

"Madam Olsen!" I clarified.

"Oh! Give me a moment. I'll text you as soon as I have something."

"How long?" I pressed, impatience was evident in my tone.

"Geez, Sarah! I'll be as quick as I can! I remember your aunt is in jail. This is not an easy task!"

I agreed. This would require coordination with law enforcement.

After ending the call with Jakob, someone knocked on the door. One of the bodyguards moved to answer it.

A woman in her thirties, dressed in a form-fitting charcoal pencil skirt and crisp white blouse, entered. Her strong jawline and cold stare made her look intimidating.

"Chairman Benner, I'm here to escort Ms. Mitchell to the penthouse," the woman said.

I didn't recognize her, but her efficiency air suggested she was a sharp assistant. My father's eyes flicked between us.

"You'll know I'm telling the truth if you follow her," he said.

My heart raced. This woman might hold the answers, but I was torn between suspicion and caution. After a moment's hesitation, I made my decision. "I'll go, but only if Chairman Benner accompanies me."

Surprise flickered across my father's face, but he nodded, turning to the woman for confirmation. I could see the same burning need for answers in his eyes.

The woman's brow furrowed slightly. I pressed on, "I'm not risking my safety. I don't have a guard with me right now, but my father's two bodyguards are impossible to leave behind," I explained.

"Fine," she conceded, her tone flat and emotionless.

We left the suite with two bodyguards following us. Chairman Benner walked next to me, clearly tense. The woman led the way.

As we reached the elevator bank, the hallway plunged into darkness. The sudden absence of light was quickly followed by the muffled pop of gunfire, seemingly emanating from the lower floors of the building.

My heart pounded, and adrenaline rushed through me. The bodyguards quickly drew their weapons, scanning the darkness for any danger.

"Wh-what's happening?" I whispered, instinctively grabbing onto my father's arm.

One of the guards pulled his radio out.

"10-33, what's the situation?" he barked into his device.

"Code red, code red!" crackled the response. All units, be advised that we have an active shooter at the party!" punctuated by the sound of distant gunfire.

Fear took hold as the realization hit me. Tears filled my eyes, and I gasped for breath. Without thinking, I kicked off my stilettos, the expensive shoes clattering to the floor.

"Protect the Chairman! Get him back to the suite," one guard commanded. "I'll cover Ms. Mitchell!"

Operating on pure instinct, I sprinted for the emergency stairwell. At the same time, my trembling fingers fumbled with my phone, desperately trying to call Philip.

This felt like a nightmare I thought I'd escaped, but now the stakes were much higher. My children were down there.

My kids!