Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 158

58 Chapter 158 War Room Vigil

Ivy’s POV

Consciousness returned to me in jagged pieces as I stirred on the leather sofa in Caleb’s private office. Through my blurred vision, I could make out Gemma clutching my hand with white knuckles, Katelyn entering with an ornate silver service, Xavier barking rapid–fire orders into his encrypted phone, Jude pacing the Persian rug while speaking in clipped tones to his contacts, and Caleb unleashing his volcanic rage on Fisher, the head of our security detail.

“Caleb, she’s awake,” Gemma announced softly, and he immediately abandoned his brutal interrogation to rush to my side.

“Tesoro, our people are already mobilized. The police task force is en route.” His voice fractured as tears carved paths down his scarred face. “It seems Caleb and Fisher were feeding information to the Rossi family. Both have vanished completely. Dr. Taylor is coming to check on you.”

“Caleb, our little boy…” Terror clawed up my throat, making each breath a struggle.

“We will bring him home safely, Queen. I give you my blood oath.” His ice–blue eyes blazed with deadly promise as he cradled my face between his tattooed hands. “I need you to stay calm for the baby you’re carrying, but you’re not leaving my sight until this

is over. Trust me to hunt down our son.”

“This herbal blend will steady your nerves without causing drowsiness, dear,” Katelyn murmured, offering me the delicate porcelain cup.

Soon, Caleb’s office transformed into a war room. Zoe, Ruby, and Nora burst through the reinforced doors with Dominic flanking them for protection. Finn arrived with his uncle and Carmen, who was sobbing uncontrollably and pleading for forgiveness from anyone who would listen. Dr. Taylor pushed through the assembled crowd to reach me, administering a mild anxiolytic after his examination.

“Ivy, this medication will simply stabilize your nervous system. Your blood pressure is dangerously elevated, which poses a threat to your pregnancy,” Dr. Taylor warned gravely. “You need to return to the compound and rest immediately.”

“Absolutely not. I’m staying until we have intelligence on my son’s location,” I stated

with iron resolve.

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“This environment is too volatile. It will only exacerbate your condition,” he pressed.

“Tesoro, move to Xavier’s office with the girls. I’ll update you regularly and share every piece of intelligence we gather,” Caleb said, framing my face with his powerful hands. “I’m sending Carmen back to our penthouse. She’s traumatized and needs medical attention for her head injury. Walter will monitor her there.”

I stood and embraced Carmen tightly, assuring her that none of this blood was on her hands. Dr. Taylor escorted me to Xavier’s adjacent office and helped me settle onto the black leather couch before returning to Caleb, instructing the girls to summon him if my condition deteriorated. The girls positioned themselves strategically around the room as I recounted our peaceful morning at the safe house and Carmen’s frantic warning call. Gemma disappeared to the reception area to cancel all appointments and manage the steady influx of family soldiers and associates.

Scott appeared in the doorway, his weathered face etched with guilt and anguish.

“Sweetheart, please forgive an old soldier. I never imagined the Rossi family’s reach

extended this deep into our security network. I placed complete faith in the protection detail.”

“Scott, this betrayal isn’t your burden to bear. No one could have anticipated their desperation,” I replied, trying to desperation,” I replied, trying to ease the weight crushing his shoulders.

“Honey, I should have seen

enemies we’ve made. I signs, considering the scope of our operations and the

enemies we’ve made. I should have maintained tighter surveillance. I’ll mobilize every resource to help bring Max home. Heidi has chartered a private jet and is boarding now. She’ll arrive before dawn and asked me to tell you she’ll stand vigil by your side.”

The knowledge that Heidi was rushing to us provided a fragment of comfort in this nightmare. Scott pressed gentle kisses to my hands before departing to coordinate search efforts. Shortly afterward, Jude entered carrying a covered meal tray, which he placed carefully across my lap.

“I know you have no appetite and this feels impossible, but we must protect your unborn child as well. Dr. Taylor stressed that you need proper nutrition. Please try to consume something”

“Jude, thank you for thinking of everything. Yes, I’ll force myself to eat. I must stay strong for both my children,” I replied, genuinely attempting to swallow the food despite my churning stomach. I couldn’t afford to compromise my pregnancy and health during this crisis.

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“Ladies, we’ve arranged a full spread in the reception area. Please get some sustenance. Should I bring individual trays here instead?” Jude inquired.

“No, darling, we’ll go there,” Nora replied gratefully. “Any new intelligence?”

“Yes, a specialized task force has been established. Federal contacts are briefing Caleb now. They’ve already debriefed Carmen, and Xavier’s driver transported her to Caleb’s penthouse under armed escort. Walter is monitoring all communications there and will provide medical care for Carmen.”

We thanked him as Jude returned to Caleb’s office, which had apparently become our crisis command center. Time crawled by without meaningful updates. Caleb entered carrying a steaming espresso cup, exhaustion carved into every line of his face.

“How are you holding up, Tesoro?” I managed a weak smile as he pressed a kiss to my forehead and settled beside me on the couch. “They discovered the abandoned SUV on a dirt access road outside the city limits. Our forensics team is processing it for evidence. The feds are convinced a second vehicle was staged there for the extraction.”

“What’s our next move?” I asked, feeling dulled by the medication coursing through my

system.

“Now we hunt through every shadow, and every member of our security apparatus is being interrogated under enhanced methods. Scott is conducting comprehensive background investigations on all personnel. He’s consumed with guilt, just like Carmen.” Caleb looked utterly drained.

“Neither of them deserves to carry this blame,” I said, studying the harsh lines of fatigue etched across his features.

“I know. We’re investigating the entire Rossi network and Monica’s remaining contacts thoroughly. I reached out to Loxley and requested he pressure Veronica for any intelligence she might possess. Can you think of anyone else who might have

information?” Caleb asked. I shook my head helplessly.

Suddenly, Caleb’s attention shifted to a spot near the bulletproof windows where Zoe

sat completely motionless, staring into the darkness beyond.

“How long has she been catatonic like that?” he asked with concern.

“For some time,” Ruby answered quietly. “I don’t know how to reach her.”

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