Chapter 22(Iris P.O.V)

“Arrest him,” I commanded the armed men flanking Dad.

“Ohhh Zayn, meet my dad,” I said, motioning toward the older man. Zayn’s face drained of color.

“This… is your dad?” he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

“Remember who he is now?” I asked coldly. I didn’t wait for him to answer.

“My mom… she was Tori’s parents’ lawyer. The one you killed, along with my sister Irisa,” I continued, watching him tremble.

“I waited a long time to plan this… and now, it’s done,” I said.

The men dragged Zayn away. Relief mixed with fury swirled in me as I turned to Tori.

I rushed to her side, loosening the chains Zayn had used to bind her. She collapsed into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably. I held her tightly, whispering soothing words, while Dad freed Nina from her restraints.

Tori pulled away from me and ran to Adrian’s side. “Adrian!” she cried. “Don’t leave me!”

Dad placed a hand on her shoulder. “He’s safe. He’ll be fine,” he reassured her as paramedics carefully lifted Adrian onto a stretcher and headed to the hospital.

I knelt beside the younger girl, still stunned from the ordeal. “Your brother will be okay,” I said gently, offering her a smile. She hugged me tightly, trying to hold back her tears.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“Don’t cry,” I said softly, brushing away the tears on her face.

Tori stepped closer, her eyes filled with gratitude. “How did you know where I was?”

“Amy,” I replied simply. She nodded in understanding.

“Thank you, Iris,” she said. Then, hesitating, she asked, “Can I call you big sis?”

I smiled, stunned for a moment. “No problem,” I said.

We all made our way to the hospital to check on Adrian.

“The surgery was successful,” the doctor reported as we entered. “We detected internal bleeding early and stitched it up in time. He should be stable in an hour or two.”

“Thank you,” Dad said, bowing politely before leaving the room.

Tori, however, couldn’t hide her worry.

“Tori,” I called softly.

“Yes, big sis?” she replied, looking up at me.

“Don’t worry about the shareholders or any of that,” I reassured her. “Dad and I have taken care of it all. His men were arrested in Ireland- no one can touch you ever again.”

Joy lit up her face. She hugged me tightly, and for the first time in a long while, I felt at peace.

“She’ll be the same again,” I thought, watching Tori smile. “And now, I have a baby sister too.”

Dad, standing silently, gave me a small smile. I pulled him into a hug, and he patted my back.

“Your sister and mom would be very proud of you,” he said softly. “You have a little sister now.”

Tori turned to Nina and hugged her. Nina hugged back, gently patting her on the back.

“Adrian’s going to be okay,” she whispered reassuringly.

A nurse appeared. “You can see him now,” she said.

Tori looked back at us, her eyes brightening. “Go on, see him,” Dad said. She nodded and walked inside.

Through the door, we saw Adrian holding Tori, even in his weakened state. Love- genuine, unshakable- filled the room.

We followed inside. Nina rushed to Adrian’s side. “I thought I’d lost you, Ad!” she cried, tears spilling freely.

“No crying,” I warned gently, smiling as she wiped her tears.

“Thank you,” Adrian said to Dad and me.

“For what?” Dad asked, smiling. “We’re family now.”

Tori had lost both parents to a man like Zayn. I had lost my sister and mom to him too. And now… Dad and I were ready to be a family to Tori, to protect and love her.

Tori hugged Dad tightly. “Thank you, Dad,” she whispered. I noticed his eyes, glistening with unshed tears, and I knew- he was happy. Truly happy.

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