As soon as Darren finished speaking, he tilted his head slightly and gave a subtle signal over his shoulder.

One of the bodyguards immediately stepped forward, moving shockingly fast.

Before I could even react, a rough, strong hand clamped down on my arm and twisted it sharply behind my back. Pain exploded through my shoulder. I gasped, my body forced to bend slightly forward. My arm went numb, and I couldn't break free no matter how hard I tried.

"Let go of me!" I snapped, my voice tight with pain. "This is unlawful detention! It's a crime!"

Elian's eyes turned red with panic when she saw this. She wanted to rush over to help me, but she was holding Zoey in her arms, making her movements slow and clumsy. She had barely taken a step forward when the other bodyguard reached out to stop her.

Trapped and unable to move forward or retreat, she could only watch me helplessly.

Darren strolled over to us leisurely, completely ignoring my resistance and anger. His gaze passed over me and landed on Eliana, who was on the verge of breaking down behind me.

He took out a small, stitched charm from the inner pocket of his suit, holding it carefully between two fingers as he let it sway in the air.

The charm looked old and frayed around the edges, and it was obvious it had been carefully cherished for many years.

"You remember this, don't you?"

His tone was casual, like he was talking about the weather, but every word cut straight to the heart.

"Your adoptive mother once climbed 999 steps to get to the shrine in the mountains just for this. She sewed it into the pillow you used as a child. You once said it was the most important, most precious thing in your life."

Eliana's eyes widened instantly. Tears suddenly burst out without warning, streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks.

The corners of Darren's mouth curved into a cruel arc.

"Come back with me. As long as you obediently follow me home, I'll keep this. Otherwise, I'll burn it right now, and you'll never see it again."

He paused, his voice turning even colder, carrying an unquestionable threat. "You know I always keep my word."

The chat erupted in an uproar.

"The plot's gone off the rails! Wasn't that charm supposed to be something the MMC kept to reminisce about the FMC later on?"

"But an unhinged MMC is even more compelling. The crazier he is now, the more he'll regret it later!"

Eliana bit down hard on her lower lip, nearly breaking the skin and drawing blood. She looked at me—pale-faced and restrained—then at the charm that meant everything to her. Unbearable conflict and pain filled her eyes.

Finally, she closed her eyes, and tears slid down silently.

"I'll go back with you. Let Ms. Norris go."

Then she turned to me, her eyes full of guilt and self-blame.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this, Ms. Norris."

Holding Zoey, she walked toward Darren step by step—each one slow, heavy, and filled with despair.

Each step felt like a hammer slamming into my chest. If she really were my sister…

Using every ounce of strength I had, I threw my head backward, slamming it hard into the bodyguard's jaw behind me.

He groaned in pain, and his grip loosened instantly.

I seized the opportunity to wrench myself free. Ignoring the searing pain in my shoulder, I dashed madly to Eliana's side before anyone could react. I yanked her and Zoey back behind me and shielded them protectively.

My chest heaved, my breathing was ragged, and sweat beaded at my temples—but I stood tall, refusing to take even half a step back.

Standing in front of the mother and child, I met Darren's dark, terrifying gaze and declared firmly, "Darren Carney! Eliana Fraser is a fully competent adult. You have no right to take her against her will!

"And don't you think you should ask my permission before taking my sister—my biological sister—away?"