Jamie was too overwhelmed to handle the tangled mess of emotions and threats. All she could focus on was Charlie's safety. Her voice cracked as she nearly begged Winnie. "He's your blood relative. What are you trying to do? Don't use him to threaten me. I'll help you."

Winnie let out a cold laugh.

"Jamie, you're nothing but a hypocrite. Without leverage, would you really be so willing to do what I ask?"

Jamie tried to reason further, but Winnie cut her off impatiently.

"Enough with the useless chatter. I need you to get Ben to meet me."

Jamie's heart sank. "What are you planning?"

Winnie's voice carried a mocking edge. "That's between me and him."

Jamie hesitated before replying, "Ben and I haven't been in contact for a long time. I might not be able to do it."

Winnie's tone turned icy and menacing. "That's your problem. I assume you still care about Charlie's safety, right?" Jamie fell silent.

If Jamie didn't act fast to find Charlie, there was no telling what could happen. She had no choice but to try to stabilize Winnie. "Fine, I'll do it. But I need to see Charlie every day and hear

far

problem, but don't even think about calling the police or telling anyone. That would be the worst decision

swallowed hard, suppressing her trembling fear. "Alright,"

fell between them, broken only by the faint hum of static.

a long pause, Jamie hesitated, her voice

"Winnie, I-"

abruptly went

stared at the blank screen, her heart sinking even further into despair Her finger hovered over the phone screen,

bracing herself. She had to steel herself for this, no

seconds, the call connected, though Ben said

forced herself to

was listening. Jamie took a deep breath, summoning her courage. "You've always wanted to know why I did what I did,

trace of curiosity, tinged with satisfaction. "You're finally ready

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