Chapter 190

Hugo's large, round eyes darted around with childlike wonder.

Evelyn Roland and Sebastian Valdemar stepped into the amusement park, instantly drawing admiring glances. Their striking looks made them stand out in the crowd.

"Is that a celebrity filming something?"

"That little boy is adorable—like an angel!"

The murmurs of passersby reached their ears. They were accustomed to such attention and paid it no mind.

Evelyn kept glancing down at Hugo, worried the lively atmosphere might overwhelm him.

Suddenly, the little boy froze in place.

"What is it?" Evelyn followed his gaze.

Hugo was staring intently at a nearby candy apple stand, his eyes unblinking.

"Do you want one?" Evelyn asked softly.

He nodded eagerly, swallowing hard.

A long line stretched before the stand. Before Evelyn could speak, Sebastian stepped forward. "Wait here."

Watching his tailored suit disappear into the crowd, Evelyn felt a flutter in her chest.

"Help! Somebody!"

"Call security!"

A piercing scream shattered the air.

Evelyn turned to see a man in a hospital gown wildly brandishing a shard of glass through the crowd.

Sebastian rushed back with the candy apple, shielding them both.

Amid the chaos, someone shoved Evelyn hard.

As she stumbled, a strong arm caught her waist.

They stood so close she could hear his heartbeat. Her cheeks burned as she hastily stepped back.

Sebastian's fingers absently flexed, as if savoring the lingering warmth.

"Where's Hugo?" Evelyn gasped.

"A child was taken!" someone shouted in the distance.

Her heart lurched. Through the panicked crowd, she spotted Hugo—held hostage by the deranged man.

"Die! All of you!" The man screamed hysterically, keeping everyone at bay.

"They say he escaped from the psychiatric hospital nearby."

"Call the police—now!"

The crowd buzzed with fear. Evelyn's fingertips turned to ice.