My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 1288

The feeling hit Tristan like a wave, sudden and impossible to ignore. It started as a flicker of worry, but within seconds it grew into something that took over his whole body and left his heart pounding.

That creeping dread felt so real, almost like he could reach out and touch it. And when he saw the new message from Benjamin Gomez, the fear stabbed right through him, sharp and cold.

His vision blurred. The words on the screen barely made sense.

Unknown Number: [You just couldn't listen, could you? Still went to the police, huh?]

Elizabeth Wilson's voice was tight with panic as she tried to keep from screaming. “How does he know?”

Tristan’s hands shook so badly he almost dropped his phone. He forced himself to type a reply.

[No. We never called the police. Not once.]

But before he could even take a breath, another message came through. This time, it was a photo. Rose Ward, standing on a dark street, talking to a plainclothes cop.

Tristan went cold all over. It felt like ice water poured straight down his spine.

Unknown Number: [Why can't you control her? Why didn't you follow the rules? Do you even care about Emily Blair? Or do you think I’m an idiot and wouldn’t notice what you’re up to?]

Unknown Number: [Let me make this clear. I planned for everything. I’ve got eyes on every police station near you. The second you make a move, I know. Did you really think you could fool me? Ridiculous.]

Tristan’s breathing came out rough and uneven. Elizabeth snapped out of her shock, grabbed her phone, and texted Rose with a warning not to talk to the police anymore.

Tristan tried to call the number. It went straight to disconnect.

Unknown Number: [Was I too easy on you? Did you really think you could get away with calling the cops?]

Unknown Number: [Why would I want you? I’m never letting Emily Blair go. Stop hoping. Just wait for my next video.]

Tristan’s face was stone cold, his eyes wet and red. He kept typing, over and over, begging Benjamin to let Emily go.

He got one answer.

[You’re so annoying. Shut up.]

Elizabeth couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed the phone and dialed the number herself.

Every call went straight to disconnect, no matter how many times she tried.