Chapter 148. Lincoln?

Ryder POV

I was in Shanghai when the news hit.

I was in the middle of a tense meeting with some Chinese investors when Devon leaned down and whispered urgently in my ear.

“Boss. Malik reported an Armed robbery at Aurelia Bank. Freya’s inside.”

Everything inside me went cold.

I didn’t say a word. I pulled out my phone and opened the news app with a swipe. The headlines hit like a punch to the gut.

Breaking: Armed Robbery at Aurelia Bank – Multiple Hostages Taken.

Freya had told me on our video call last night that she was heading there with Zoey today to deposit some of the jewelry I’d given her.

I stood up so fast the chair behind me clattered to the floor. The room went silent.

“Meeting’s over,” I rasped, voice flat. I was already walking out, Devon right on my heels.

The jet was in the air within forty minutes. The entire flight back felt like hell. I kept refreshing every news site, jaw locked so tight it hurt.