Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 448 Valeria's ears buzzed, her vision doubling. She stared at the woman-unhinged, out of control. These were things Valeria had never known. And Gabriella said Lucas had liked her? How was that even possible? Gabriella had planned to attend Stredview University's music program, but it was Sebastian who stepped in and had her sent overseas instead. She didn't have time to think further. The pressure on her chest kept building as the air slipped away. Just as Valeria was about to lose her breath, Gabriella let her go. "Today, it all ends," Gabriella said.

That very day, she had siphoned 80 million dollars out of Wendy's company accounts. Wendy, distracted by Alexander's condition, hadn't even noticed. By the following morning , Gabriella would be ona flight to Moanora. Whether Sebastian lost control and destroyed Wendy, or Alexander died after learning the truth, Gabriella couldn't wait to see the chaos. Shame she wouldn't be there to witness it herself. ---- As she stepped out of the ward, she spotted Jackson waiting in the hallway. He had been in Velria for ten years and spoke fluent Velrian.

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he couldn't believe he had just overheard this kind of messed -up family drama. He was only in it for the paycheck. Gabriella then instructed, "Dr. Lowell, I'll pay you six million dollars. Breathe a word of this, and that money won't land in your account." "Don't worry," Jackson reassured her. "I'm just a doctor." She headed downstairs. Out in the driveway , a white Bentley Flying Spur sat waiting. Wendy was inside. "Mom, don't worry. I told the doctor to use anesthesia. Valeria won't feel a thing. Losing one kidney won't ruin her life.

With the Grants taking care of her, she'll manage just fine, " Gabriella said. "Gabriella , I still think we're being too reckless... with what we're doing tonight..." Wendy's voice shook. She wanted Valeria to donate her kidney, but abducting her like this? Wasn't that going too far? "Mom, Valeria's married into the Grants, She won't dare call the cops. Sure, it's illegal, but as long as she keeps quiet, we're ---- in the clear.

And even if she does report it, I'll take the fall." Gabriella forced out a couple of tears as she added, "Because all I want is to save my dad." Wendy didn't even know why, but the closer it got to dawn, the more her chest tightened. She realized Gabriella was braver than she was. Gabriella didn't want her mom hanging around, getting in the way. "Mom, go on. I'll stay here. Once the sun's up and the match results come back, the bodyguards at the hospital will bring Dad straight in." Wendy couldn't argue.

The whole thing made her uneasy, and she was afraid she might lose her nerve at the last second and screw everything up. She nodded quickly, drove a few hundred yards down the road, and pulled over to wait. By 6:00 am, the first streak of daylight slipped through the hospital window. The glow hit Valeria's eyelids, but she couldn't move. Strapped in place, she felt trapped with no way out. The ticking clock in the room sounded louder with every passing second, hammering in her ears. 'The door swung open. Two people in white coats wheeled her straight toward the operating room.

---- Someone announced, "The match is confirmed!" The last time Valeria had been ina room like this was for her C -section. Now, as the surgical lights flared on, the glare was blinding . Her breath caught, as if a hand had closed around her throat. Her thoughts shot to Sebastian, Selena, and Margaret. And she knew, at this very moment, he was out there, tearing the world apart, trying to find her. Sebastian shoved open the hospital ward door and froze at the sight. Two strangers dressed as doctors were holding Alexander down on the bed.

One of them pinned him while the other injected something into his arm. They clearly hadn't expected anyone to walk in at this hour. Sebastian moved before they could blink. His punches were sharp and ruthless, and the two of them went down without a fight. It didn't take long before they cracked. "We were just hired and paid to do a job." Alexander coughed hard and struggled upright on the edge of the bed. "What the hell is going on, Sebastian? Who are these people?" ---- "Alexander, can you get in touch with Wendy right now? Valeria has been kidnapped.

I'm almost certain she and Gabriella are behind it." "She... How could she do something like that?" Alexander's voice shook as he pulled out his phone. Worked up, he coughed again, his fingers trembling as he dialed. His eyes met Sebastian's , both of them heavy with unspoken weight. "Valeria... She's your daughter with Wendy. Wendy was already pregnant before she married Melvin." Alexander's lips cracked and trembled, his mouth moving but barely forming words. For a moment, it was like he had forgotten how to speak.

His sickly, gray face and tired eyes suddenly came alive with a flash of light. "What? Valeria is my... daughter?" Alexander stammered. Gabriella stormed into Jackson's operating room at 7:00 am, barking, "What are you waiting for? Remove her kidney now!" Jackson frowned as he explained, "The recipient isn't here yet. We have to wait until Alexander arrives so we can perform both surgeries at the same time." "Then, remove her kidney now and keep it on ice. I already sent someone to bring my dad here." She didn't want to risk ---- dragging this out. When he hesitated, she snapped, "Fine.

I'll give you another one million dollars." Jackson finally nodded and told his assistant to prep the anesthesia. Gabriella folded her arms, a cruel smile tugging at her lips as she looked at Valeria lying on the table. "Skip the anesthesia. I want to see her struggle." "That goes against medical ethics," Jackson shot back. "I won't do it." Gabriella sneered. "Ethics? Don't forget, you were kicked out by the International Medical Association for harassing a colleague at Maltus Hospital. That didn't seem to bother your conscience .

I can bury that scandal and get you reinstated ." Jackson froze, then glanced at Valeria. "T'm sorry, but I have to do this..." he muttered. Then, he turned to his assistant as he made up his mind and said, "Prep for the surgery." Valeria shut her eyes as a single tear slid down her cheek. Wendy seemed to be avoiding the calls, too scared to answer. From the hired men, Sebastian had learned they were all at Jackson's clinic. He jumped in the car with Alexander and dialed the police as he sped off. ---- The whole journey, Alexander kept calling Wendy. On the fifth try, she finally picked up.

Her voice shook. " Alexander , you must hate me. But I can't live without you. Alexander pleaded desperately, "Stop what you're doing right now. Valeria is our daughter."