And Claraara suddenly understood—this wasn’t just a rescue.
This could turn into a struggle, because Austin might fight them. And if he screamed, if people gathered, if something went wrong… Claraara’s life could change forever in the next five minutes.
Martins stepped forward and said firmly, “Baba, I’m taking you home.”
Austin’s eyes filled with terror again.
He opened his mouth to scream, and Claraara’s heart nearly stopped.
Austin’s mouth stayed open.
The scream caught halfway in his throat.
Claraara reacted without thinking.
She tightened her grip on his wrist and leaned close, her voice low and calm—the way she always spoke to him when he was afraid.
“Austin,” she said gently. “It’s okay. Nobody will hurt you. Please… trust me.”
Her eyes locked into his.
Austin’s shaking slowed a little. His chest still rose and fell too fast, but the scream never came out.
Martins watched them closely.
For the first time since he arrived, his hard billionaire confidence cracked.
What he saw in front of him wasn’t business, power, or money.
It was an old man clinging to the only person who had shown him kindness while he was lost.
Martins raised his hand to the guards. “Step back,” he ordered quietly.
The guards obeyed immediately.
Martins crouched again, lowering himself to Austin’s level.
“Baba,” he said softly, “nobody is forcing you. We are only going home. Claraara will come with us.”
Austin looked at Claraara. His fingers tightened around her wrist.
“She will?” he asked, his voice small like a child’s.
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