Maya gripped the broom handle tighter. Her eyes never left the door, while Evan hid behind her.
“Open the door,” the man outside called again. “We were ordered to bring the Young Master home.”
Evan clutched the hem of Maya’s shirt.
“Don’t open it.”
Maya lowered her head slightly. “I’m not opening it until I know who they are.”
She gestured for Evan to move back near the kitchen, then slowly walked toward the door. Maya didn’t open it right away. She stood beside the doorframe and peered through a small gap in the window curtain.
Outside, three black cars were parked in front of the house.
Four men stood in the yard. They wore dark suits and polished shoes. Not one of them looked like an ordinary person who had come to pick up a little boy.
One of them stepped forward.
“My name is Raka. I’m Master Thomas Mahardika’s head of security.”
Maya still didn’t open the door.
“Then show me your identification.”
The man pulled a card from his suit pocket and held it up toward the window.
Maya narrowed her eyes. The Mahardika family crest was clearly visible on the card.
Evan heard the name, and his expression immediately changed.
“Thomas…”
Maya turned around. “You know him?”
“He’s my dad.”
“Why didn’t you say so from the beginning?”
Evan lowered his head. “I don’t want to go home.”
Outside, Raka knocked again.
“We don’t intend to hurt you, miss. The Young Master must be taken home immediately.”
“He doesn’t want to go.”
“That decision isn’t his to make.”
Maya unlocked the door but opened it only a few inches.
“He’s a child. Of course his feelings should be taken into consideration.”
Raka stared at her through the crack in the door.
“Who are you?”
“Maya.”
“What’s your relationship with the Young Master?”
“None.”
“Then move aside.”
His tone grew harsher.
Maya held her breath. She knew these people hadn’t come to negotiate. They only wanted to take Evan and leave.
“Evan,” Raka called. “The Master is waiting for you.”
Evan pressed himself against the wall.
“I don’t want to!”
The voice made Raka fall silent. He turned to the men behind him, then looked back at Maya.
“Miss Maya, you shouldn’t be turning the Young Master against us.”
Maya opened the door a little wider.
“He doesn’t need anyone to turn him against you. He’s old enough to say no.”
“Children don’t know what’s best for them.”
“And adults who only show up after all this time don’t necessarily know either.”
Raka stared at Maya coldly.
“Don’t interfere in the Mahardika family’s affairs.”
“If your family’s affairs are making a child afraid, I’ll interfere.”
One of the men behind Raka stepped forward.
“Sir, we don’t have time.”
Raka gave a small nod. Then he looked at Maya.
“If you don’t hand over the Young Master, we’ll come in.”
Maya raised the broom in her hand.
“Go ahead.”
The four men exchanged glances.
Maya was trembling inside. There was no way she could face them if they really forced their way in. But she wouldn’t back down just because she was afraid.
Evan suddenly grabbed her hand.
“Maya, don’t.”
Maya turned to him.
“What?”
“If they come in, they’ll hurt you.”
“Then hide somewhere safe.”
“I don’t want to leave without you.”
His words made Maya’s chest tighten.
She turned her gaze back to the men in front of the house.
“Listen carefully. Evan isn’t going anywhere tonight.”
Raka sighed.
“Fine. We’ll take this decision to Master Thomas.”
“Take a message from me, too.”
“If he wants to pick up his son, he can come himself,” Maya continued firmly.
Raka was silent for a few moments, then left.