### Chapter 13: The Storm Brews
Lucas followed John Parlext into his luxurious office. The room was large and filled with grand furniture,
John gestured toward a chair. "Have a seat, Lucas," he said calmly.
But Lucas didn't sit. His eyes were locked on John, his patience thin. "Tell me what happened to my wife."
John sighed, leaning back in his chair, his expression more serious now. "Your wife and her friends—Lily and Neomi—had an unfortunate encounter with someone you need to be aware of. Her name is Vivian Darlington."
"Darlington?" Lucas's brow furrowed. "I've heard of that family. They're known for their cruelty."
John nodded slowly. "Yes, that's right. The Darlington family is infamous for their ruthlessness, and Vivian's no different. There was a confrontation at Herz Clothing Store earlier today. Lily accidentally bumped into Vivian, and things escalated from there. Vivian ordered her bodyguards to take all three of them."
Lucas's fists clenched at his sides, anger rising within him. "Where did they take them?"
"To an abandoned factory outside the city," John replied. "That's all I know."
Lucas took a deep breath, trying to suppress the fury building inside him. "And you did nothing to stop this?"
John met his gaze, but didn't flinch. "By the time I found out, they were already gone. The Darlington family holds a lot of power, Lucas. It's dangerous to cross them, but…" John's voice softened, "I didn't think someone like you would stand down."
Lucas didn't respond. He was already heading for the door.
Before he left, he paused and turned back to John. "I'll be dealing with the Darlingtons soon. Make sure you arrange a meeting with them."
John raised an eyebrow, sensing the mockery in Lucas's tone. "Of course, I'll see to it."
Lucas stormed out of the office, fury simmering beneath his calm exterior. As he made his way through the mall, his mind was focused on one thing: getting Selena, Lily, and Neomi back safely.
Once outside, Lucas pulled out his phone and dialed Dominic.
"Warlord," Dominic's voice answered on the other end.
"I need you to track down the Darlington family's whereabouts. Specifically, where they took Selena and the others," Lucas ordered, his voice clipped.
"I've already tracked their location to an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city," Dominic replied. "That's where they're holding them."
"Good," Lucas growled. "And set up a meeting with the Darlingtons."
There was a brief pause on the other end. "A meeting, Warlord?"
"Yes," Lucas said, his voice cold. "I'd like to speak with them—properly."
Without waiting for a response, Lucas hung up and got into his car. He sped through the city streets, anger and determination driving him forward. The city lights blurred as he navigated the roads, heading directly for the factory Dominic had pinpointed.
It didn't take long for him to arrive. As he approached the factory, he spotted several armed guards patrolling the entrance. They seemed relaxed, unaware of the danger heading their way.
Lucas got out of his car and approached them without hesitation. The guards noticed him and immediately raised their weapons.
"Who are you?" one of the guards barked.
Lucas didn't answer. Instead, he moved with lethal speed. In one swift motion, he grabbed the first guard by the throat and slammed him to the ground, knocking him unconscious. The second guard reached for his gun, but Lucas disarmed him in seconds, delivering a precise blow that left him crumpled on the ground.
The remaining guards froze in shock, but Lucas wasn't done. With calculated precision, he dispatched each one, leaving them incapacitated on the cold ground.
When the last guard fell, Lucas stepped over their bodies and made his way into the factory. The building was old and decayed, the smell of rust and mold hanging in the air. He moved quickly through the dimly lit corridors, his senses on high alert.
Finally, Lucas reached a large room at the back of the factory. The doors were slightly open, and he could hear faint noises coming from inside. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The sight before him made his blood boil.
Selena, Lily, and Neomi lay unconscious on the floor, their hands and feet bound with ropes. Nearby, a table was cluttered with strange chemicals and syringes. Standing over them was Vivian Darlington, her back turned as she prepared something sinister.
But before Vivian could carry out whatever she had planned, she felt it—a sudden, overwhelming presence behind her. The air around her seemed to thicken, and a wave of terror washed over her. Her body froze, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn't move, couldn't speak.
Lucas stood behind her, his eyes blazing with fury. His gaze shifted to Selena and the others, and a wave of relief washed over him. They were still alive, though unconscious. His fists clenched, and his fury returned tenfold as he turned back to Vivian.
Vivian, still frozen in place, could only watch in horror as Lucas moved toward her, his presence suffocating. She tried to scream, to call for help, but her voice failed her.
Lucas didn't say a word. With cold efficiency, he dispatched Vivian's remaining bodyguards, who hadn't even had time to comprehend the threat before they fell. The room was silent, save for the faint sound of breathing from the three women on the floor.
With the danger eliminated, Lucas knelt beside Selena, carefully untying her bonds. He did the same for Lily and Neomi, his movements gentle despite the rage still simmering beneath the surface.
Once they were free, Lucas gently lifted Selena into his arms. Her unconscious form was limp against him, but he could feel the faint rise and fall of her chest. She was safe, for now.
Lucas carried Selena out of the factory, with Lily and Neomi following closely behind. They were still unconscious, unaware of the danger they had been in, or of the wrath that had been unleashed on their behalf.