Isabel and Alexander ran without pause until they reached his car, which was discreetly parked a few blocks from the penthouse. The vibrant city surrounded them with its bright lights and bustling streets, but Isabel was only aware of the growing sense of danger gripping them. They were not secure, no matter where they were. Leland had ensured that.
Alexander opened the car, his expression remaining stern, his breathing uneven. He gestured for her to enter. Without saying anything, Isabel quietly moved into the front passenger seat, feeling her heart race in her chest. Alexander got into the driver's seat and turned on the engine, holding onto the steering wheel firmly. The car took off quickly under the cover of darkness.
Both of them remained silent for the initial minutes while driving away from the center of the city. Isabel gazed out the window, observing the buildings whisking past, her mind racing. The memory of the masked attackers shattering through the glass and touching her was still vivid in her thoughts. They had narrowly survived. But for how much time could they continue to run?
"We won't return to the penthouse," Alexander firmly stated in a low voice.
"I assumed," Isabel whispered in response. "But to where are we heading?"
I own a location that is situated beyond the city limits. Alexander clarified that it is not well-known, as nobody is aware of it, while he focused on driving. "We will be secure in that place for some time, at least until we determine our next step."
Isabel took a gulp, feeling the dryness in her throat. The impact of the event was still being absorbed. She had always been aware of their peril, but now the undeniable truth of it hit home. Leland Chase wasn't fooling around. He had taken action, and it was just the start.
"For how long have you kept this secret from me?" Isabel inquired with a softer tone, a touch of pain seeping into her voice. "For how much time have you been aware of Leland and his abilities?"
Alexander waited before responding. He had a tense expression, with his jaw firmly set. When he eventually spoke, his voice carried a deep sense of remorse.
He confessed that he has been aware for a long time. However, I never expected it to reach this point. I believed I could handle it and prevent Leland's interference without needing your help or the foundation. I made a mistake."
Isabel gazed at him, feeling her chest constrict. "Why did you wait to tell me?" We could have been getting ready for this. Instead, we have failed to see the actual danger.
Alexander's hold on the steering wheel became stronger. I didn't want to involve you in this world. I didn't want you to constantly watch your back, fearing the next assault. I believed I could manage it by myself.
"What about now?" Isabel inquired, her voice shaking with fear. "What is our next step?"
For a brief moment, Alexander briefly glanced at her before redirecting his gaze back to the road. "Now, it's our turn to retaliate and defend ourselves." United. However, Isabel, it will become risky. Even more perilous than you realize."
She could already envision. The disorder, the doubt—it was all enveloping them, ready to drag them down. However, there was no going back at this point. When she stood by Alexander, she had already decided and was not going to change her mind.
For an additional hour, they continued driving quietly, watching as the city lights grew dimmer in the rearview mirror while they ventured deeper into the rural areas. Despite the tension easing from her shoulders, Isabel still had a knot of fear in her stomach. The presence of the unknown figure, Leland, the essential hacker they had to locate, and the chance of further attacks hovered ominously above them.
Eventually, Alexander steered the car away from the main road and onto a slender dirt trail that guided them into a secluded forest. The trees became denser as they continued further into the forest, and before long they could see the silhouette of a small, contemporary cabin in the distance. It was secluded, peaceful, and nearly completely out of sight.
"We'll be protected in this place," Alexander assured as he parked the car and exited.