Chapter 16: The Safe House
The drive to the safe house was tense, every shadow on the road feeling like a potential threat. Evelyn clutched the handle of the car door, her eyes darting nervously to the rearview mirror.
Alexander's focus was razor-sharp, his grip firm on the wheel. Beside him, Sophia sat in stony silence, her anxiety palpable.
"How much farther?" Evelyn asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Ten minutes," Alexander replied. "Marcus will meet us there with the others. The place is secure."
But even as he spoke, doubt lingered in his tone. Damian had already proven that no place was truly safe.
The Arrival
The safe house was a modest estate on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by dense woods. Marcus was waiting for them at the gate, his expression grim.
"They hit the mansion hard," Marcus reported as Alexander stepped out of the car. "Our people are safe, but they took out most of the security systems. It's a message."
Alexander nodded, his jaw tightening. "And we've received it loud and clear."
Evelyn helped Sophia out of the car, guiding her inside as Marcus and Alexander discussed their next steps.
Tension in the Air
Inside the safe house, the atmosphere was heavy. The small team Alexander had assembled worked quietly, reviewing surveillance feeds and securing the perimeter.
Sophia sat in the corner of the room, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Evelyn brought her a cup of tea, sitting down beside her.
"You did the right thing coming with us," Evelyn said gently.
Sophia gave a weak smile. "I just hope it was worth it."
"It will be," Evelyn assured her. "We'll find a way to stop Damian."
Damian's Next Move
Back in his penthouse, Damian watched the live feed from his men's body cams as they scoured the wreckage of the Wolfe mansion.
"They've fled," his assistant reported. "We're tracking their vehicles, but they've gone dark."
Damian's smile was cold. "Good. Let them think they've escaped. It'll make their fall that much sweeter."
He turned to his assistant. "Begin the next phase. I want Alexander to feel the pressure. Attack his assets, his allies—anything that keeps his empire afloat. Leave him with nothing."
The assistant nodded and left to carry out the orders.
A Moment of Calm
As night fell, Alexander finally allowed himself a moment to breathe. He found Evelyn sitting on the porch, gazing at the stars.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, sitting down beside her.
She shook her head. "Too much on my mind."
Alexander reached for her hand, his touch reassuring. "We'll get through this."
"I know," she said softly. "But it feels like we're always reacting, never ahead of Damian."
Alexander nodded. "That's about to change. Tomorrow, we go on the offensive."
Evelyn looked at him, determination in her eyes. "Whatever it takes, I'm with you."
The Cliffhanger
Inside the safe house, Sophia's phone buzzed. She hesitated, glancing at the screen.
It was a message from Damian:
"You're making a mistake, little sister. Don't forget who your real family is."
Her heart pounded as she stared at the words, guilt and fear swirling within her.
Unbeknownst to Evelyn and Alexander, Damian's reach extended further than they could imagine—and Sophia was about to make a choice that would change everything: