The safe-house was quiet, with only the soft rustle of fabric and the gentle hum of the generator breaking the stillness.
Ariella sat next to her mother, gripping Eleanor's fragile hands tightly.
Even hours after their dramatic escape, it still felt unreal.
Her mother was alive.
Leo stood close by, scanning the area, his sharp eyes darting between the shadows outside and the people inside.
Carter was quietly talking with Vincent Crowne, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken worries.
Ariella sensed it—the burden of what lay ahead.
They had escaped.
But they were not safe.
Not yet.
Eleanor spoke softly, her voice weak from years of being held captive. "You look just like her."
Ariella's heart tightened. "Like who?"
Eleanor offered a faint smile, her fingers brushing Ariella's cheek. "Like me. But stronger."
Ariella fought back tears, emotion swelling in her chest. "I thought you were gone. I thought I would never experience the soothing touch of a mother ever again"
Eleanor's eyes dimmed. "I almost was gone. I'm glad you found me"
Leo moved closer. "We need to know what happened."
Eleanor took a shaky breath, her frail shoulders quivering. "It all began the night your father disappeared."
Ariella listened intently, the past unfolding like a haunting story.
"The Order came for me," Eleanor whispered. "They sought information. They wanted control over the Devereux fortune, but more than that—" Her voice trailed off.
Ariella's heart raced. "More than that?"
Eleanor's expression darkened. "They wanted something I wouldn't give them."
Ariella's grip tightened. "What was it?"
Eleanor hesitated, glancing at Leo and Vincent before returning her gaze to Ariella. "They wanted you."
Silence filled the room.
Ariella froze. "Me?"
Eleanor nodded. "The Order had plans for you, Isabelle. They intended to use you as leverage, thinking I would surrender you. But when I refused…" She took a shaky breath. "They took me instead.
Leo tightened his jaw. "And they held you captive for thirty years?"
Eleanor nodded, her voice shaky. "Yes. They kept me alive because they believed I might eventually give them what they wanted." She looked at Ariella. "But I never did."
Ariella felt a deep pain in her chest.
Her mother had suffered for years just to keep her safe.
Leo spoke in a low, dangerous tone. "Who's in charge now?"
Eleanor's expression darkened. "There's a name… a name I heard whispered by the guards and the doctors who watched over me."
Ariella's heart raced. "Who is it?"
Eleanor took a deep breath.
"Silas Vaughn."
The room went silent.
Vincent cursed under his breath. "You've got to be kidding me."
Leo's eyes narrowed. "You know him?"
Vincent folded his arms, his expression unreadable. "He's not just a member of the Order. He's their kingmaker."
Ariella felt her stomach drop.
Silas Vaughn.
She had heard the name before—whispered in powerful circles, attached to wealth and destruction.
If he was involved… then, their battle had just become much more dangerous.
Ariella took a slow breath, trying to manage the anger and fear swirling within her. "Where can we find him?"
Vincent grinned. "That's the tricky part."
Ariella raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Vincent leaned on the table, his tone calm yet strategic. "Silas Vaughn is untouchable. He doesn't hide like the others. He's right out in the open. A billionaire, a philanthropist, a media mogul."
Leo scoffed. "And a killer."
Vincent's grin widened. "Exactly."
Ariella's thoughts raced. "So how do we reach him?"
Vincent's demeanor changed. "We don't. You do."
Ariella was taken aback. "What?"
Vincent shrugged. "You're Isabelle Devereux. The last heir to a fortune that was taken from you.
The Order may have tried to erase you, but if you make your presence known?" His grin deepened. "Silas will have no choice but to recognize you."
Leo's body went rigid. "Are you really saying we should use Ariella as bait?"
Vincent inclined his head. "I'm saying we should put her back in the world where she belongs."
Ariella felt a lump in her throat. "What if Silas takes the bait?"
Vincent's tone was dangerously calm. "Then we take him down."
Ariella stood on the balcony, gazing at the moonlit sky.
Everything had changed.
Her mother was alive.
The Order was still hunting her.
And now, she was about to step into the spotlight—to claim the Devereux name, to draw Silas Vaughn out.
Leo wrapped his arms around her from behind, his lips lightly touching her temple. "You don't have to do this."
Ariella closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth and strength. "I have to."
Leo sighed. "I can't bear the thought of losing you or our baby. I don't think I can survive it."
Ariella turned to him, cradling his face. "You won't."
Leo searched her eyes, his voice shaky. "I can't protect you or keep you safe if you're out in the open."
Ariella smiled gently. "Leo… you don't need to protect me from this."
Leo breathed out sharply, resting his forehead against hers. "I just got you back. I just got our life back."
Ariella's heart ached. "And we will hold onto it."
Leo's grip on her tightened. "Then we face this together."
Ariella felt warmth in her chest. "Always."
The following morning, everything changed once more.
Isabelle Devereux was no longer hidden.
A press release was issued, a carefully crafted statement that sent shockwaves through the elite circles of power.
"Ariella Brooks, long thought to be lost, has come forward to reclaim her rightful inheritance as Isabelle Devereux, the last surviving heir to the Devereux fortune."
The world responded immediately.
Social media exploded.
News outlets reported the story globally.
And in the dark corners of influence—
Silas Vaughn took notice.
Ariella sat at the dining table, scrolling through the news. Her fingers shook a little. The Order was no fool. They would be anticipating her next move.
Leo entered, his face hard to read. "Are you ready?"
Ariella took a deep breath, pushing aside her fear.
"I'm ready."
Because now?
Now, there was no going back.
She had declared war.
And she was determined to win.