The stolen documents were spread out on the table, a blueprint of chaos ready to catch fire.
Ariella traced the pages with her fingers, her stomach churning at the evidence in front of her. Silas Vaughn had ordered her mother's imprisonment. He had taken everything from her family. Years that she can't bring back.
But now?
It was time to take him down.
Leo sat opposite her, his dark eyes filled with rage. "We need to act before he figures out what we have."
Carter crossed his arms. "He's already aware of what we have"
Ariella took a deep breath. "Then we ensure he can't use that information."
Vincent grinned from the side. "I love it when you talk about war."
Ariella smiled back. "Great. Because that's exactly what we're about to begin."
Silas Vaughn saw himself as a king, but kings often made one big mistake—they thought they were untouchable.
Ariella had no intention of playing by his rules.
"We force his hand," she said. "We leak just enough information to make him panic."
Leo nodded. "And when he panics, he'll make a mistake."
Vincent chuckled. "And we'll be there to catch him."
Carter leaned in. "What's the bait?"
Ariella's smile was sharp. "Me."
Leo stiffened. "Ariella—"
She raised a hand. "He knows that I am heavily pregnant. Usually, pregnant women are known to be well laid back in some things. He thinks I'm weak. He thinks I need saving." Her expression hardened. "Let's let him think that… just long enough for me to get close."
Leo's jaw tightened. "You're stepping into his territory."
Ariella tilted her head. "I'll walk in confidently. And by the time he realizes what's happening?" She leaned in, her voice firm.
"It'll be too late for him."
The Vaughn Gala
Silas Vaughn loved spectacle. He thrived on drama.
His yearly charity gala was one of the most sought-after events, attracting politicians, billionaires, and influential figures.
It was the ideal moment to make a move.
Ariella emerged from the sleek black car wearing a stunning crimson gown that drew everyone's attention. Her sexy, curvy hips from behind would leave spectators utterly shocked upon realizing how heavily pregnant she was. Ariella was indeed a very beautiful woman—one you could hardly miss in a crowd.
She was no longer in the shadows. Her recent status in the society has also given her an added advantage.
Leo, dressed in a sharp black tux, stayed by her side, his eyes constantly scanning the room.
Carter and Vincent blended in with the crowd, weapons hidden but ready for action.
The plan was pretty straightforward.
Locate Silas. Confront him. Defeat him.
But as soon as they entered, Ariella sensed it. The feeling of being observed.
And then—
Silas Vaughn appeared.
In a perfectly fitted suit, his smug confidence radiated across the ballroom.
His eyes locked onto hers, and a slow smirk spread across his face.
Ariella's heart raced.
It was time.
Silas met her in the center of the room, offering a mocking bow. "Ah, Isabelle. You've made quite the entrance."
Ariella lifted her chin. "Did you really think I'd disappear so easily?"
Silas's smirk widened. "Not at all. But I expected you to be smarter."
Leo's grip on her waist tightened. "Careful, Vaughn."
Silas chuckled. "Oh, I love how protective he is." He leaned closer, his voice dropping. "Shame it won't be enough."
Ariella's lips curled. "You talk like you've already won."
Silas lifted a brow. "Haven't I?"
Ariella smirked.
And then—
The lights flickered.
Screens lit up around the ballroom, displaying file after file of Silas Vaughn's crimes.
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
Silas's smile faded.
Ariella stepped forward, her voice sharp. "You thought you could erase me. You thought you could destroy my family."
She tilted her head.
"But you overlooked one thing."
Silas's jaw clenched. "And what's that?"
Ariella smiled.
"I don't break."
Silas's expression twisted with fury. "You—"
Leo acted quickly, seizing Ariella's hand as chaos broke out.
The ballroom erupted in fear, guests rushing to escape Silas's revealed power.
Guards charged in, but Carter and Vincent took them down with brutal skill.
Ariella looked around as people scurried about trying to get out of the building and escape the prying eyes of the media who were already in a frenzy.
She turned to face Silas's angry stare.
"It's finished Silas," she declared. "All your years of manipulation. All the lives you have destroyed, all the hopes you have shattered, all the relationships you have severed. It all ends now"
Silas let out a breath, his gaze icy and calculating.
Then, unexpectedly—
He laughed.
Ariella felt a knot in her stomach.
Leo stiffened. "What's so funny?"
Silas merely shook his head. "You really think this is the end?"
He stepped closer, his voice low and menacing.
"No, my dear. This battle has only just started."
Ariella's breath caught.
And then—
A gunshot echoed.
Leo dove for her, pulling her down as bullets flew around them.
Silas's men had been prepared. They knew she was coming and had been prepared.
Ariella's heart raced.
She had anticipated a confrontation. After all, Silas was no ordinary nut to crack. She knew there would be a fight
But not this.
The Escape That Wasn't
Leo's tone was urgent. "We have to go. Now!."
Ariella sprang up from the ground, adrenaline surging through her.
Vincent and Carter provided cover, taking out Silas's men with accuracy.
Ariella's heart raced. "Where's Silas?"
Leo clenched his jaw. "He's gone."
Carter swore. "He was ready for this."
Ariella suppressed a growl.
She had exposed his secrets.
But he had escaped.
Leo took her hand. "We'll track him down."
Ariella took a deep breath, forcing herself to concentrate. She felt a sharp kick on her stomach. The pain sent shock waves through her spine "Arrggh—"
Leo was at her side in an instant!… he offered to carry her out but she declined.
"It's nothing serious," She said laughing. "The baby just loves to kick way too often these days. Let's go—."
They sprinted into the night.
But Ariella understood one thing—
This was far from over.
Silas Vaughn had just started a war.
And Ariella was prepared.