Ariella stood by the window, gazing at the city skyline, her image distorted in the glass.
Silas Vaughn had slipped away during the chaos of his downfall. But she was certain of one thing—he wouldn't stay hidden for long.
No.
Silas was not the type to accept defeat.
He would strike back. Harder. Deadlier.
And Ariella was not going to sit back and wait.
Preparing for Battle
Back at the safehouse, Carter, Vincent, and Leo gathered around the table, discussing the aftermath of the gala attack.
Carter scrolled through the surveillance footage. "Silas has vanished completely."
Leo let out a sharp breath. "He's in hiding."
Vincent leaned back, grinning. "Or he's on the hunt."
Ariella's expression darkened. "Let him hunt. I want him to know where to find me."
Leo frowned deeper. "That's a risky move."
Ariella tilted her head. "Is it really?"
Leo crossed his arms. "You just exposed his secrets to everyone. He will be unpredictable and desperate."
Ariella's smile was sharp. "Perfect. That means he'll make a mistake."
Vincent laughed. "I like this fierce side of you."
Carter ignored him. "We need to locate where he's regrouping before he makes his next move."
Leo's grip on the table tightened. "And we must prepare for whatever he's planning."
Ariella looked at them, determination growing within her.
Silas thought he could come after her.
He had no idea what was about to hit him.
The First Attack
The attack came quicker than they anticipated.
The safehouse alarm blared, red lights flashing.
Leo grabbed his gun without hesitation, moving on instinct. "Get moving!"
Ariella dashed for cover, her heart racing as gunfire shattered the windows.
Carter pulled out his comms device. "We've got incoming—six vehicles, heavily armed."
Vincent swore. "Looks like Silas isn't wasting any time. The man is a ruthless fighter and sure knows how to dirty"
Ariella peeked through the blinds, her blood running cold.
It wasn't just an attack.
It was an execution squad.
Leo pushed her behind cover. "Stay down."
Ariella clenched her jaw. "Like hell I will!."
Before Leo could protest, she grabbed her gun and moved, shooting at the oncoming assassins.
Bullets zipped by her, but she stood firm.
This wasn't just a fight.
This was war and someone would have to take charge or they would all be dead.
Leo took out one of the shooters with a single, accurate shot, his aim sharp.
Carter and Vincent worked together, flanking the enemy.
But Ariella?
Ariella charged ahead.
She was done being the prey.
A man lunged at her, and she twisted, driving her elbow into his throat before shooting him at close range.
Another grabbed her arm, but she used his force against him, flipping him over and finishing him off with one shot.
Leo barely had time to react before she was on the move again, taking down anyone in her way.
By the time the dust settled, Silas's assassins were gone.
And Ariella was still standing.
Leo lowered his gun, breathing heavily. "Damn."
Carter whistled lowly. "Remind me never to piss you off."
Vincent smirked. "I think I'm in love."
Ariella ignored them, turning back toward the burning remains of their safehouse.
This was Silas's first strike.
But Ariella wasn't playing defense.
She was going for his throat.
The Counterstrike
Silas thought he had the upper hand.
Ariella was about to show him otherwise.
Within hours, she had Carter tracking every financial movement linked to Silas's name, Vincent tapping into his network of informants, and Leo preparing for the next assault.
By dawn, they had his location.
Leo leaned over the map, his jaw clenched. "He's holed up in an abandoned luxury estate on the outskirts of the city."
Carter exhaled. "High security, but not impenetrable."
Vincent grinned. "Sounds like an invitation."
Ariella's fingers tightened into fists. "Then let's crash the party."
The Final Showdown
The estate was heavily guarded, but Ariella's team moved silently, taking out the guards one by one.
Leo was the first to enter, with Carter providing cover as they navigated the hallways.
Ariella advanced with focus, her heart calm.
Then—
She encountered Silas Vaughn waiting for her.
Seated at a mahogany desk, a whiskey glass in hand, he grinned as if he wasn't on the brink of losing everything.
"You really don't know when to give up, do you?"
Ariella raised her gun. "Neither do you."
Silas laughed. "You're too late, Isabelle."
Ariella's gaze sharpened. "For what?"
Silas leaned in, his grin growing.
"For the next move."
And then—
Boom!
The building exploded!.
She saw Leo dashing towards her as she felt herself yielding to gravity. She felt an intense rush of adrenaline. Within seconds, multiple flashes of images played out before her eyes. She saw her Mother smiling at her lovingly. Her Father held her mother and smiled as they gradually faded out.
The last thing she saw was Leo grabbing her arm before she could hit the ground. After that, darkness enveloped her.
The Aftermath
Ariella jolted awake, her lungs stinging from the smoke. Her head felt light and heavy at the same time. Her hand instinctively went to her stomach as she remembered her present condition, panic showing on her face. She observed that she wasn't bleeding or experiencing any sort of pain in her stomach. Just then, her baby kicked as if in assurance that all was well and relief washed over her.
The estate lay in ruins, fire consuming the debris.
Leo was still at her side, checking for injuries. "Are you alright?"
Ariella coughed and nodded. "Where's Silas?"
Carter's tone was serious. "He's gone."
Ariella felt a knot in her stomach.
He had slipped away again.
Leo's expression hardened. "He won't get far."
Ariella breathed out, suppressing her anger.
Silas was on the run and he might as well run to the end of the earth!
Whatever it took, she would make sure that she saw the end of him. The pain he has put her through will be nothing compared to how she will end him!