Isabella and Alexander strode out of the VIP lounge, their steps measured, their breathing steady. But beneath their calm exteriors, tension coiled tight. They had delivered the first devastating blow to Langston's empire—but the war wasn't over yet.
The moment they stepped into the main ballroom, Claire's voice crackled urgently in their earpieces.
"Get out. Now."
Isabella's spine stiffened. "What's wrong?"
"Langston's men are already moving. He didn't hesitate."**
Alexander grabbed Isabella's hand, leading her swiftly toward the exit. They weaved through the crowd, keeping their expressions neutral even as security began subtly closing in around them.
Damian's voice cut in. "There's an alley behind the hotel. Claire and I have a car waiting two blocks away. You need to get there fast."
Just as they neared the door, two of Langston's guards stepped in their path. Towering. Armed. Unyielding.
One of them gave a polite but firm nod. "Mr. Langston would like to have a word."
Isabella returned his gaze, expression unreadable. "Tell Mr. Langston that he lost his chance."
The guards reached for them.
Wrong move.
Alexander struck first, grabbing one man's wrist and twisting it sharply. A muffled grunt of pain. A quick, precise strike to the ribs. The guard collapsed.
Isabella wasn't far behind. She ducked under the second man's grasp, slamming her elbow into his gut before finishing with a sharp kick to the knee.
Down. Both of them.
The ballroom crowd was still oblivious, too lost in music and wine to notice what had just transpired in the shadows.
Isabella and Alexander pushed through the back door, emerging into the cold alley. Claire and Damian's car screeched around the corner.
The second the doors flung open, they jumped inside. Tires screeched. The city blurred past them.
Breathless, Isabella turned to Alexander. Their gazes locked, adrenaline and unspoken understanding crackling between them.
"We just declared war," she murmured.
Alexander exhaled, his fingers brushing against hers. "Then we'd better be ready to win it."
The battle with Langston wasn't just personal anymore.
It was a fight for survival.