Vanessa’s breath came in ragged gasp as Harris half-carried, her down the passage. The walls pressed in around them, and every footstep seemed louder in the omnious silence. The secret corridor leading toward the east wing where the safe room was a bit narrow.The safe room would protect them from Darius men because it was reinforced with not only steel but also concrete. “Almost there,” Harris murmured, his voice a quiet reassurance despite the fear etched on his face. Vanessa’s heart pounded in her chest.Time was running out! Behind them, the sounds of Darius’s men echoing through the mansion grew louder—boots striking marble, furniture overturned, doors kicked in. They were searching and tearing through each room. “Vanessa…” Darius’s voice called out again, smooth, confident, and closer. Harris glanced over his shoulder, his grip tightening on Vanessa’s arm. “Keep moving, ma’am. Don’t look back.” But Vanessa’s gaze flicked to the darkness behind them, dread clawing

It was already nightfall and Nathan car sped down the highway.His mind raced faster than the engine, as he was deeply worried, what would have happened to Vanessa? What if Darius had hurt her? What if he had.... He refused to think in there direction, that would never happen!The mansion was right ahead. But as Nathan approached, his heart sank. The gates were wide open, hanging, completely destroyed. Smoke came out from shattered windows, and the grand estate was now in wreckage. The once-pristine gardens were trampled and torn, the air filled with smell of destruction. Nathan's driver slammed his breaks and the car came to a stop. He was out before the vehicle had fully halted, and he ran to the ruins. "Vanessa!" His voice echoed through the night, raw and desperate. "Vanessa!"But there was Silence. No answer.Not even a single one. The only response was the sound of wind against the damaged doors. Nathan pushed forward, his heart pounding, refusing to accept what his ey

Nathan’s breath hitched. His body stiffened, his was racing as he thought of what Darius demand meant. "If you try any funny business…" Darius’s smile widened, a cruel gleam in his eyes. His hand moved to Vanessa’s face, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek with a mock tenderness. She flinched at his touch. "I’ll kill her. Right here. Right now."Nathan’s teeth clenched, the fury in his eyes intensifying. "Darius," he growled. "You don’t have to do this.""Oh, but I do." Darius’s tone was light, almost playful. "You see, Nathan, this is the only way I can finally make you feel the pain you’ve caused me.""You’ve taken everything from me and now it’s my turn."Nathan’s fists trembled at his sides, but he forced himself to stay calm, his mind focused on Vanessa. Her eyes were locked on him through the screen, her eyes we're filled with fear as she pleaded silently. "Take me instead," Nathan said suddenly, his voice steady, resolute. His eyes never left Darius’s. "It’s me yo

Nathan’s breath came in slow, controlled draws as he knelt on one knee, the cold concrete biting through his clothes. He kept his gaze locked on Darius, unwavering and defiant. Despite the tension in the air, despite the two rifles aimed at him, Nathan’s mind remained focused. "You’re a coward, Darius," Nathan said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Hiding behind your men. You're just a man too afraid to fight his own battles?" The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to grow heavier as Nathan’s words hung between them. Darius’s smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. "Careful, Nathan," he said quietly, his voice laced with warning. "You’re in no position to talk about bravery." Nathan’s gaze didn’t waver. "You know it’s true. You were always weak. Always hiding. Even now, you can’t face me without backup. I know you want me dead but at least have the guts to do it yourself." Vanessa’s muffled pleas grew louder, her eyes widening with fear. She shook her head

Nathan struggled to his feet with every fiber of his being. His body was bruised, bloodied, and broken, but his spirit was as defiant as ever. “You’re still standing?” Darius spat, his voice filled with disbelief and irritation. “Why don’t you just stay down, Nathan? You have no fight left in you.”Nathan wiped the blood from his split lip and his “I will not let you harm my family anymore, let's end this once and for all.”Vanessa, her hands trembling as she struggled against the ropes. She could feel Nathan's determination and strength he summoned for her. She gritted her teeth, and she secretly reaching for the knife she had slipped from Darius side. She took the knife and his it immediately, patiently waiting for the right moment.Darius, seeing Nathan's burning detarmination, was ready to go again. Their bodies collided in a brutal clash. Nathan ducked a wild swing from Darius, and he countered Darius attack with a punch to Darius’s ribs.He landed a heavy blow to Darius