Dianne held Freya tightly, the gun still pressed against her head. Freya sobbed, her tears streaming, her voice breaking as she whispered, “Mum…don’t do this.” “You….You’re crazy Dianne!” Lucas yelled, trying to get to her. “Put down your gun Lucas, or I’d shoot!” She yelled, and Lucas hesitated, but when he saw her eyes, he knew she wasn’t joking, so he lowered his gun. He knew he couldn’t rush her, one wrong move and Freya would be gone. He needed another way. Slowly, Lucas softened his voice, speaking not like a fighter but like a man reaching into Dianne’s heart. “Dianne,” he said quietly, “look at her. Look at your daughter, she’s terrified.” He said and Dianne sighed.“Freya told me when she was little, she used to run to you when she was scared. She trusted you to protect her and still does.” Dianne’s grip trembled slightly. Her eyes flickered, memories flashing across her face. Freya looked up at her mother, her voice weak. “Mom… stop please…”Lucas took a careful step

Lucas woke up the next morning with a wide smile stretching across his face. Part of it came from the tender memory of his moment with Freya the night before, but the other part was fueled by hope that the president and Dianne had finally been arrested. Surely, by now, it would be all over the news. He threw on his clothes quickly and hurried out, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he stepped into the living room, he found Daniel already there, sitting upright with a of excitement on his face. “Daniel!” Lucas blurted, his voice breathless. “Did you see the news yet? Tell me it’s true.” Daniel leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. “I was waiting for you. I wanted us to hear it together. It’s the biggest news of the day.” Lucas froze, his pulse racing. “So… what do you think?”Daniel’s lips curved into a triumphant smile. “I think after all the failed attempts, we’ve finally brought him down. The president is finished. And Dianne too.”Lucas sank into the chair opposite him,

Lucas lunged toward the door, his face twisted with frustration. But before he could reach it, Daniel stepped in front of him, his hand firm on the lock. “Move,” Lucas snapped, his voice sharp and trembling with anger. “Piss off, Daniel. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t care about you or anyone else. My fight is with him…the president. Not you.” Daniel’s eyes narrowed, his stance unshaken. “Do you even hear yourself?” he said, his tone filled with disbelief. “You think storming out there will solve anything? You think you’ll even get close? The president’s bodyguards won’t hesitate. You’ll be shot down before you take two steps.” Lucas clenched his fists, his chest rising and falling like a storm trapped inside him. “I don’t care!” he shouted. “I don’t care what happens to me. I just want him to feel it. To know what he’s done.” Daniel shook his head, his voice rising now, cutting through Lucas’s rage. “That’s stupid, Lucas. You’re strong, yes, but strength doesn’t make you i

Lucas woke up the next morning feeling a little weak, but he was already back on his feet. Though he was still a little bit tired, but he knew he couldn’t waste time. He stared at Freya who was still asleep, then he leaned down, and kissed her forehead gently, and whispered, “I’ll be back.” Then he quietly left to the living room.In the living room, Daniel was already waiting. As soon as he saw Lucas, his eyes widened. “Are you okay?” Daniel asked quickly, concern in his voice. Lucas nodded. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired, but I can manage.” Daniel studied him for a moment, then gave a small smile. “Good. I was worried.” Lucas sat down, straightening his back as he went straight to the point. “I need you to inform the men. Tell them I want to see all of them for a meeting. It’s important.” Daniel didn’t hesitate. “Right away.” He left the room quickly.Lucas leaned back for a moment, closing his eyes. He knew the men would have questions, and he needed to show strength even

Lucas sat quietly in his room, the dim light from the small lamp casting glow across the room. He leaned back against the wall, his mind replaying the events of the day. Daniel stood near the door, his arms crossed, his face tense with worry. He finally broke the silence. “Lucas,” he said softly, “do you think the president will come after you for what you said? You went public with it.”Lucas turned his head. “No, Daniel. The president has always cared about his image more than anything else. He wants people to see him as perfectionist. If he presses charges or takes this to court, it will only draw more attention to what I’ve already said. He won’t risk that. He’ll pretend nothing happened, because protecting his reputation means more to him than punishing me.” Daniel let out a long breath, relief washing over him. His shoulders relaxed, and for the first time in days, a small smile appeared on his face. “I’m glad you said that. It means you’ll be free soon.” Lucas leaned b