LOGINNight had not fully fallen when the entire city began to move on a single command.Daniel Blackwood did not know the meaning of surrender.The moment he left the hospital, he returned directly to Blackwood Enterprises headquarters. The top floor of the building transformed into an improvised command center. Dozens of screens lit up simultaneously, displaying city maps, traffic camera footage, vehicle position reports, and digital data refreshed every few seconds.Marcus stood at the large table alongside several members of the security team."We start from the hospital," he said, pointing to one of the screens. "Check every camera facing the exits. Don't miss a single minute.""Yes, sir."Dozens of recordings began playing at once.In the adjacent room, the technology team was tracing the phone signals of Richard, Emma, and Adrian. Every electronic transaction they might have made went directly onto the inspection list.Daniel stood with his back to everyone, his hands resting against
Richard's car stopped in front of an old apartment building standing in the outskirts of the city.The building was not luxurious — it looked ordinary compared to the properties usually owned by the upper class.The exterior paint had faded in several places, while the parking area held only a few vehicles belonging to residents who appeared to live simple lives.That was precisely why Adrian had chosen this place.Inconspicuous.Not drawing attention.And most importantly, not connected to anyone Daniel might suspect.Richard turned off the engine and glanced at his daughter."We're here."Alina didn't respond right away.She stared at the building for a few seconds before finally giving a slow nod. Her body was still exhausted. Her head still felt light from everything that had happened since morning. Yet for the first time in a very long time, her chest didn't feel tight with the same fear.Richard got out first, then helped Alina out of the car.They entered the building through a
Richard's car surged out of the hospital basement, breaking into the blinding midday sunlight.Alina rested her head against the window, still catching her breath, her hands gripping the edge of the seat. Her heart was pounding so hard she could hear it in her own ears. They had made it out. But she knew this was only the beginning."Where are we going, Papa?" she asked, her voice unsteady.Richard gripped the steering wheel, his eyes darting quickly to the mirrors. "Papa isn't sure yet. The important thing is we put distance between us and there. Daniel must know by now. And he'll be deploying everyone he has."As if in answer to that fear, Richard's phone buzzed again. Emma's name appeared on the screen. He answered quickly, switching to speakerphone."Emma? Where are you?""I'm out of the hospital," Emma replied, her breathing still uneven. "I'm in a taxi now. What about you two? Are you safe?""We're on the road," said Richard. "But we need somewhere to go. Somewhere Daniel won't
Alina knew they had no time.Daniel was surely already on his way. Every second they wasted was a second bringing that man closer. And once Daniel arrived, every opportunity would be sealed shut."We have to move now," said Alina, her voice quiet but firm. "There's no time to put together a perfect plan. If we wait for Adrian or Ms. Fontaine, Daniel will get here first."Richard looked at his daughter, then nodded. "You're right. But what do we do?"Alina was already sitting upright, her hands moving to the IV line attached to the back of her hand. Fortunately, her condition had improved considerably over the past few days — her body was no longer as weak as when she'd first arrived. She drew a breath, then with a swift motion pulled the IV line out herself, wincing slightly as the needle came free."Alina—" Emma almost protested."I'm fine," Alina cut her off, pressing a cotton swab to the injection site. "Emma, I need you to create a distraction. The nurses at the station, whoever's
Room 412 felt tense.Alina sensed it even before anyone said anything. There was a tension hanging in the air, carried in the faces of the nurses coming and going with steps quicker than usual, in the way they avoided meeting her eyes for too long.Something was happening.Then the door opened, and two people entered together — Emma and Richard. Both their faces were pale, Emma's eyes red as if she'd been holding back tears all morning. Richard walked behind her with heavy steps, his expression broken by something he hadn't yet managed to say."Papa?" Alina sat up in bed, anxiety immediately creeping into her chest. "Emma? What's wrong? Why do you both look like that?"Richard approached first, sitting at the edge of the bed and gripping his daughter's thin hand. For a moment he didn't speak, only drew a breath, gathering his courage."Alina," he finally said, his voice trembling. "Papa has to tell you something. And Papa is sorry there's no easier way to say it."Alina's heart began
Midnight, and the lights on the top floor of Blackwood Enterprises were still on.Daniel sat behind his desk, staring at his computer screen with a flat expression. Most of the building was already empty, only a few security staff remaining on watch downstairs. But Daniel had no intention of going home yet. There were too many things he needed to make sure went perfectly.The door to his office opened. Marcus walked in quickly, his expression tense."Sir, there's a development you need to know about," he said in a low voice. "The detective investigating Steven Walsh's death—his name is Reyes. He's starting to find things."Daniel lifted his gaze from the screen. "Evidence?""Yes." Marcus hesitated for a moment. "According to our man at the police department. He found a transaction history from Mrs. Sterling."Daniel leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping slowly on the armrest."Clarissa," he repeated quietly."It seems the money transfers she sent to Walsh weren't disguised wel
Mr. Harris hesitated briefly, then nodded and stepped away, clearing the path for Clarissa.Clarissa knocked on the door—twice, sharp—then entered without waiting for an answer.Alina stood at the window—still in the same position since the photoshoot began.Mrs. Helen sat on a chair in the corner
Day five since Alina was allowed to see Junior.Five days with the same routine. Measured. Controlled.In the morning—Alina went to Junior’s room when he woke up. Helped him get ready. Straightened his uniform. Walked him to the dining table where Clarissa already waited with a smile that was far t
Alina and Junior sat in each other's embrace for a few moments—silent, just feeling each other's presence.Then Junior pulled back slightly. Looking at Alina with an expression too serious for a six-year-old."Mama," he said softly. "Junior promises to be a good child."Alina frowned, stroking Juni
CHAPTER 52Morning came too quickly.Or perhaps not quickly enough. Alina wasn't sure anymore. Time had felt strange since she'd been confined to her room—too slow and too fast simultaneously, like a broken clock.At exactly eight o'clock, the sound of a large engine woke her from restless sleep.A







