Mission

The quiet moments after the phone call felt like the calm before a storm. Alexander remained on edge, his mind racing as he tried to connect the dots. Michael Frost was in custody, but someone else—someone lurking in the shadows—was clearly pulling strings.

Mia watched Alexander pace back and forth in their study, his expression tight with concentration. She knew better than to interrupt when he was in this state, but her own anxiety bubbled to the surface.

"Alexander," she said softly, breaking the silence. "Do you think this is someone connected to Frost, or is it something bigger?"

He stopped mid-step, turning to her. His sharp blue eyes met hers, and for a moment, his expression softened. He moved to sit beside her, taking her hands in his.

"Michael Frost was just a pawn in a much larger game," he said. "Whoever called knows exactly what they're doing. They wanted to rattle us, to make us doubt ourselves. But I won't let them win."

Mia nodded, her resolve hardening. "Then we fight back. We've faced worse, and we'll face this too."

Alexander smiled faintly, pride flickering in his gaze. "You're stronger than you realize, Mia. And you're right—we'll fight back."

The following morning, Derek arrived at the estate, carrying a stack of files and looking grim. He placed the documents on the table and gestured for Alexander and Mia to join him.

"I've been digging through Frost's network," Derek began, flipping through the files. "There's a name that keeps popping up—a financier named Victor Lang. He's a shadow investor, tied to several of Frost's illegal operations. He's powerful, discreet, and ruthless."

Alexander leaned forward, his expression darkening. "And you think he's the one behind the call?"

"It's possible," Derek replied. "But Lang isn't someone we can approach directly. He operates through layers of intermediaries. If we're going after him, we'll need a strategy—and allies."

Mia frowned, her thoughts racing. "Do we know where he's based? Any weaknesses we can exploit?"

Derek shook his head. "Not yet. But I've reached out to a contact who might help—someone with experience in dismantling criminal networks like his. We'll meet them tonight."

Alexander nodded, his gaze steely. "Good. The sooner we act, the better."

That evening, Alexander and Mia accompanied Derek to an upscale private lounge in the heart of the city. The place was dimly lit, with an air of exclusivity that hinted at the powerful figures who frequented it.

As they entered, a tall, elegant woman in a tailored black suit rose to greet them. Her striking features were framed by short, jet-black hair, and her piercing green eyes gave her an aura of confidence and authority.

"Mr. King," she said, extending a hand. "I'm Selena Cross. Derek told me you're looking to take down Victor Lang."

Alexander shook her hand, his gaze sharp. "That's correct. We're dealing with someone who has access to resources and information I can't ignore. We need to know everything you've got."

Selena nodded, her expression serious. "Lang is dangerous, but he's also predictable in certain ways. He craves power and control, and he hates being outmaneuvered. If you want to take him down, you'll need to hit him where it hurts—his reputation and his finances."

Mia listened intently, absorbing every word. "Do you have any idea how we can do that?" she asked.

Selena smirked slightly, her confidence unshaken. "I've already started gathering intel. Lang has a hidden weakness—his obsession with high-stakes gambling. He frequents an exclusive underground casino in Paris, using it as a front to launder his money. If we can expose him there, we'll have leverage."

Alexander's lips curved into a cold smile. "Then we'll go to Paris."

Back at the estate, Alexander and Mia began preparing for their trip. Selena provided them with detailed information about the casino's operations, its security measures, and the key players who frequented it.

Mia felt a mix of nerves and determination as she reviewed the plans. This wasn't just about taking down a criminal—it was about protecting everything she and Alexander had built together.

As she packed her bag, Alexander entered the room, his expression softening as he saw her. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She turned to face him, her eyes filled with resolve. "I've come this far, Alexander. I'm not backing down now."

He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "I don't know what I did to deserve you," he murmured. "But I won't let anything happen to you. We'll get through this together."

Mia smiled, leaning into his embrace. "Always."

As the jet soared into the night sky, Mia gazed out of the window, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. The stakes were higher than ever, and the dangers they faced were becoming more complex.

But with Alexander by her side and a newfound strength within herself, she knew they could face whatever lay ahead.