A Moment of Peace

The tension at the Steele estate lingered like a storm cloud, heavy and oppressive. The events of the previous night had left no room for complacency. Alexander's heightened security measures ensured that Lang's men could no longer breach the perimeter, but everyone knew that Lang would strike again. This was no longer a game of defense—it was time to take the fight to him.

Selena stood in Alexander's study, a map spread across the desk. "Lang has several known locations he uses for operations," she explained, pointing to a cluster of red dots. "But this one—" she tapped a spot near the outskirts of the city—"is our best lead. It's where we intercepted most of his communications."

Alexander studied the map, his expression cold and calculating. "If we move now, we can catch him off guard."

Selena nodded. "I've already mobilized a team. They'll be ready within the hour."

From the doorway, Mia watched the exchange. Her heart ached with worry, but she refused to let fear consume her. She knew Alexander needed her strength now more than ever.

"I want to help," Mia said, stepping into the room.

Alexander looked up, his expression softening for a moment. "Mia, it's too dangerous—"

"I'm not asking to go out there," she interrupted. "But I can help from here. If there's anything I can do, I want to do it."

Alexander crossed the room and took her hands in his. "Your safety is my priority. Promise me you'll stay in the estate and let me handle this."

Mia hesitated but nodded. "Just… promise me you'll come back."

He kissed her forehead. "I promise."

Later that evening, Alexander and his team prepared to leave. Selena ensured everyone was equipped with the latest gear, and a convoy of armored vehicles waited outside.

Mia stood at the front door, watching as Alexander donned his tactical gear. "Be careful," she whispered, her hand resting on her belly.

"I will," he replied, his gaze lingering on her. "I'll call as soon as it's over."

With one final kiss, he turned and joined Selena in the lead vehicle. The convoy roared to life, disappearing into the night.

Back inside the estate, Mia paced the living room, unable to shake the anxiety twisting in her gut. She tried to distract herself by organizing the nursery again, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Alexander.

Hours passed with no word. Every noise outside made her jump, her imagination conjuring the worst scenarios.

Finally, her phone buzzed. She grabbed it, her heart pounding as she answered.

"It's me," Alexander's voice came through, steady but grim.

"Are you okay?" Mia asked, her voice trembling.

"We're fine. The mission was a success, but Lang wasn't there. We found evidence, though—enough to pinpoint his exact location."

Mia exhaled in relief. "Thank God. When will you be back?"

"We're on our way now. I'll see you soon."

While Alexander and his team were returning to the estate, Lang was already planning his next move.

"Steele thinks he's won," Lang sneered, pacing his underground hideout. "But he's only made it easier for me. If he wants a war, I'll give him one."

One of his men handed him a file. "We've identified a weak spot in their security—an old tunnel system beneath the estate. It was abandoned years ago, but we can use it to infiltrate their defenses."

Lang's lips twisted into a sinister smile. "Perfect. Prepare the men. We strike tomorrow night."

Alexander returned just before dawn, exhausted but relieved to be back home. Mia met him at the door, throwing her arms around him.

"You're back," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"I'm back," he assured her, holding her tightly.

As they sat together in the living room, Alexander briefed her on the mission. "Lang's network is crumbling, but he's still dangerous. We need to stay vigilant."

Mia nodded, her hand resting on her belly. "We'll get through this. Together."

The next day, life at the estate seemed to return to normal. Mia spent the morning in the garden, enjoying the sunshine and feeling the baby's gentle kicks. Alexander worked with Selena to finalize their plans for dealing with Lang once and for all.

But beneath the surface, danger was brewing. Lang's men were already in position, preparing to use the forgotten tunnels to launch a surprise attack.

As the sun set over the estate, casting long shadows across the grounds, a sense of unease settled over Mia. She couldn't explain it, but something felt off.

"Alexander," she said that evening, as they sat together in the library. "I can't shake this feeling. Like something bad is about to happen."

Alexander took her hand, his expression serious. "We've taken every precaution, Mia. You're safe here."

But as the night wore on, the shadows outside grew darker, and the danger crept closer. The Steele estate was about to face its greatest threat yet.