The Drive

The atmosphere in the Steele estate was tense. Every corner was patrolled, every window locked, and every visitor scrutinized. Alexander, though calm on the outside, was in full protection mode. He had fortified their defenses and activated resources worldwide to uncover who was targeting them. But as the hours ticked by, he knew one thing: this was no ordinary threat.

Mia refused to sit idly by. Over the months, she had grown stronger—mentally and emotionally. She had learned to read people and situations, something she had picked up from being with Alexander. And now, her intuition told her she couldn't stay on the sidelines anymore.

"Alexander," she began as she entered his study, where he was poring over a map of potential enemies.

He looked up, his eyes softening at the sight of her. "You should be resting," he said, motioning to the couch near the fireplace.

Mia shook her head. "This is my family too. I want to help. I know you're trying to protect me and our son, but I can't just stand by and watch. Let me be part of this."

Alexander hesitated, his mind torn. He admired her courage but feared putting her in harm's way. "Mia, this isn't something you need to handle. Let me deal with it."

"I'm not asking to be in the line of fire," Mia said, her tone steady. "But if this threat involves me, I need to understand it. We've faced everything together so far, Alexander. Don't shut me out now."

Her words struck a chord. He sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Alright. But promise me you'll stay safe and follow my lead."

Mia smiled, her hand resting on his. "I promise. "

The next day, as Alexander's team worked to uncover more about the intruders, a name surfaced that caught everyone off guard: Gabriel Kade. Gabriel was a tech genius and a former rival of Alexander's. Their history was complicated, filled with mistrust and tense business negotiations. But he was also someone who had no love for Lang or his associates.

Alexander mulled over the name, his fingers tapping the desk. "If Gabriel is involved, it could mean one of two things—he's helping them, or he's a target too."

"Do you trust him?" Mia asked, sitting beside him.

Alexander exhaled sharply. "Trust isn't the word I'd use. But Gabriel values his life and his empire. If he's not behind this, he could be useful."

Selena walked in, her expression neutral but her tone sharp. "We've made contact. Gabriel is willing to meet—but on his terms."

Alexander smirked. "Of course he is. What's the catch?"

"He wants you to come alone," Selena replied.

Mia's heart sank. "Alone? That's a trap."

Alexander's face hardened. "It might be. But if he knows something, I need to find out."

Later that evening, Alexander left the estate, accompanied only by a skeleton crew for backup. The meeting point was an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Gabriel, ever the dramatist, had chosen a dimly lit space with just enough light to cast eerie shadows.

"Alexander Steele," Gabriel said, stepping out of the darkness with a confident grin. "It's been too long."

"Cut the theatrics, Gabriel," Alexander said, his voice low and dangerous. "Why am I here?"

Gabriel's grin faded slightly. "Because I know who's after you. And they're not just after you—they're after me too."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "Then why not come to me earlier?"

Gabriel shrugged. "Because I had to be sure it wasn't you sending them. You've never been one to play fair, Steele."

"Enough games," Alexander snapped. "Who are they?"

Gabriel handed him a flash drive. "It's all in there. But I'll warn you—it's bigger than you think. This isn't just about Lang's remnants. It's about power. And someone wants yours."

Back at the estate, Alexander and Selena analyzed the data on the flash drive while Mia watched from a nearby chair, her nerves frayed. The files revealed a network of individuals—business leaders, rogue operatives, and old enemies—all working together under one name: The Coalition.

"It's not just about us," Selena muttered. "They're targeting every major player in the business and political world."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "They're building an empire in the shadows, and we're a threat to their plans."

Mia felt a chill run down her spine. "So what do we do?"

Alexander's eyes met hers, filled with both determination and love. "We fight back. But this time, we don't just defend. We take the fight to them."

As the family prepared for the battles ahead, Alexander's mind was racing with strategies. But even as he planned, he knew one thing for certain: no matter how powerful their enemies were, nothing was stronger than the bond he shared with Mia and their son.