Mia's Growing Strength

The morning sun poured through the large windows of Alexander's office, casting a golden glow over the room. Yet the light felt out of place amid the heavy atmosphere. A large map of the city lay spread across the table, red pins marking potential Coalition hideouts. Mia stood beside Alexander, her brows furrowed in concentration as she listened to Selena's briefing.

"We've narrowed it down to three locations," Selena said, gesturing at the map. "Our intelligence indicates these are likely spots where Anthony Doyle could be hiding. Two of them are heavily guarded warehouses, but this one..." She pointed to a secluded property on the outskirts of the city. "It's less conspicuous, but there's unusual activity—frequent comings and goings at odd hours."

Alexander studied the map intently, his jaw set. "If Doyle's there, we need to move quickly before he disappears again."

Mia crossed her arms, her expression resolute. "I'm coming with you."

Alexander turned to her, his face a mixture of concern and disbelief. "Mia, it's too dangerous. I can't risk—"

"No," she interrupted, her voice firm. "This isn't just about you or me. It's about our son, our family. I refuse to sit back while you put yourself in harm's way. I want to help."

Selena raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, clearly impressed by Mia's determination. Alexander, however, sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're stubborn, you know that?"

Mia smiled faintly. "I've learned from the best."

That evening, Alexander's team prepared for the mission. Mia insisted on being trained in the basics of self-defense and handling a small weapon. She listened intently as one of Alexander's men showed her how to hold and fire a pistol. Her hands were steady, her focus unwavering.

"You've got good instincts," the man said, nodding in approval. "Just remember, this is for self-defense only. Stay close to Alexander, and don't take unnecessary risks."

"I understand," Mia replied, her voice calm but firm.

As the team geared up, Alexander pulled Mia aside. "Promise me you'll stay behind me at all times."

"I promise," she said, placing a hand on his chest. "We'll get through this together."

The secluded property was dark and silent when they arrived, the only sounds the rustle of leaves and the distant hum of traffic. Alexander's team moved like shadows, their movements precise and quiet. Mia stayed close to Alexander, her heart pounding in her chest.

As they breached the property, it became clear they were in the right place. Inside, the hideout was filled with documents, weapons, and surveillance equipment. But Anthony Doyle was nowhere to be seen.

"He's close," Selena said, scanning the room. "He wouldn't leave this much behind."

A faint noise from the back of the house caught their attention. Alexander signaled for silence, and the team moved toward the sound. In a small, dimly lit room, they found Doyle, frantically packing a bag.

He froze when he saw them, his face pale. "Alexander," he said, forcing a nervous smile. "This... this isn't what it looks like."

"Oh, it's exactly what it looks like," Alexander replied coldly, stepping forward. "You've betrayed me, my family, and everything we built together. You have one chance to talk before I let my team handle this."

Doyle swallowed hard, his eyes darting to Mia. "You don't understand. They forced me. They said they'd kill me if I didn't cooperate."

Mia stepped forward, her voice sharp. "And what about my family? Did you care what they'd do to us?"

Doyle's gaze dropped to the floor. "I... I didn't have a choice."

Selena scoffed. "Everyone has a choice, Doyle. You made yours."

Back at the estate, Doyle was placed in a secure room for interrogation. Alexander sat across from him, his expression cold and unreadable. Mia stood nearby, her arms crossed as she watched the man squirm.

"Start talking," Alexander demanded. "Who's leading The Coalition? What's their next move?"

Doyle hesitated, his hands trembling. "It's Marcus Wolfe. He's planning something big, something that will cripple your empire. He's gathering allies—people who hate you, who want to see you fall."

"And where is he?" Alexander pressed.

"I don't know," Doyle admitted, panic in his voice. "He doesn't tell me everything. But I can give you the locations of his key allies."

Alexander glanced at Selena, who nodded and began taking notes. "You better hope your information is good, Doyle," Alexander said, his voice icy. "Because if it's not, you won't like what happens next."

Later that night, Mia sat in the nursery, watching her son sleep. Despite the danger, she felt a newfound strength within her. She had faced her fears, stood beside Alexander, and refused to let anyone threaten her family.

When Alexander joined her, he wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You were incredible today," he said softly.

Mia leaned into him, her heart swelling with love and determination. "So were you. We're stronger together, Alexander. They'll never tear us apart."

Alexander kissed her temple. "No, they won't. And now, we have the upper hand."

As the night deepened, Mia knew their battle was far from over.