Next Move

The aftermath of the attack left the mansion in a somber mood. Guards worked overtime to repair the damaged areas while Alexander coordinated with his security team to ensure there would be no further breaches. Mia, although safe, was visibly shaken. The Syndicate had shown they were more dangerous than anyone had anticipated.

Alexander sat in his private study, staring at a wall covered with intelligence reports, photographs, and notes about the Syndicate. His mind was racing with strategies, revenge, and above all, how to protect Mia and their unborn child.

Elena entered, holding a file. Her expression was grim. "We've identified one of the operatives who attacked the mansion," she said, placing the file on his desk.

Alexander flipped it open, his eyes narrowing as he studied the mugshot. "Nikolai Drakos," he read aloud. "A mercenary with ties to several criminal organizations. He doesn't work unless there's a significant payout."

"Which means whoever hired him has deep pockets," Elena added. "We're still tracking the others, but Nikolai's capture gives us a lead. He's currently being interrogated by our team."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "I want to be there."

Elena hesitated. "Are you sure that's wise? You're already stretched thin. Mia needs you right now."

"I'll make time," Alexander said firmly. "This is personal."

Meanwhile, Mia was in the nursery, overseeing the finishing touches. She ran her hand over the soft crib sheets and smiled faintly, imagining the tiny life that would soon occupy the room. But her mind kept drifting back to the attack.

She couldn't shake the image of the intruders breaking into their bedroom, nor the fear she felt for her child's safety. It was a feeling she never wanted to experience again.

"Mia," a soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

She turned to see Elena standing in the doorway. "Alexander's with the team right now. He's working tirelessly to ensure nothing like this happens again."

"I know," Mia said, her voice steady. "But I can't just sit here and wait for things to get better. I want to help."

Elena frowned. "Help how?"

"I want to know who these people are and why they're after us. I want to understand the enemy, so I can protect myself and my child."

Elena hesitated before nodding. "Alright. I'll brief you on what we know so far, but you need to promise me you won't put yourself in harm's way."

Mia nodded. "I promise. I just want to be prepared."

In a dimly lit basement beneath one of Alexander's secure facilities, Nikolai Drakos sat in a steel chair, his hands bound and his face bruised. Two of Alexander's men stood guard, their expressions cold and unyielding.

Alexander entered the room, his presence commanding. He didn't speak immediately, letting the silence work in his favor. Finally, he leaned forward, his voice low and deadly.

"Who hired you?"

Nikolai smirked despite his injuries. "You think I'm afraid of you, Mr. Whitmore? I've dealt with men like you before."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Then you know what I'm capable of."

The smirk faded slightly, but Nikolai remained silent.

Elena stepped forward, placing a folder on the table. "We know you've worked for the Syndicate before, Nikolai. We also know they don't take betrayal lightly. Help us, and we might be able to protect you from them."

Nikolai scoffed. "Protect me? No one can protect me from them."

Alexander leaned closer. "Then you've already lost. Because if they don't kill you, I will. And I promise you, it won't be quick."

For the first time, a flicker of fear crossed Nikolai's face. "Alright," he said reluctantly. "I'll tell you what I know. But you won't like it.

Nikolai's confession sent chills down Alexander's spine. The Syndicate wasn't just targeting him out of revenge or greed—they were targeting Mia because of her family.

"The Syndicate's leader, a woman named Valeria, has a personal vendetta against your wife's family," Nikolai revealed. "Mia's father wronged her years ago. She's been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, and now that Mia is married to you, she sees it as a chance to destroy you both."

Alexander's fists clenched. "What did Mia's father do to her?"

Nikolai shrugged. "I don't know the details. But whatever it was, it's enough to fuel this vendetta. Valeria is obsessed."

Alexander exchanged a glance with Elena. This was bigger than he had anticipated. The Syndicate wasn't just a threat to him—they were targeting Mia and their child.

"Where is Valeria now?" Alexander demanded.

Nikolai hesitated. "She's always on the move, but her base of operations is in Eastern Europe. Good luck finding her, though. She's a ghost."

Alexander stood, his expression hard as stone. "Then I'll make her appear. No one threatens my family and gets away with it."

Back at the mansion, Alexander found Mia waiting for him in their bedroom. She looked up as he entered, immediately sensing the storm brewing inside him.

"What happened?" she asked.

He sat beside her, taking her hands in his. "The Syndicate's leader, Valeria, is targeting you because of something your father did. I don't know the details yet, but I'm going to find out."

Mia's heart sank. "My father… He's been gone for so long. Why now?"

"Because you're part of my life now," Alexander said. "They see you as a way to get to me. But I won't let them win, Mia. I'll protect you and our child, no matter what it takes."

Mia nodded, her resolve hardening. "Then we'll face this together."

As Alexander held her close, he silently vowed that Valeria would regret ever coming after his family.