What's The Next Step

The morning after Leo's visit, the tension in the household was palpable. Mia woke up to the sound of Alexander's phone vibrating incessantly on the nightstand. He was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to her as he read through the messages.

"Is it about Leo?" Mia asked, her voice heavy with sleep.

Alexander turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Partially. My team just confirmed that Marco has been shifting funds through shell companies in Germany. It aligns with what Leo said."

Mia sat up, pulling the blanket around her. "So he's telling the truth?"

"Maybe," Alexander said, his voice sharp. "But it doesn't mean he's not playing his own angle."

Mia nodded, her thoughts swirling. She didn't know what to make of Leo's sudden reappearance, but she couldn't ignore the uneasy feeling in her chest. Leo had always been unpredictable, and trusting him felt like walking into a trap blindfolded.

"What's the next step?" she asked.

Alexander sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I've sent a team to Germany to secure the facility. If Marco's planning an attack, they'll be ready for him. As for Leo, we'll keep him close for now. I need to know exactly how much he knows—and what he's hiding."

Mia hesitated. "Do you think Marco knows about… the baby?"

Alexander's gaze softened, and he moved to sit beside her, taking her hand in his. "I don't think so. He'd use it against us if he did."

The thought sent a chill down Mia's spine. She placed her hand protectively over her growing belly. "I hate that we're living like this. Constantly looking over our shoulders."

"I know," Alexander said, his voice low. "But we're stronger together, Mia. And I promise, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you and our child safe."

Their quiet moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Michael, Alexander's right-hand man, looking as stoic as ever.

"Sir, we have a situation," Michael said.

Alexander's expression hardened. "What is it?"

Michael hesitated before replying. "We intercepted a message. Marco's men have been spotted in the city. It seems they're planning something sooner than expected."

Alexander stood, his commanding presence filling the room. "Double the security around the estate. I want every entrance monitored."

Michael nodded and left without another word.

Mia stood as well, her heart pounding. "Alexander, what if they come here?"

"They won't get the chance," he said firmly. "But just in case, I want you to stay inside. Don't leave the estate unless I'm with you."

Mia opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself. She knew Alexander was doing everything he could to protect her, and she didn't want to make his job harder.

"I'll stay," she said, though the thought of being confined to the estate made her feel restless.

Alexander kissed her forehead. "Good. I'll handle the rest."

As the day went on, the tension only grew. Alexander was in and out of meetings with his security team, while Mia tried to keep herself busy. She spent hours in the garden, her hands in the soil as she tended to the flowers. It was the only thing that seemed to calm her nerves.

But even in the peaceful garden, she couldn't escape the feeling that something was brewing—something big.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Mia was sitting by the window in their bedroom when she saw headlights approaching the estate. Her heart raced as she stood, watching the cars pull up.

Alexander entered the room moments later, his expression grim. "Stay here," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Who is it?" Mia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Leo," Alexander replied. "And he's not alone."

Mia's stomach twisted. She watched from the window as Leo stepped out of one of the cars, flanked by two unfamiliar men. They were tall, imposing, and their presence set her on edge.

Alexander left the room, and Mia pressed her forehead against the cool glass, watching as he and Michael confronted Leo and his companions. She couldn't hear what was being said, but the tension was clear in their body language.

Minutes felt like hours as the confrontation played out. Finally, Alexander returned, his jaw tight.

"What happened?" Mia asked, rushing to his side.

"Leo brought information," Alexander said. "But it comes with a price."

"What kind of price?"

"He wants protection," Alexander replied. "He claims Marco is after him now, and he's willing to trade everything he knows for sanctuary here."

Mia's eyes widened. "And you agreed?"

"I told him I'd think about it," Alexander said. "But I don't trust him, Mia. Not for a second."

Neither did she. But as much as she hated the idea of Leo being under their roof, she couldn't deny the possibility that he might hold the key to stopping Marco.

"Do you think he's telling the truth?" she asked.

Alexander hesitated. "I think he's desperate. And desperate men are dangerous."

As the night wore on, Mia found herself unable to sleep. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with possibilities.

Outside, the estate was quiet, but she knew better than to mistake the calm for safety. The storm was coming—she could feel it in her bones. And when it hit, she wasn't sure they'd be ready.