Help Me

The next morning dawned with an uneasy quiet. The skies were gray, heavy with the promise of rain, and the estate buzzed with heightened security. Mia found herself pacing in the living room, her hands wrapped around a warm cup of tea. Despite Alexander's reassurances, the presence of Leo and his unknown companions felt like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

Alexander had left early to convene with his team, leaving Mia to fend off her swirling thoughts. She couldn't shake the image of Leo from her mind—the same man who had betrayed her, standing smug and unrepentant in their home, now seeking refuge under their roof.

The sound of heels clicking on the marble floor snapped her out of her thoughts. Sophia, Alexander's mother, appeared in the doorway, her sharp eyes scanning Mia's restless frame.

"Good morning, Mia," Sophia said, her voice measured. "You look troubled."

Mia attempted a smile, but it fell short. "Good morning, Sophia. I guess I am a bit uneasy."

Sophia walked over and sat gracefully on the couch, gesturing for Mia to join her. "Is it because of Leo?"

Mia nodded, sinking into the chair across from her. "He's dangerous, Sophia. I've seen what he's capable of. Having him here feels like inviting trouble into our home."

Sophia's expression hardened, her regal demeanor unshaken. "Alexander is cautious, and his instincts are rarely wrong. But you're right to be wary. Men like Leo are like snakes—one wrong move, and they'll strike."

Mia shivered at the analogy, but it rang true.

Sophia leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing. "But tell me, my dear, what does Leo really want? What is his game?"

Mia hesitated. "He says he's running from Marco. He claims he has information about Marco's plans, but Alexander doesn't trust him. Neither do I."

Sophia nodded thoughtfully. "Then keep your eyes open, Mia. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial. Trust your instincts—they've served you well so far."

Mia felt a surge of gratitude for Sophia's support. Despite their rocky beginnings, Alexander's mother had become an unexpected ally, offering wisdom and strength when Mia needed it most.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Alexander appeared in the doorway, his face set in a grim mask.

"We need to talk," he said, his tone leaving no room for delay.

Sophia stood, smoothing her skirt. "I'll leave you two to it." She placed a reassuring hand on Mia's shoulder before leaving the room.

Alexander sat beside Mia, his shoulders tense. "Leo just gave us the first piece of information. Marco has been funneling weapons into the city. He's planning something big, and it's happening soon."

Mia's breath caught. "What does he want?"

"Control," Alexander said simply. "He's targeting key industries—financial institutions, shipping routes, even political figures. If he succeeds, he'll have the power to cripple entire regions."

Mia's stomach churned. "What can we do to stop him?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "We're working on it. But there's more. Leo claims Marco has a mole inside our network, feeding him information. That's how he's been able to stay one step ahead."

Mia's eyes widened. "A mole? Do you know who it is?"

"Not yet," Alexander admitted. "But we're narrowing it down. In the meantime, we can't afford to trust anyone outside our inner circle."

Mia nodded, her mind racing. The thought of a traitor among them was chilling, but it also fueled her determination. She wouldn't let Marco—or anyone else—tear their lives apart.

Later that afternoon, Mia ventured into the garden for some fresh air. The drizzle had begun, but she didn't mind. The cool droplets on her skin were a welcome distraction from the storm brewing inside her.

As she wandered among the flowers, she heard a rustling behind her. Turning, she saw Leo leaning casually against a tree, his hands in his pockets.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," he said, smirking.

Mia's heart pounded with anger. "What are you doing out here?"

"Relax," Leo said, holding up his hands. "Just getting some air. Thought we could talk."

"There's nothing to talk about," Mia snapped. "You shouldn't even be here."

Leo chuckled, his smirk deepening. "Come on, Mia. I'm trying to help you."

"Help me?" she repeated, incredulous. "The only thing you've ever done is hurt me, Leo. Why should I believe anything you say?"

His expression darkened. "Because this time, it's life or death. Marco won't stop until he has everything—your husband's empire, his power, and maybe even you. If you don't listen to me, you'll regret it."

Mia felt a surge of defiance. "I don't need your warnings, Leo. Alexander and I can handle whatever Marco throws at us."

Leo stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "You're naive if you think Alexander is untouchable. Marco has already infiltrated your defenses. The question is, how far will you let it go before you take me seriously?"

Before Mia could respond, Alexander's voice cut through the tension.

"Stay away from her," he said coldly, appearing like a shadow from the mist. His eyes burned with fury as he stepped between Mia and Leo.

Leo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just having a friendly chat."

"It's not your place," Alexander said, his voice laced with menace. "Consider this your first and last warning."

Leo smirked but said nothing, retreating into the fog.

Alexander turned to Mia, his expression softening. "Are you okay?"

Mia nodded, though her heart was still racing. "He's trying to manipulate us, Alexander. I don't trust him."

"Neither do I," Alexander said, taking her hand. "But no matter what he's planning, he won't get the chance to hurt you. Not while I'm here."

As they walked back to the house, Mia couldn't shake the feeling that Leo's words held a grain of truth. The storm was coming, and they would need every ounce of strength to weather it.