Come Back to Me

The estate was buzzing with heightened security as Alexander assembled his most trusted advisors in the conference room. The atmosphere was tense, charged with the realization that Marco had managed to infiltrate their inner circle. The betrayal by Carla had left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth, and now, there was no room for error.

Mia stood by Alexander's side, her determination matching his. Despite her growing pregnancy, she refused to be sidelined. She was a part of this family and wouldn't let Marco tear them apart.

Alexander's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "We've confirmed Marco's involvement through Carla's phone. Victor managed to retrieve several text exchanges and encrypted files that detail his plans. He's targeting not just me but every connection I have in the business world."

Victor nodded, tapping the screen of his laptop to project the evidence onto the wall. "These are the locations Marco has been using to move his operations. He's spread thin, but his reach is dangerous. He's already contacted a few of your rivals, attempting to turn them against you."

Mia studied the map on the screen. "If he's spread thin, isn't that an advantage? It means his resources are stretched. If we can hit him where it hurts the most, we can weaken him."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Alexander glanced at Mia, pride evident in his eyes. "Exactly. We need to strike strategically, not recklessly. Victor, I want a list of his known allies and their vulnerabilities. We'll dismantle his network one piece at a time."

"What about Elena?" one of the advisors asked. "She's still in custody. Do we trust her enough to keep her alive?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Elena stays alive for now. She's our only lead if Marco tries to change his strategy. But make no mistake—if she steps out of line, I won't hesitate to deal with her."

Mia placed a hand on Alexander's arm, her touch grounding him. "We also need to think about what happens after we take him down. Marco won't go quietly, and his allies will retaliate. We need to ensure the safety of our family and everyone connected to us."

Alexander nodded. "I've already spoken with security. Additional measures are being put in place to protect you, Mia, and the baby. I won't let anything happen to you."

---

Later that evening, Mia sat in the nursery they had been preparing. The soft pastel walls and carefully arranged furniture were a stark contrast to the chaos outside. She ran her hand over her growing belly, her thoughts swirling.

Alexander entered quietly, watching her for a moment before crossing the room to join her. He knelt in front of her, placing a gentle hand on her stomach. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

Mia nodded, though her eyes were distant. "I'm just thinking about what kind of world we're bringing this baby into. I want them to have a safe, happy life, Alexander. I don't want them to grow up surrounded by danger."

Alexander cupped her face, his gaze steady. "Our child will grow up loved and protected. I'll make sure of it. This fight with Marco—it ends with us. I won't let his shadow touch our family."

Mia leaned into his touch, finding comfort in his strength. "I believe in you, Alexander. In us. We'll get through this together."

---

As the night deepened, Alexander and Mia returned to the main wing of the estate. Victor was waiting for them in the study, his expression grim.

"We've intercepted a message from Marco," he said without preamble. "He knows Carla's been caught, and he's already making moves to cover his tracks. He's also issued a warning."

Victor handed Alexander a slip of paper with the message. It read: "You may have won this battle, Alexander, but the war is far from over. You'll never see me coming."

Alexander crumpled the note in his fist, his eyes blazing. "He's desperate. That makes him dangerous, but it also makes him predictable. He'll strike soon, and when he does, we'll be ready."

Victor hesitated. "There's one more thing. We've traced one of Marco's safe houses to a location just outside the city. It's heavily guarded, but if we can infiltrate it, we might find something that gives us the upper hand."

Mia's hand tightened around Alexander's. "You're not going alone, are you?"

Alexander turned to her, his expression softening. "No, but I'll be leading the team. I can't leave this to anyone else, Mia. This is my fight."

"And mine," Mia said firmly. "Marco came after our family. I won't sit back and do nothing."

Alexander's lips pressed into a thin line, but he knew better than to argue with her. "You're staying here where it's safe. I need to know you and the baby are out of harm's way. That's how you can help me—by staying strong for us."

Mia reluctantly agreed, though the worry in her eyes didn't fade.

---

The plan to infiltrate Marco's safe house was set in motion by dawn. As Alexander prepared to leave, he held Mia close, their embrace lingering.

"Come back to me," Mia whispered, her voice breaking.

"I will," Alexander promised, his lips brushing against her forehead. "I always will."

With that, he turned and walked out, his determination unshakable. Marco had made his move, and now, it was Alexander's turn to strike.