I Want to Help

The ride back to the mainland was silent, except for the sound of the waves crashing against the speedboat. Mia leaned against Alexander, her body weary but her mind racing. Alexander's arms were wrapped around her protectively, as though he feared losing her again.

Victor, seated near the helm, scrolled through a tablet filled with files they had managed to extract from Marco's compound before the escape. His brows furrowed as he skimmed through the documents. "This isn't over," he muttered under his breath, loud enough for Alexander to hear.

"What did you find?" Alexander asked sharply.

Victor glanced up, his expression grim. "Marco's plans are far more extensive than we realized. Project Paragon wasn't just a concept—it's operational."

Mia stiffened at the mention of the project. "What does that mean? What exactly is he planning?"

Victor hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Marco has been using his resources to build a network of labs and facilities across the globe. The island was just one of them. He's been experimenting with genetic engineering, aiming to create… enhanced humans."

"Enhanced how?" Alexander demanded.

Victor took a deep breath. "Strength, intelligence, resilience—he's trying to create a new breed of humans. And from what I've gathered, Mia, your DNA was pivotal to his research. He believes your genetic makeup holds the key to unlocking this so-called evolution."

Mia's face paled. "Why me? I'm just… ordinary."

Alexander's voice was firm as he pulled her closer. "You're extraordinary, Mia. But whatever he thinks he found, it doesn't matter. He won't get near you again."

Victor nodded. "We'll need to act fast. If Marco has other facilities, he could be accelerating his timeline. The files mention a secondary lab located in Eastern Europe. That's likely his next base of operations."

Marco's Hidden Agenda

Meanwhile, in a hidden underground facility halfway across the world, Marco paced in front of a massive screen displaying surveillance footage from the island. His lips curled into a smirk as he watched the escape unfold.

"They think they've won," he muttered.

A scientist approached him hesitantly, holding a tablet. "Sir, the loss of the island is a setback, but the main data remains intact. We're still on schedule."

Marco turned, his piercing gaze silencing the man. "Schedule isn't good enough. Accelerate the trials. I want results yesterday."

The scientist nodded quickly. "Understood. And what about Alexander and Mia?"

Marco's smirk returned. "Oh, Alexander… always the knight in shining armor. Let him think he's a step ahead. He doesn't realize he's already playing into my hands. And Mia…" He paused, his tone turning dark. "She's more important than she knows. She'll come to me willingly before this is over."

The scientist's eyes widened, but he didn't dare question Marco. Instead, he bowed slightly and hurried out of the room, leaving Marco alone with his thoughts.

Marco glanced back at the screen, his expression unreadable. "You can't protect her forever, Alexander. Sooner or later, she'll be mine."

Back at the Mansion

After returning to the mansion, Mia was immediately checked by the family doctor. While she was physically unharmed, the emotional toll of the ordeal was evident.

Alexander stayed by her side, refusing to leave her even for a moment. As she rested in their bedroom, he sat beside her, his hand gently resting on her growing belly.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his eyes searching hers.

Mia nodded, though tears welled in her eyes. "I'm just scared, Alexander. Scared for our child, for us. Marco won't stop."

He cupped her face, his gaze intense. "I won't let him hurt you. I promise, Mia. We'll end this, once and for all."

She placed her hand over his, drawing strength from his determination. "I trust you."

Victor entered the room, clearing his throat to announce his presence. "Sorry to interrupt, but we've got new intel. Marco's second lab is located in Romania. It's heavily guarded, but we have a window of opportunity."

Alexander stood, his protective instincts kicking in. "When do we move?"

Victor hesitated. "I know you want to take the fight to Marco, but we need to be smart about this. He's expecting us, and if he has Mia in his sights, we can't afford any mistakes."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "I'm not waiting for him to make the first move."

Mia sat up, her voice firm despite her exhaustion. "I want to help."

Both men turned to her, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.

"Mia, no," Alexander said immediately. "You've been through enough. You need to rest."

"But this involves me," she argued. "If Marco thinks I'm important to his plans, then maybe I can use that against him."

Victor looked thoughtful. "She has a point. Marco's obsession with Mia could be his weakness. If we use her as bait…"

"No," Alexander interrupted, his tone final. "I won't put her in danger."

"I'm already in danger," Mia countered. "And I refuse to sit back and do nothing while Marco continues to hurt people. Let me do this, Alexander."

The room fell silent as Alexander struggled with the idea. He hated the thought of Mia being exposed to more risk, but he couldn't deny her bravery.

Finally, he nodded reluctantly. "We'll do this on my terms. If anything goes wrong, you're out. Agreed?"

Mia nodded, her determination.