Then start talking

Mia's heart pounded as she locked eyes with the mysterious man standing before her. His expression was calm, almost amused, but there was an undeniable intensity in his gaze.

Alexander had drilled self-defense into her countless times, and she knew better than to let her fear show. Taking a step back, she clenched her fists. "Who are you, and what do you want?"

The man lifted his hands in a show of peace. "I'm not your enemy, Mia. But I don't have much time to explain." His piercing green eyes flickered toward the villa, as if expecting someone to appear.

Mia followed his gaze, every muscle in her body tense. "Then start talking."

The man hesitated, then took a slow step forward. "My name is Elias Carter. And if you and Alexander don't leave this island soon, you'll both be dead."

Mia's breath caught in her throat. The weight of his words pressed down on her, but she forced herself to stay calm. "That's a bold claim. Give me one good reason why I should believe you."

Elias sighed. "Because Marco's death didn't end things. It only awakened something much worse."

At the mention of Marco, a cold dread settled in Mia's stomach. "Marco is gone. His empire fell."

Elias tilted his head. "Did it? Or did you just take out one head of the Hydra while another grew in its place?"

Mia clenched her jaw. "I don't play mind games. If you have information, you'd better start explaining now."

Elias glanced over his shoulder again. "I wasn't lying when I said I don't have much time. There are people looking for me, just like they're looking for you. Project Paragon didn't die with Marco—it was bigger than him. And the people behind it? They're more powerful than you can imagine."

Mia's pulse quickened. She had thought they were finally free. That Alexander's war was over. But now, this stranger was telling her otherwise?

A rustling sound in the distance made Elias stiffen. His eyes darkened. "I have to go. But remember this—your child is part of this, whether you want them to be or not."

Mia's blood ran cold. "What do you mean?"

Elias didn't answer. Instead, he turned sharply and disappeared into the dense foliage before she could stop him.

For a few seconds, Mia stood frozen, trying to process what had just happened. Then, without wasting another second, she spun on her heels and sprinted back toward the villa.

---

Alexander was in the living room when she burst through the door. He immediately stood up, sensing her distress. "Mia? What happened?"

She barely took a breath before she blurted out, "We need to talk. Now."

His expression turned deadly serious. "Tell me everything."

As Mia recounted her encounter with Elias, Alexander's face darkened. When she finished, he exhaled slowly, his hands clenched into fists. "I knew it wasn't over," he murmured.

Mia placed a hand on his arm. "Alexander… he said our child is part of this. What does that mean?"

His gaze softened for a moment, but only for a moment. Then, his protective instincts kicked in full force. "It means we find out exactly who Elias Carter is. And if he's right… we make sure no one ever comes near you or our baby."

Mia nodded, trusting him completely. But deep inside, she knew the storm wasn't over.

It was only just beginning.