Gone

Alexander spent the next few hours strategizing with Victor and his security team. Every possible scenario was analyzed, every potential threat dissected. But the more they looked into Elias Carter, the less they found. It was as if he had appeared out of nowhere.

Mia paced the bedroom, unable to shake the unease creeping over her. The idea that Project Paragon wasn't truly over sent a chill down her spine. She had endured so much already—kidnapping, betrayal, and near death. And now, just as she thought she could finally have peace with Alexander and their unborn child, another shadow loomed over them.

Alexander entered the room, his expression unreadable. "We've increased security around the estate. No one gets in or out without my approval."

Mia stopped pacing and turned to him. "And Elias?"

"Gone," he said tightly. "Victor lost track of him after their last call. Either he's hiding, or someone got to him first."

Mia swallowed hard. "What if he was right? What if something worse is coming?"

Alexander walked up to her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "Then I'll stop it before it reaches you."

A knock at the door interrupted them. It was Victor, his face grim. "We just intercepted a message from one of Marco's old contacts. Someone's been asking about Mia."

Mia's heart skipped a beat. "Who?"

Victor hesitated. "We don't know yet. But whoever it is… they're close."

Elsewhere in the City…

Elias moved quickly through the underground tunnels beneath the city, his breath coming in short gasps. He had barely escaped the ambush. His shoulder was bleeding, but he didn't stop.

He had warned Mia, but now he needed to make sure she survived what was coming.