Race Against Time

The estate's security system blared as red warning lights flooded the room. Victor's fingers danced across the keyboard, trying to delay the breach, but the inevitable was closing in.

Alexander grabbed Mia's hand and turned to Langston. "We're leaving. Now."

Langston nodded, grabbing a secure drive and stuffing it into her coat pocket. "We need to get somewhere safe—somewhere they won't expect."

Victor's voice was tense. "The airstrip. We have a plane ready. But we have to go—they've already bypassed the outer security."

Mia's heart pounded as Alexander led her through the dimly lit hallways. Armed guards flanked them, their weapons at the ready. The echoes of rapid footsteps filled the air as they moved toward the hidden exit.

Suddenly, gunfire erupted outside. The security team was engaging the attackers. Mia flinched as the sound of bullets ricocheted, but Alexander shielded her, guiding her toward a concealed door in the study.

Victor input a code, and the door slid open, revealing a hidden tunnel. "This will take us to the airstrip. Move!"

They ran, the tunnel's dim lights flickering above them. Langston was breathing heavily, clutching the hard drive like a lifeline.

"Whoever's after us," she panted, "they won't stop here. This is just the beginning."

Mia swallowed the lump in her throat. She already knew that. But as long as she had Alexander by her side, she wasn't giving up.

They reached the tunnel's exit just as a black SUV screeched to a halt nearby. One of Alexander's men waved them in.

"Drive," Alexander ordered, his voice sharp.

The vehicle roared to life, kicking up dust as they sped toward the airstrip.

Victor checked his tablet. "They took down our security cameras, but we have a five-minute head start."

Langston exhaled sharply. "Let's hope it's enough."

Mia glanced at Alexander. His grip was tight around her hand, his jaw clenched in determination.