Stay back, Mia

The tension in the air was palpable as Alexander and Victor moved swiftly through the villa, Langston leading the way toward the perimeter. Mia stood frozen in the doorway, her heart pounding with worry. She knew Alexander was only trying to protect her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that the danger wasn't just outside—it was much closer than they realized.

Victor stopped suddenly, his eyes scanning the surrounding area, the shadows of early morning making it difficult to spot anything. "It came from the east. He's not alone."

Alexander's gaze hardened. "I'm not letting them get away. If they think they can play us, they're wrong."

Mia moved quickly to catch up with them, her instincts telling her to be near Alexander, to protect him if she could, despite everything he had already done to shield her. She was no longer a helpless victim; she was part of this war.

"Stay back, Mia," Alexander said sharply, turning to face her. "This is not your fight."

She met his gaze with defiance, her voice low but determined. "You think I'll sit this out while you're in danger? Not a chance."

Victor gave her an unreadable look before turning to Alexander. "She's right. We're all in this together."

Alexander hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But keep your head down."

The group made their way to the east side of the estate, where the sounds of movement grew louder. Langston led the charge, his keen senses guiding them through the wooded area, where the figure they had seen earlier was now nowhere to be found. The ground was soft from the recent rain, and the air was thick with tension.

Suddenly, Langston signaled for them to stop. He crouched down, his finger to his lips, signaling that they needed to be quiet.

Ahead, the faintest rustle of leaves could be heard. Alexander's hand instinctively tightened around his weapon. The figure was close. Too close.

Then, without warning, a voice broke the silence, sending a chill down their spines.

"Well, well… if it isn't the mighty Alexander and his merry band of misfits."

Mia's breath caught in her throat. The voice was unmistakable. It was Marco.

Before anyone could react, the shadows parted, revealing Marco, flanked by two of his most trusted men. He was smirking, his dark eyes glinting with malevolent amusement.

"Marco," Alexander growled, his stance shifting, ready to spring into action. "What do you want now?"

Marco's smirk widened. "What do I want? Oh, just a little game of chess. And you, Alexander, are my favorite pawn."

Mia felt the blood drain from her face. It was clear now—Marco wasn't here just for revenge. He was here for something much more insidious.

"I should have known you'd be behind this," Alexander said, his voice cold. "But why now? Why this place?"

Marco's eyes flicked to Mia. "Oh, don't play coy, Alexander. You know why. It's all about the legacy. And your little one here, well… they're going to be a key piece in my plans."

Mia's heart skipped a beat. She stepped closer to Alexander, her protective instincts kicking in. "What do you mean, 'key piece'?"

Marco's gaze lingered on her belly for a moment, a twisted smile curling on his lips. "Ah, so the little one hasn't arrived yet, but I can already see the potential. You've been carrying the future of this empire, haven't you, Mia? Too bad that future isn't yours to control."

Mia's stomach twisted, her hands instinctively moving to protect her growing belly. "You're sick, Marco."

Alexander's face was a mask of fury. "Enough with the games. We're ending this today."

Victor stepped forward, his hand on the grip of his gun. "We know about your plan, Marco. 'Project Paragon,' whatever it is. We know you've been using Mia as a pawn in your twisted little scheme."

Marco's eyes flickered with irritation, but he remained composed. "So, you've seen the files. That's cute. But it doesn't matter now. You think you can stop me? I've already won. It's only a matter of time before you're all in my control."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "Not this time. You'll never get away with it."

Before anyone could react, Marco's men raised their guns, aiming them directly at Alexander and Victor. Mia's heart raced, but Alexander's hand shot out, pulling her behind him protectively.

But just as the tension reached its peak, a series of gunshots rang out from the trees, sending Marco's men scrambling. The unexpected intervention caused Marco to take a step back, his eyes darting around in confusion.

"You didn't think we'd come unprepared, did you?" Langston's voice rang out from behind them.

The dust and chaos from the gunfire seemed to hang in the air, the sound of struggling bodies filling the silence. Marco's men, overwhelmed by the sudden ambush, began to fall back, retreating into the shadows.

For a moment, everything was still. The sound of heavy breathing filled the air.

"Alexander," Victor said, looking toward the woods, "this is your chance. Go. Get Marco."

Alexander nodded grimly, his gaze fixed on Marco, who had turned to flee. "Mia, stay here."

But Mia wasn't about to let him face Marco alone. As they moved toward the confrontation, she stayed close behind.

The hunt was on.