Chapter 223: The Chase Begins

Skylar kept walking, forcing herself to stay composed. If she ran, she was dead. If she hesitated, she was dead. She needed to be smart.

The White House was a fortress, but she knew the layout as well as anyone. There were exits that weren't on the official maps.

She took a sharp left, heading toward the South Wing. If she could make it to the underground garage, she had a chance.

But then—

"Going somewhere?"

Her breath hitched.

Ethan.

He stood at the end of the hallway, hands in his pockets, leaning against the wall like he had all the time in the world.

His expression was unreadable, but Skylar knew him too well. He was here for a reason.

And she was the reason.

"You've been following me," she said, keeping her voice steady.

Ethan sighed, pushing off the wall. "You know how this goes, Sky."

Skylar clenched her jaw. "So, what? You're here to kill me?"

Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Chris gave me an order."

Her chest tightened. Chris gave an order.

And Ethan had never disobeyed one before.

But something in his eyes told her this wasn't easy for him.

"And?" she pressed.

Ethan didn't answer right away.

Instead, he took a step closer.

"You made a mistake, Skylar." His voice was low, almost regretful. "Chris doesn't forgive mistakes."

Skylar's pulse pounded in her ears.

"I didn't betray him."

Ethan exhaled sharply. "That doesn't matter. What matters is that he thinks you did."

Silence stretched between them.

Skylar's mind raced. She had to get out of here.

"So what happens now?" she asked.

Ethan studied her for a long moment.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"You have five minutes."

Skylar's eyes widened slightly.

"Ethan—"

"Don't waste them," he said, his voice quiet but firm.

Then he turned and walked away.

For the first time, Ethan had disobeyed Chris.

And now?

Now, Skylar had five minutes to disappear.