Chapter 228: Finding Ava

Chris didn't believe in coincidences.

Skylar's escape had been too smooth, too precise. She wasn't just running—someone had been waiting for her.

And there was only one person who made sense.

Ava Sinclair.

Chris walked out of the Oval Office, his steps controlled but sharp. Two Secret Service agents flanked him as he moved through the White House halls, but he ignored them. His mind was already on the next move.

Ava had always been close to Skylar—too close. They had history, and more importantly, Ava had connections. If anyone could help Skylar vanish, it was her.

Chris reached the intelligence operations room, where Cole and Noah were already scanning through surveillance feeds.

"Status?" Chris asked, his tone leaving no room for delay.

Noah looked up from the monitor. "Ethan is tracking Skylar's last known vehicle. No confirmed sighting yet."

Chris's jaw tightened. "Forget Ethan for now. Focus on Ava Sinclair."

Cole nodded immediately. "We pulled her last known locations. She was in D.C. yesterday, but her phone signal cut out two hours ago. That's not a coincidence."

Chris exhaled slowly, his patience wearing thin. "Where was she last seen?"

Noah pulled up a map. "A private residence in Georgetown. Belongs to an alias we traced back to her." He glanced at Chris. "Want me to send a team?"

Chris didn't hesitate. "No. I'll handle this myself."

Cole raised an eyebrow. "Personally?"

Chris's expression was cold, unreadable. "Ava isn't just a loose end. She's a message."

Noah exchanged a quick glance with Cole but didn't argue.

Chris straightened his tie. If Ava had helped Skylar escape, she had made a mistake.

And mistakes had consequences.

"Get the car ready," Chris said. "I'm paying Ava Sinclair a visit."