Chapter 229: Nowhere is Safe

Skylar gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles white as she weaved through the dimly lit streets of D.C. She had driven for nearly an hour, taking random turns, switching lanes, doing everything she could to make sure she wasn't being followed.

But paranoia clung to her like a second skin.

She had made it out of the White House, but she wasn't free. Not yet.

Beside her, Ava Sinclair sat in the passenger seat, calm as ever. She had been waiting for Skylar at the extraction point—just like they planned. But now that they were on the move, Ava's usual confidence had turned into quiet calculation.

"You're driving like a fugitive," Ava finally said, adjusting her seatbelt.

Skylar exhaled, forcing herself to loosen her grip. "I am a fugitive."

Ava smirked. "Not yet. But you will be once Chris catches up."

Skylar's stomach twisted at the mention of his name. Chris. The man she had once trusted, maybe even loved. The man who had given the order that should have sealed her fate.

Except Ethan had let her go.

And now she was running.

"Tell me you have a plan," Ava said, watching her closely.

Skylar swallowed. "I get out of D.C. Lay low. Disappear."

Ava shook her head. "That's not a plan. That's a hope. And hope isn't enough against Chris Blackwood."

Skylar clenched her jaw. She knew Ava was right. Chris wasn't the kind of man you simply escaped from. He was methodical, relentless. If he wanted her found, she would be found.

Unless…

"We need leverage," Skylar said suddenly.

Ava raised an eyebrow. "You have something on him?"

Skylar hesitated. She had spent years in Chris's world—she knew things. Dangerous things.

"Not yet," she admitted. "But I know where to find it."

Ava sighed, rubbing her temple. "Let me guess. It's in a place guarded by armed men with zero tolerance for intruders?"

"Something like that."

Ava groaned. "Why do I even help you?"

Skylar gave a small, tired smile. "Because if Chris wins, we both lose."

Ava didn't argue.

Silence settled between them, broken only by the hum of the car engine. Skylar glanced in the rearview mirror, scanning for any signs of pursuit.

For now, they were clear.

But deep down,she knew the truth.

Chris was already coming for her.