Chapter 240: Ambush

Chris barely made it three steps before the first shot rang out.

CRACK!

The sound of gunfire split through the night, and instinct took over. Cole shoved Chris back, drawing his weapon in the same motion. Soldiers scrambled into position, barking orders as bullets slammed into the armored vehicles outside.

They were under attack.

Skylar's breath hitched as she ducked, her heart hammering. Ava, still in the soldiers' grip, twisted violently, using the chaos to wrench herself free. Before anyone could react, she disappeared into the shadows.

"Find her!" one of the soldiers yelled.

Chris, ignoring the blood staining his coat, straightened. His expression remained eerily calm as Cole pressed a hand against his wound.

"Sir, we need to move—"

Chris raised a hand, silencing him. His eyes were fixed on the warehouse entrance, where flashes of muzzle fire illuminated dark figures moving outside.

"Who are they?" Skylar whispered.

Chris didn't answer. He already knew.

Cole scowled, reloading his gun. "We've got company. Heavy firepower, trained movements—this isn't random."

Chris exhaled slowly. "It's a rescue attempt."

Skylar's stomach clenched. Someone had come for her.

Or maybe Ava.

Either way, Chris wasn't about to let it happen.

"Circle formation," he ordered, his voice steady despite the gunfire around them. "Lock down the exits. I want them boxed in."

Cole relayed the command instantly, and soldiers snapped into action. The sharp clack of boots against concrete echoed through the warehouse as Chris's men moved with military precision.

Then—silence.

The gunfire stopped.

Skylar's breath caught in her throat.

Cole tensed. "Why did they stop?"

Chris's gaze darkened. "Because they're coming in."

And just like that, the doors exploded inward.