Stalking?

It was late at night. The city was quiet, wrapped in an eerie stillness, but Leyla had no time to admire the silence.

She stood in her dimly lit room, dressed in loose baggy clothes—a plain hoodie and sweatpants—making sure nothing revealed her identity. A black mask covered her face, hiding every trace of emotion. Her long hair, which usually flowed freely, was now twisted into a messy bun to avoid any distractions.

She double-checked her bag:

Cash and a credit card (in case she needed a quick escape).A knife and a gun (she wasn't planning to use them, but she had to be prepared).A vial of knockout drug and a cloth (she preferred stealth over bloodshed).Her phone, switched to silent mode.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled her hoodie over her head and stepped out into the cold night.

Instead of using her own car, she hailed a cab. Ozan's men were sharp—they monitored every familiar vehicle. She couldn't afford to get caught before even reaching the mansion.

As the cab approached the massive gates of Ozan's estate, Leyla signaled the driver to stop a few blocks away. She would go the rest of the way on foot.

The mansion stood like a fortress, its high walls making it nearly impossible for intruders to enter. Security cameras covered every inch of the property, and guards patrolled in shifts.

But Leyla wasn't just anyone. She had trained for this moment.

Carefully, she crept toward the stone wall. Her hands found grip points, and with a deep breath, she began to climb. It wasn't easy, but she moved swiftly, her body light and agile. Within moments, she had pulled herself over the top and landed softly on the other side.

She pressed herself against the shadows, scanning her surroundings.

A few meters ahead, she spotted a smaller side door—one that wasn't used as frequently. It had two guards stationed outside, their eyes sharp, hands resting on their weapons. No way she could sneak past them without taking them down.

Leyla crouched behind a row of bushes, formulating a plan.

She reached into her bag, pulling out the small vial of knockout drug and soaking the cloth with it. Taking a deep breath, she waited for the right moment.

One of the guards turned slightly, his back partially exposed. That was her chance.

Moving like a shadow, she slipped behind him and pressed the cloth against his mouth. His body tensed as he struggled, but within seconds, his strength gave out. She gently lowered him to the ground, ensuring he made no noise.

Unfortunately, the second guard noticed.

"Hey! Who are—"

Before he could finish, Leyla acted. She lunged forward, delivering a sharp knee to his stomach, causing him to stagger. Before he could recover, she spun around and struck his neck, knocking him unconscious.

Her heartbeat was steady. She had done this before.

She quickly dragged both guards into the shadows and took one of their keycards. Now, she was inside enemy territory.

Leyla dragged the unconscious guards into the shadows, making sure they were completely hidden. She couldn't afford to leave behind any evidence of her infiltration.

With the stolen keycard in hand, she took a deep breath and slowly pushed open the back entrance.

The door unlocked, and she slipped inside silently, her movements precise and controlled.

The interior of the mansion was just as grand as she remembered, but she had no time to admire the luxury.

The hallways were dimly lit, making it easier to stay in the shadows. She pressed herself against the walls, listening carefully for footsteps.

Guards patrolled the corridors, their boots clicking against the marble floor. She counted them. Two near the staircase. One walking toward the study. Another guarding the hallway ahead.

She needed to reach Ozan's private office—the place where all his secrets were kept. If he was truly involved in illegal dealings, this was where she'd find the proof.

A few more silent steps. She was close.

But just as she reached the study's door, a voice echoed from behind her.

"Who's there?"

Her heart pounded. She had been spotted.