CHAPTER 31: FIRESTORM

The shrill sound of the alarm tore through the estate like a siren of war. In an instant, the peaceful rescue turned into chaos. Red lights flashed across the corridors, alerting every guard that something had gone terribly wrong.

"He's here," Zhao Chen said, pressing his earpiece. "Zhang Wei just pulled in with two black SUVs. We're out of time."

Mei Xing tightened her grip on Jin Hao, shielding him protectively. "Get him out of here—now!"

Zhao Chen led them toward the emergency exit, flanked by two security agents, but the estate had turned into a maze of flashing lights and slamming metal doors. Zhang Wei's men were everywhere, scrambling to block off the escape routes.

"This way!" Kai's voice echoed from the hallway, waving from behind a security gate he had just unlocked. The team sprinted down the corridor, adrenaline pulsing through their veins.

But Zhang Wei was faster than they had anticipated. His men came armed and ready, blocking off the estate's southern wing.

Gunfire cracked in the distance. Smoke grenades were thrown to create cover as Mei Xing and Jin Hao ducked behind a reinforced wall. Her heart pounded in her chest—not from fear, but from fury. She was so close. She had her son. She couldn't lose him again.

"Chen, get him to the van!" she ordered.

"I'm not leaving without you!" Zhao Chen yelled, his eyes wild.

"You must!" she cried. "If they catch Jin Hao again, it's over."

Zhao hesitated only a second before grabbing Jin Hao's hand and rushing toward the back gate with two operatives.

Mei Xing turned and met Kai's eyes. "I'll buy you time."

"You sure about this?" he asked.

"I'm not losing him again."

She turned back and made her way to the main corridor, heading straight toward Zhang Wei's men. She tossed a flash grenade, stunning them momentarily, then slipped into a side passage to draw them away.

Meanwhile, Zhao Chen's team reached the rear exit—but just as they were about to break free, Zhang Wei appeared like a phantom, blocking the gate with his gun drawn.

"Give me the boy," he growled. "Or you'll all regret it."

Jin Hao trembled behind Zhao. But then something unexpected happened.

The boy stepped forward and shouted, "You're not my father! Stop lying!"

Zhang Wei froze. That voice, that courage—it wasn't what he expected from a child raised under his watch.

In that split second, Zhao Chen lunged and knocked the weapon from Zhang Wei's hand. The team dragged him to the ground, restraining him with zip ties.

Mei Xing arrived moments later, breathless, covered in dust and bruises, but triumphant.

She dropped to her knees beside Jin Hao and held him tightly again. This time, there was no more running. No more hiding.

Zhang Wei lay defeated on the ground, furious and humiliated.

"It's over," Mei Xing said coldly. "You lose."

But deep in her heart, she knew this battle wasn't entirely over—not yet.

Not until Mei Li paid for everything too.