Chapter 13: No Turning Back

The weight of their deal with Adrian Lawson hung in the air long after the handshake. Elena could feel it settling deep in her bones, a warning she couldn't quite ignore.

This wasn't just a business deal. It was a declaration of war.

Adrian leaned back, looking far too pleased with himself. "Well, now that we're all partners, let's talk strategy."

Damien exhaled sharply. "We need proof—something solid. Richard has been careful, but if anyone knows where the bodies are buried, it's you."

Adrian's smirk never wavered. "Oh, I know plenty. The real question is—how far are you willing to go?"

Elena stiffened. "What does that mean?"

Adrian's blue eyes gleamed. "It means Richard doesn't just keep his secrets in files or bank accounts. He keeps them in people. People who are scared. People who disappear when they stop being useful."

A chill ran down Elena's spine. "You're saying there are witnesses?"

Adrian nodded. "One in particular."

Damien's expression darkened. "Who?"

Adrian's smirk disappeared. "Ever heard of a man named Victor Hale?"

Elena's breath caught. "Victor Hale—the former CFO of Lawson Enterprises?"

Adrian's lips quirked. "So you have done your homework."

Elena's mind raced. "But he vanished years ago. No one knows where he is."

Adrian's gaze sharpened. "I do."

Silence fell over the room.

Damien was the first to speak. "Where is he?"

Adrian leaned forward, his voice a low whisper. "Mexico. Under a different name, living off what little Richard let him keep."

Elena frowned. "Why would he run instead of fighting back?"

Adrian's jaw ticked. "Because he knew what would happen if he didn't."

She swallowed hard.

Damien crossed his arms. "If we find him, do you think he'll talk?"

Adrian's smirk returned. "Oh, he'll talk. The trick is getting to him before Richard does."

Elena felt her stomach twist. "You think Richard is looking for him?"

Adrian's expression turned serious. "Richard doesn't leave loose ends. If we know where Hale is… it won't be long before he does too."

Damien didn't hesitate. "Then we leave tonight."

Elena blinked. "Tonight?"

Damien looked at her, his gray eyes firm. "We don't have time to wait."

Adrian chuckled. "Ah, I do love a good chase."

Elena shot him a glare. "This isn't a game."

His smirk widened. "Everything's a game, sweetheart. The question is—are you ready to play?"

She clenched her fists.

She had come too far to back down now.

"Let's go," she said.

And just like that, the hunt for Victor Hale had begun.

The private jet hummed softly as it soared through the night sky, leaving New York behind.

Elena sat across from Damien in the luxurious cabin, her thoughts racing as she stared at the man who had just turned her world upside down.

Adrian Lawson.

She didn't trust him. Not even a little.

Yet here they were—on their way to Mexico to find a man who had been in hiding for years, all because Adrian claimed he had information that could take down Richard Lawson.

She glanced at Damien, who was lost in thought, his gray eyes dark with something she couldn't quite read.

"You think Adrian's telling the truth?" she asked.

Damien exhaled, rubbing his jaw. "Adrian doesn't lie—not outright. But he always has his own angle."

"Which means?"

Damien met her gaze. "It means we need to be careful. He'll help us… but only as long as it benefits him."

Elena sighed, leaning back in her seat. "This just keeps getting messier."

Damien's lips curved slightly. "Welcome to my world."

She rolled her eyes. "You say that like I had a choice."

"You did," he countered. "You could've walked away."

She held his gaze. "No, I couldn't."

Something flickered in his expression, but before he could respond, Adrian strolled into the cabin, a drink in hand.

"Are we having a deep and meaningful conversation without me?" he asked, smirking.

Elena resisted the urge to groan. "Hardly."

Adrian chuckled, sinking into a seat. "You wound me, sweetheart."

Damien cut him a sharp look. "What's the plan when we land?"

Adrian swirled his drink lazily. "Victor Hale is hiding out in a small town just outside of Cancún. He keeps a low profile, but he still has contacts. We need to get to him before Richard's men do."

Elena frowned. "And if Richard's already sent someone?"

Adrian's smirk faded. "Then we're in for a fight."

The weight of his words settled over them.

They all knew what Richard was capable of.

And they were about to walk straight into the lion's den.

Mexico – The Hunt Begins

The air in Cancún was thick with humidity when they arrived.

Elena pulled her sunglasses down, scanning the bustling streets as they exited the private airstrip.

Damien's jaw was tense, his posture rigid.

Adrian, on the other hand, looked completely at ease.

"Victor's last known location is about twenty minutes from here," Adrian said as they slid into a waiting black SUV. "A quiet little place near the coast."

Damien nodded at the driver. "Let's move."

The car weaved through the city, the bright lights giving way to quieter roads lined with palm trees.

Elena's heart pounded as they neared their destination.

Adrian's voice broke the silence. "Try not to spook him. If he thinks we're working for Richard, he'll bolt."

Elena swallowed hard. "Got it."

The SUV rolled to a stop in front of a modest house near the beach. The lights inside were dim.

Damien glanced at Adrian. "You sure he's here?"

Adrian smirked. "Only one way to find out."

They stepped out, the warm night air wrapping around them as they approached the house.

Damien knocked once.

No answer.

He knocked again, harder this time.

Still nothing.

Elena's nerves were on edge. Something felt off.

Adrian sighed. "Guess we're doing this the hard way."

Before anyone could stop him, he picked the lock and pushed the door open.

Elena's breath caught.

The house was empty.

Completely ransacked.

Damien cursed under his breath. "We're too late."

Elena stepped inside, her heart racing. Papers were scattered everywhere. A chair had been overturned. It looked like someone had left in a hurry—or had been forced to.

Adrian crouched near the doorway, running his fingers over a fresh bloodstain on the floor.

His smirk disappeared.

"He didn't leave on his own," Adrian muttered.

Elena felt a cold chill run down her spine.

Damien's expression darkened. "Richard got to him first."

Adrian stood slowly, dusting off his hands. "Well, then."

He turned to them, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Looks like we're going hunting."

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