Chapter 45 - The Ambush
The sharp, deafening crack of gunfire echoed through the ballroom. The music abruptly stopped, replaced by the screams of terrified guests dropping to the marble floor.
"Get down!"
Alejandro roared, diving off the stage.
He didn't run for the exit; he sprinted directly toward Elena, tackling her behind a heavy, overturned banquet table just as a spray of bullets shattered the champagne fountain they had been standing near.
Three men wearing tactical masks had breached the front doors, armed with automatic weapons. They weren't shooting indiscriminately; their eyes were scanning the crowd, hunting for Alejandro.
The estate's security forces reacted instantly. A fierce firefight erupted in the opulent hall.
Alejandro shielded Elena with his own body, his hand gripping a concealed pistol he had brought in his tuxedo jacket.
"Are you hit?"
He demanded, his hands quickly checking her arms and back.
"I'm okay," Elena gasped, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Where is Mateo?"
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"He's in the panic room with Rosa," Alejandro assured her. "They are safe. Stay here."
Alejandro peeked over the edge of the table, returning fire with lethal precision. Two of the attackers went down, and the third fled back through the shattered doors, realizing the ambush had failed.
