Chapter 18 - The Phantom Threat
The peace Julian had cultivated lasted exactly three months. The autumn leaves were beginning to fall across the estate when a chilling phone call shattered their newfound security. It was Special Agent Reyes, and his tone was grim enough to make Julian's blood run cold instantly.
"Julian, I need you to lock down the house," Reyes ordered over the secure line. "Elena is gone."
Julian gripped the edge of his mahogany desk, his knuckles turning white. "Gone? What do you mean gone? She’s in a maximum-security federal holding facility awaiting a murder trial!"
"She was being transported to the courthouse for a preliminary hearing this morning," Reyes explained, the frustration evident in his voice. "The transport van was ambushed by a highly coordinated tactical team. They used EMP devices to kill the vehicle's electronics and tear gas to neutralize the guards. It was a professional hit, Julian. Someone with massive resources broke her out, and she is currently a fugitive."
Julian felt the room spin. The nightmare he thought he had buried was clawing its way back to the surface. "David Sterling said she was blackmailing him. Did she have other accomplices? A syndicate?"
"We are looking into her international connections now," Reyes replied. "But Julian, you need to understand her psychology. She is a narcissist who has lost everything. She blames you. She won't flee the country immediately. She will try to settle the score."
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Julian hung up the phone, a cold, lethal focus overtaking his panic. He slammed his hand down on the intercom button. "Security, this is a code red. Seal the perimeter gates, activate the reinforced shutters, and arm the guards. Nobody gets on or off this property."
He ran up the stairs to Lily's room, finding her peacefully playing with her toys. He scooped her up, his heart hammering against his ribs. The war wasn't over. The final, bloodiest battle was just beginning, and Elena was coming for her revenge.
