Chapter 3 - The Syndicate's Shadow
Panic instantly flared in my chest, hot and suffocating.
"What do you mean they know you found me?" I demanded, standing up and pacing across the room.
Elena followed my movements, her eyes filled with an urgent, desperate sorrow.
"My adoptive father is a ruthless man who demands absolute loyalty and control," she explained rapidly.
"When I found Margaret's hidden files and realized my entire life was a lie, I confronted him."
She rolled up the sleeve of her trench coat, revealing a dark, nasty bruise wrapping entirely around her forearm.
"He told me that if I ever tried to contact my real family, he would eliminate all of you."
I stopped pacing and stared at her, feeling a cold wave of pure terror wash over my entire body.
"He considers me his property," Elena whispered, pulling her sleeve back down.
"And he considers you a massive liability, because Arthur has enough wealth and influence to expose their illegal adoption ring."
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the backyard, followed immediately by the sound of Jenna screaming.
My stomach plummeted as I rushed toward the office window and tore the blinds open.
Three men in dark suits had just kicked down the wooden gate of my garden.
They were heavily armed, their faces covered by tactical masks, and they were advancing directly toward Arthur.
"No!" I screamed, slamming my hands against the thick glass of the window.
Elena grabbed my arm, her grip shockingly strong for someone so terrified.
"We have to get out of here right now, Clara!" she yelled over the chaos erupting outside.
"They aren't here to negotiate, they are here to erase Arthur's bloodline completely."
I refused to run away and leave my father to die.
May you like
I opened the bottom drawer of my desk and pulled out the registered firearm I had purchased after Margaret's arrest.
"I am not losing my father again," I said, loading the magazine with shaking but determined hands.
