Chapter 11 - The Ticking Clock
The next morning, I sent the massive file of photographs to Noah using an encrypted messaging application.
Noah replied within minutes, his text practically vibrating with shocked urgency.
"This is massive, El. The lawyer says the financial fraud alone is enough to freeze his assets."
"But the stalking files on our family escalate this to extreme criminal behavior."
"We are moving the extraction date up. We cannot wait any longer."
"Be ready to leave tonight at exactly two in the morning."
I read the message, my hands sweating profusely as the reality of the escape settled in.
I had to survive twelve more hours pretending everything was entirely normal.
At breakfast, Garrett sat across the massive dining table, reading the financial newspaper.
"I have decided we are moving to the Aspen property next week," he announced casually, not looking up.
My fork froze halfway to my mouth.
Aspen was completely isolated, surrounded by miles of snow and deep woods.
If he took me there, I would never be able to escape, and Noah would never be able to reach me.
"Aspen? But Garrett, the baby is due in less than a month," I argued softly, trying to sound genuinely confused.
His eyes snapped up from the paper, dark and full of absolute menace.
May you like
"The private doctors there are excellent, Elena. Do not question my decisions regarding our family."
The trap was closing rapidly, and tonight was my only chance to survive.
