"I know."
We hold each other. Both crying. Both terrified and hopeful.
This is real. We're building something real from ashes and betrayal.
If we can just survive Patrick.
The door slams open.
Mikhail. Face grim. Urgent.
"We found him." He's breathing hard. "We've located Patrick. And boss, you need to hear this. Now."
Lev is on his feet immediately. "Talk."
"He's planning to hit the estate. Within forty-eight hours. This isn't speculation. This is confirmed intelligence from three separate sources."
The room goes cold.
"How confirmed?" Lev's voice is deadly calm.
"Intercepted communications. Surveillance footage. A source inside his organization." Mikhail pulls out his phone. "This is happening, Lev. The final confrontation. Patrick is making his move."
Lev studies the screen. His expression hardens. "Forty-eight hours."
"Maybe less."
"Then we prepare." Lev turns to me. "Valerie, you and Mila go to the safe room. Now."
"Lev—"
"NOW." He's already in combat mode. "Mikhail, full lockdown. Every man we have. I want this place turned into a kill box."
Chaos erupts. Men moving. Weapons being distributed.
Lev pulls me close. Kisses me hard. "Stay in the safe room. Protect Mila and our baby. No matter what you hear, you stay there until I come get you."
"Yes." I'm shaking. "Please be careful—"
"I love you." He says it fiercely. "Remember that."
Then he's gone.
Elena escorts me and Mila to the safe room. Mila is confused. Scared. I hold her while Elena secures us inside.
"Is Papa going to be okay?" She asks in a small voice.
"Yes." I stroke her hair. "Your papa is the strongest man I know."
Outside, preparations continue.
Patrick is coming.
And in forty-eight hours or less, this ends.
I press my hand to my stomach. To the baby who deserves to be born into peace.
"We're going to be okay," I whisper.
