Chapter 4 - The Sister's Secret
A terrifying hail of bullets tore through the grand library.
Julian moved with lightning speed, tackling Emily and Lily directly to the hardwood floor.
Heavy books exploded off the shelves as the gunfire shredded the room.
"Stay completely down!" Julian roared over the deafening noise.
He shielded both of their bodies with his massive frame.
Daniel burst into the room from the hallway, returning suppressive fire with a heavy pistol.
"We are totally compromised, boss!" Daniel yelled over the gunfire.
Julian dragged Emily and Lily toward a massive wooden bookcase against the far wall.
He frantically pressed a hidden button concealed behind a heavy brass statue.
The entire bookcase smoothly swung open, revealing a dark, steel-lined panic room.
Julian shoved them inside just as a bullet grazed his broad shoulder.
Blood instantly blossomed across the pristine fabric of his expensive charcoal suit.
He stumbled inside, and the heavy steel door automatically sealed shut behind them.
The panic room was completely silent, cutting off the terrifying sounds of the assault outside.
Emily ripped off the bottom of her cotton shirt and rushed to Julian's side.
"Let me stop the bleeding," she demanded, pressing the makeshift bandage hard against his wound.
Julian winced, but his dark eyes remained locked intensely on her face.
"I swear to you on my daughter's life, I never knew Sarah was your sister," Julian whispered.
Emily searched his eyes, desperately looking for a lie, but she only saw genuine honesty.
"She told me her name was Sophia, and she claimed she was an orphan," Julian explained softly.
He reached out with his good arm and gently tucked a stray piece of hair behind Emily’s ear.
Suddenly, a bright red light began flashing on the security console panel.
"Sir, they are bypassing the biometric locks," an automated voice announced over the intercom.
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Julian stared at the screen in pure disbelief.
"Only someone with Mercer blood can override those locks," Julian realized with absolute horror.
