Chapter 10 - The Ultimate Betrayal
The extraction helicopter was waiting in a hidden clearing three miles deep into the pine forest.
Leo practically carried Liam onto the aircraft, securing the injured boss in a medical harness.
Clara sat near the window, completely exhausted, clutching her trauma kit tightly against her chest.
Silas was bound and gagged in the back, glaring furiously at everyone.
As the helicopter lifted off into the dark night sky, Clara finally allowed herself to relax.
They were safe. Tommy was safe at the clinic, and Silas would face justice within the syndicate.
Liam looked across the cabin at Clara, his pale eyes softer than they had ever been.
"You saved my life tonight, Clara," Liam said quietly over the roar of the rotors.
"I don't forget debts like that."
Clara nodded tiredly. "I just want to see my brother, Mr. Mercer."
"You will," Liam promised softly. "As soon as we land."
Thirty minutes later, the helicopter touched down on the roof of a highly secure private medical facility.
Clara practically sprinted off the helipad, desperate to see Tommy's face.
She rushed through the sterile white hallways, guided by one of Liam's guards, until she reached Room 412.
She pushed the door open, her heart soaring with immense relief.
Tommy was fast asleep in the bed, looking peaceful, surrounded by state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Clara walked to the bedside, gently stroking his thin, pale hair.
She had done it. She had survived the devil's bargain to save him.
The door opened behind her, and Liam was wheeled into the room by Leo.
"He's stable," Liam said softly, looking at the sleeping boy.
"The doctors here will start the experimental trial tomorrow morning."
Clara turned around, tears of pure gratitude streaming down her bruised face.
"Thank you, Liam. Truly."
Liam nodded slowly, but his expression suddenly shifted, turning cold and unreadable.
He pulled a small remote detonator from his pocket and set it on the medical tray.
"He'll get the treatment, Clara," Liam said, his voice completely devoid of emotion.
"But in exchange, you are going to take this syringe and go upstairs to Room 505."
Liam handed her a syringe filled with a clear, lethal fluid.
Clara stared at the deadly needle, her blood running completely cold.
"What is this?" Clara whispered in absolute horror.
"Silas isn't the one who orchestrated the hit on me," Liam revealed softly.
"He was just a greedy middleman."
Liam pointed a finger toward the ceiling.
"The head of the cartel that ordered my death is resting upstairs, recovering from surgery."
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Liam locked his pale eyes onto hers, sealing her terrifying new fate.
"You are going to kill him for me tonight, Clara, or I will stop your brother's treatment forever."
