Chapter 5 - The Loyal Betrayal
I bolted away from the security terminal, my mind consumed by a singular, violent purpose.
I had to reach Sub-Basement B before they could take Grace away from me forever.
"Stay here and apply pressure to that wound," I commanded Martin, who nodded weakly from the cold floor.
I sprinted down the narrow, fluorescent-lit corridor, checking the metal plaques on each heavy door I passed.
The underground complex was much larger than I had ever imagined, a hidden fortress built directly beneath my childhood home.
I rounded a sharp corner and practically collided with the heavy steel doors of the secondary medical wing.
Standing perfectly still in front of the entrance was the tall, broad-shouldered man I had just seen on the security monitor.
It was Vance, the head of global security for Caldwell Meridian Group.
I had trusted this man with my life, my company, and my travel logistics for the past five years.
"Step aside, Vance," I warned, my fists clenching so tightly my knuckles popped.
Vance did not move a single muscle, his face completely devoid of any emotion.
"I cannot do that, Ethan," he replied in a calm, professional tone.
"Your mother pays me extremely well to ensure the Caldwell legacy remains entirely untarnished."
I lunged at him, throwing a desperate, heavy punch aimed directly at his jaw.
Vance deflected my strike effortlessly, twisting my arm behind my back and slamming my face forcefully into the concrete wall.
The taste of copper instantly filled my mouth as blood poured from my split lip.
I kicked backward, driving my heel hard into his kneecap to break his iron grip.
Vance grunted in pain but quickly recovered, drawing a heavy black pistol from his shoulder holster.
He pointed the weapon directly at my chest, a cruel, mocking smile finally breaking across his stoic face.
May you like
"You are throwing your life away for absolutely nothing, Ethan," Vance chuckled darkly.
"Evelyn already ran the genetic panels, and that bastard child is not even yours."
