Chapter 16 - The Desperate Ambush
The next morning was the court hearing, but Malik had no intention of waiting for a judge.
As Tariq's motorcade prepared to leave the estate, an explosion rocked the front gates.
Thick smoke filled the air, and the security alarms shrieked wildly.
Malik's mercenaries had launched a full-scale assault on the compound.
Tariq grabbed Chloe, shoving her behind a heavy stone pillar in the courtyard.
"Take Samira to the safe room," Tariq ordered, pressing a cold, metallic object into her hand.
Chloe looked down and realized it was a panic button that locked the entire east wing.
"I am not leaving you," she cried, gripping his jacket.
"You have to," Tariq commanded, pressing a desperate, bruising kiss to her lips.
"Keep our daughter safe. I will end this."
Chloe ran, dodging through the smoke and chaos as gunfire echoed in the distance.
She found Samira hiding under her bed, crying silently.
Chloe scooped the child up into her arms and sprinted down the hallway toward the reinforced steel doors of the panic room.
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Just as she reached out to press the keypad, a massive mercenary stepped into the corridor, blocking her path.
Chloe clutched Samira tightly, her mind racing for a way out.
