Chapter 4 - THE RIPPLE EFFECTBy noon, Victoria had used Ethan’s landline to contact her one trusted ally: Julian, her personal security chief and longtime family friend. Within an hour, a discreet black sedan arrived at Ethan's modest apartment building.
Julian, a tall man with grey hair and an intimidating posture, nearly wept when he saw Victoria alive. "Ma'am, we thought... Richard announced you were presumed dead or fled the country."
"Richard acted too quickly," Victoria said coldly, the sharp edge of the CEO returning, though her hands still rested near Ethan’s jacket which she was still wearing. "He wants to take over the company at Friday's board meeting."
"We need to get you to a safe house," Julian urged.
Victoria turned to Ethan, who was standing near the door with Maya sleeping peacefully in his arms after her morning medication.
"Ethan," Victoria said, stepping closer to him. "I can't return to my life without fixing what happened yesterday. And... I can't leave you in danger. Richard’s men might trace my last movements to this neighborhood."
Ethan shook his head. "I'm just a mechanic, Victoria. Nobody knows who I am."
"Richard leaves no loose ends," Victoria insisted. "Please. Come with me to my estate outside the city. It’s fortified, secure. Maya will be safe there, and I have private doctors who can look after her condition."
Ethan hesitated. He hated accepting charity, but looking at his pale daughter, he knew he couldn't risk her safety. "On one condition," Ethan said. "I'm not your guest. I work for my keep."
May you like
Victoria offered a faint, genuine smile. "Deal."
As they loaded into the black sedan, Ethan didn't notice a dark SUV parked down the street. Inside, a man took photographs of Ethan, Maya, and Victoria entering the car. The pictures were immediately sent to Richard Vance with a text: 'She's alive. And she's with a nobody.'
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