"What do you mean it's been moved?" Ethan demanded, his voice thick with tension.
The man smirked, but there was no warmth in it. "It's not your business anymore. You were a liability from the start, Ethan. You should've stayed away." He glanced at Veronica with a knowing look. "And you, Veronica, well… I'm surprised you made it this far. But we both know that whatever game you're playing, it's over."
Veronica's eyes narrowed, and she reached into her jacket, pulling out a small, black device. "I don't care about your threats," she said, her voice steady despite the situation. "If it's been moved, then you've just made a mistake."
The man's smile faded, and he immediately raised his hand, signaling the men who had followed him into the corridor. Mia's heart raced as two more figures stepped into view, each holding a gun. The realization hit her like a wave: they were surrounded. They weren't getting out of here unless they made a move—and fast.
Veronica's eyes locked with Ethan's, and she gave him a subtle nod. In that instant, Mia understood. The plan wasn't about talking their way out. It was about escaping, no matter the cost.
Without warning, Veronica pressed the button on the device in her hand. A series of loud beeps rang out, followed by a burst of static. The lights in the warehouse flickered and then went dark.
Chaos erupted.
In the pitch black, Mia felt a hand grip hers, pulling her forward. Ethan's voice, close to her ear, was the only thing that guided her through the darkness. "Keep moving. Don't stop."
But the darkness was filled with sounds—clattering, shuffling footsteps, and faint whispers from the men who had surrounded them. Mia's breath caught in her throat as she heard one of them shout, followed by the sharp crack of a gunshot.
Veronica had led them into the heart of the Syndicate's trap. The building wasn't just a hideout—it was a place where the Syndicate conducted its most covert operations. They had triggered a lockdown, sealing all exits, making the walls feel like they were closing in.
Ethan pulled Mia with him, and she could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins. They sprinted through the dark, feeling their way through the corridors, following Veronica's lead. But the more they ran, the more Mia felt like they were being pushed into a corner.
"Where are we going?" Mia gasped, her voice tight with fear.
"To the vault," Veronica answered, her voice grim. "If we can't get the ledger, we'll make sure no one else does."
The sound of footsteps grew closer again, and Mia's heart pounded harder in her chest. They couldn't outrun them forever. She could feel the weight of their pursuers growing, the feeling that they were closing in from all sides.
Suddenly, Veronica stopped, her hand pressed against the wall, her breath labored. She looked back at them. "Get ready. We don't have much time."