Chapter 169

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the hospital corridor as Sophia paced restlessly. Her fingers twisted the hem of her sweater, the fabric stretched thin from her nervous habit.

Liam sat quietly in the waiting area, his small legs swinging back and forth. He clutched a worn-out comic book, but his eyes kept darting toward the delivery room doors.

Ethan Blackwood leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. His jaw was tight, his usual composed demeanor fraying at the edges. Every time a nurse walked by, his gaze snapped up, searching for news.

A sudden cry pierced the air.

Sophia froze.

The doors swung open, and Dr. Bennett stepped out, her face breaking into a smile. "Congratulations," she said. "She's perfect."

Sophia's knees nearly gave out.

Ethan was at her side in an instant, his hand steadying her. His voice was rough with emotion. "You did it."

Liam scrambled off his chair, his comic forgotten. "Can I see her?"

Dr. Bennett nodded. "Just for a little while. She needs rest."

Inside the room, the tiny bundle in the bassinet let out a soft whimper. Sophia reached out, her fingers trembling as she brushed them over the baby's cheek.

Ethan stood beside her, his breath catching. "Iris," he murmured.

Sophia looked up at him, tears blurring her vision. "She looks like you."

Liam tugged at Ethan's sleeve. "Dad, can I hold her?"

Ethan hesitated, then carefully lifted the newborn, guiding Liam's arms into position. "Support her head," he reminded gently.

Liam's face lit up as he cradled his sister. "Hi, Iris," he whispered.

Sophia watched them, her heart so full it ached.

Then the door creaked open.

A nurse stepped in, her expression hesitant. "Mr. Blackwood? There's a call for you."

Ethan frowned. "Now?"

The nurse nodded. "They said it's urgent."

Sophia met his gaze, a flicker of unease passing between them.

Ethan pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'll be right back."

As he left, Sophia tightened her grip on the blanket draped over her legs.

Something wasn't right.

Outside, Ethan's voice was sharp. "What do you mean, he's gone?"

Sophia strained to hear the rest, but the words were swallowed by the hum of the hospital.

Liam, oblivious, continued cooing at Iris.

Sophia forced a smile for her children, even as dread coiled in her stomach.

Because whatever was coming—it wasn't good.

I step out of the shadows and scan our surroundings. A junkyard. Perfect. The maze of rusted metal and discarded machinery offered countless hiding spots from Damien and his men.

“We need to find the exit,” I whisper to Isabella, already moving forward. “Once we’re out, we’ll be safer.”

She nods, her face pale but determined. We move cautiously, sticking to the shadows, avoiding open spaces. Every creak of metal makes my pulse spike.

“Where the hell is the damn exit?” Isabella hisses after what feels like an eternity of weaving through the wreckage.

I exhale sharply. No guards, but no exit either. Just endless piles of scrap.

“Maybe we should—”

A deafening alarm cuts me off, blaring through the yard like a death knell.

My stomach drops.

They know.

“Go!” I grab Isabella’s arm, yanking her forward. Her eyes are wide, terrified—like she’s already seeing her life unravel.

We run blindly, no plan, no direction. Just away.

I glance back to make sure she’s still with me.

Mistake.

I slam into a solid wall of muscle. Staggering, I barely catch myself before hitting the ground.

Ice floods my veins as I look up.

One of Damien’s men.

His grin is vicious as he pulls a gun, leveling it at my chest. “Did you really think escaping would be that easy?”

Isabella whimpers beside me, trembling violently.

I force a smirk. “Yes.”

He steps closer, gun unwavering. “I don’t like your attitude. Maybe I’ll just put a bullet in you and save your ex the trouble.”

No time to think.

I drive my knee up with all my strength.

He crumples with a choked scream, gun clattering to the ground. I snatch it up, flick off the safety, and fire.

Bang. Right thigh.

Bang. Left thigh.

His howls of pain echo through the yard. Blood pools beneath him. I’ve never shot anyone before, but the sight of him writhing?

Satisfying.

“Over here!”

The shout kills my brief triumph.

Gun still in hand, I grab Isabella. We barely make it ten feet before bullets rip through the air.

I shove her behind a gutted car as gunfire erupts around us.

“Goddammit, Sophia!” Isabella shouts, voice shaking. “If I die because of you, I swear I’ll haunt your ass!”

I ignore her, counting the shots.

Silence.

I drag in a ragged breath and pull her up. “Move. Now.”

We bolt—

A presence.

“Sophia!” Isabella’s scream chills my blood.

Something slams into me.

I hit the ground just as a single gunshot splits the night.