Chapter 6 - The Ransom DemandTwo hours later, Isabella stood in the center of the Vance estate's grand study, surrounded by local police detectives, federal agents, and Marcus, who looked ten years older than he had at the gala.
"We traced the call's relay station to the old municipal water tower on the edge of town," the lead FBI agent announced, leaning over a tactical map. "It's a heavily fortified industrial zone. If we storm it without a plan, Thorne will use the children as human shields."
"We aren't storming anything," Isabella said quietly, stepping forward into the light of the desk lamp.
Marcus looked up, his eyes bloodshot and desperate. "Isabella, no. We can't let you walk into a trap. Silas Kane wants you!"
"That's why I have to go," Isabella replied with absolute, unshakeable calm. "Ten years ago, I carried those babies through the rain when nobody else would. I am not going to let them be taken from their family now. Victor wants me. I will trade myself for the triplets."
"Absolute madness," the FBI agent protested. "We cannot allow a civilian to—"
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"I am not a civilian in this," Isabella interrupted, her voice carrying an authority that silenced the room. She looked at Marcus and Evelyn. "Trust me. I survived him once. I know his psychology. I'll wear a covert GPS beacon and a micro-audio transmitter. You just need to be ready to move the second I give the signal."
Marcus stared at her, tears welling in his eyes. He slowly nodded. "Be careful, Isabella. Please bring my children home."
