Chapter 14 - The Siege of the Estate
Midnight struck like the tolling of a funeral bell.
The security monitors in the study flickered and died one by one, replaced by a wall of heavy digital static. Outside, the gentle chirping of crickets was suddenly swallowed by the dull, rhythmic thumping of twin-rotor helicopter blades cutting through the low clouds.
"They're here," Vance's voice crackled over the estate’s exterior intercom, amplified across the sprawling grounds. "Mr. Sterling, Mrs. Sterling, open the gates and hand over the drive. Do that, and your daughter lives to see the sunrise."
Ethan didn't hesitate. He pulled a heavy tactical vest over his shoulders, racking the slide of an assault rifle with lethal precision. He looked at Marcus and Sarah.
"Marcus, take Lily through the underground escape tunnel to the boathouse. Get on the speedboat and don't stop until you hit international waters," Ethan commanded.
"Ethan, I'm staying with you," Marcus insisted, gripping his weapon tighter.
"No. Protecting my daughter is the only mission that matters now," Ethan said, his voice brooking no argument. "Sarah and I will hold the main house."
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Heavy tactical boots swarmed the front lawn. The sound of flashbang grenades detonating echoed against the stone facade of the mansion, blowing out the front windows. Glass rained down like diamond dust as dozens of heavily armed mercenaries in black tactical gear breached the front doors, firing suppressed rounds into the foyer.
Ethan stepped out onto the grand staircase, raising his rifle. The living room instantly transformed into a war zone of muzzle flashes, flying plaster, and deafening gunfire.
