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The phone clattered against the hardwood floor, sliding beneath the heavy mahogany dresser. Ava watched it disappear, the screen winking out before it could cast a final ray of hope. / Chapter 16 / 20

Chapter 16 - The Final Choice

Mark collapsed to his knees, clutching his broken wrist, tears streaming down his face. He looked up at Elias, who stood over him like an executioner ready to deliver the final blow.

"Kill me," Mark gasped, spitting blood onto the rug. "Go ahead. Vance... you're no better than us."

Elias lowered his gun slowly. He didn't fire. Instead, he reached down, grabbed Mark by the collar of his tactical vest, and hauled him effortlessly to his feet.

"Killing you is too easy, Mark," Elias said quietly, his dark eyes boring straight into the terrified man's soul. "You're going back to Daniel. Not in a prison cell, but in the papers. Every asset your family still controls has just been seized under federal anti-rackotriing laws. You are completely, utterly broke."

Lev grabbed Mark by the shoulder, dragging him backward out of the room as the mercenary groaned in pain.

Silence descended on the nursery once more.

Elias slowly turned around. Ava was still standing by the crib, her arms wrapped tightly around the twins, tears finally spilling over her lashes.

Elias walked toward her, his heavy footsteps slowing as he approached. He stopped a few feet away, dropping his weapon onto the nearest table.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice losing its lethal edge, replaced by a deep, aching tenderness.

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Ava nodded, a shaky breath escaping her lips. "They... they almost got to them, Elias."

"They will never touch you," Elias swore, his voice fierce and absolute. "Not while I'm breathing."

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