Chapter 11 - THE SHADOW IN THE HALLWAYThe sudden plunge into darkness sent a chill straight down Adrian’s spine. The ambient light from Sophie’s desk lamp flickered violently before dying out completely, plunging the room into an inky, suffocating blackness.
"Dad?" Sophie whispered, her fingers locking tightly around his hand. Despite her earlier bravery, the sudden ambush of the unknown triggered a visceral wave of dread.
"Stay right behind me," Adrian murmured, his voice laced with dangerous authority. He reached into his tailored jacket, his hand instinctively gripping the heavy metallic frame of his concealed emergency communicator—a direct line to his private security command center.
Outside in the grand hallway, the slow, rhythmic click of high heels grew louder. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. It sounded deliberate, mocking, and entirely unafraid.
Adrian stepped in front of his daughter, using his broad frame as a shield. "Who’s out there? Show yourself! The perimeter is locked down by federal security!"
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A soft, chilling chuckle echoed from the darkness of the corridor. It wasn't Vanessa’s voice, nor was it Julian’s. It was smooth, youthful, yet dripping with a venomous familiarity that made Adrian’s blood run cold.
"Federal security, Mr. Vance?" a voice purred from the shadows. "Those mercenaries left hours ago. You really shouldn't trust men who can be bought twice in one week."
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