Chapter 5 - Flight Through the Fire
"Hold onto my neck," Julian commanded Lily, scooping her into his arms.
He didn't bother looking back at Clara’s frantic cries or Marcus’s muffled pleas. His sole priority had violently shifted from protecting his family dynasty to keeping Elena’s child alive. Julian kicked open the low access door behind the stage that led to the service corridors and kitchen prep stations.
Gunfire echoed in the main hall—muffled by suppressors—accompanied by the screams of fleeing guests. Julian sprinted down the narrow, fluorescent-lit concrete hallway, dodging rolling trays of uneaten catering and startled kitchen staff who were completely unaware of the siege unfolding upstairs.
"Julian!" a voice shouted behind him.
He turned, bracing for an attack, only to see Clara stumble into the corridor, holding the long train of her torn wedding dress. She had discarded her high heels, running barefoot over the slick kitchen tiles.
"Don't shoot!" she sobbed, holding up both empty hands. "I know where Arthur's safe house is! I know where Elena is being held!"
Julian stopped at the heavy double fire exit, his chest heaving under his stiff collar. He looked at Clara with sheer revulsion. "You told me Elena died in a hospital five years ago. You were her nurse, Clara!"
"They forced me to fake the records!" Clara screamed as heavy footsteps thundered behind them in the corridor. "Marcus bought the mortuary! Elena is alive, Julian! But if you leave me here, Arthur's men will kill me, and you'll never find her!"
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The metal service doors burst open down the hall. Gunmen appeared, raising their weapons. Julian cursed, shoved the emergency bar on the fire exit, and hauled both Lily and Clara out into the torrential rain.
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