Chapter 7 - The Night Everything Almost Ended
Elena was arrested.
Adrian surrendered.
But the danger wasn't over.
The investigation revealed a larger conspiracy involving several executives inside Hayes Global.
Someone had been preparing a hostile takeover for years.
And now those people were desperate.
Sarah's pregnancy became increasingly difficult.
The doctors warned that stress could endanger her.
Declan refused to leave her side.
He attended every appointment.
He learned how to read ultrasound reports.
He even learned how to assemble a crib.
Badly.
Sarah laughed when she found him surrounded by instructions and wooden pieces.
"You run a criminal empire."
"Apparently I can't build furniture."
She kissed his cheek.
"You'll learn."
That small moment became precious.
For the first time, Declan began imagining a future that wasn't built around violence.
Then, three weeks before Sarah's due date, everything collapsed.
A traitor inside security disabled the mansion's protection.
Men entered.
Sarah was taken again.
This time, Declan received a video.
Sarah was tied to a chair.
A masked man stood behind her.
"Transfer control of Hayes Global."
Declan stared at the screen.
"If I refuse?"
The man pressed a knife against Sarah's shoulder.
Declan's face remained calm.
But inside, something broke.
"I'll sign."
Victor looked at him.
"Declan—"
"I'll sign."
The transfer was prepared.
But Declan had learned something from Sarah.
Trust mattered.
He had trusted no one.
Now he trusted Victor.
Julian.
Even Adrian.
The entire family worked together.
They tracked the signal.
The warehouse was located.
Declan entered first.
Gunfire erupted.
He fought his way through the building.
Then he found Sarah.
She was bleeding.
But alive.
He dropped to his knees.
"Sarah."
She smiled weakly.
"You came."
"Always."
Then she grabbed his hand.
"Declan."
"What?"
"My water broke."
His face went pale.
"Now?"
She nodded.
"Apparently our son has terrible timing."
May you like
For the first time, Declan laughed.
Then he carried her out.
