Chapter 9 - Blood and Ink
Victor didn't hesitate. Without even shifting his shoulders, he fired once—not at Julian, but at the heavy industrial chain suspended directly above the traitor's head. The massive metal hook came crashing down, snapping the timber scaffolding next to Julian and crushing his arm against the medical cart.
Julian screamed in agony as his pistol went flying into the mud, his shoulder pinned beneath hundreds of pounds of steel.
Eleanor dropped to her knees in terror, sobbing uncontrollably. ""Victor, mercy! We were forced! Ravenwood threatened us!""
Victor walked past her as if she were dirt on his boots. He kicked open the padlocked door with a single blow, scooping Lily into his left arm. The little girl wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face into his wet collar.
""Stay with your mother, Lily,"" Victor whispered gently, setting the girl beside Clara. He knelt down beside his daughter, wiping the sweat-soaked hair from her forehead.
Clara grabbed his coat, her breathing shallow and ragged. ""Dad... the baby... it's coming right now. I can't stop it.""
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Victor looked at the two corrupt paramedics, who were frozen in fear against the wall. ""You two. Deliver my grandchild. If anything happens to either of them, you won't leave this room.""
As the paramedics scrambled forward, a faint rhythmic sound began vibrating through the concrete floor—the thrum of helicopter blades descending directly over the roof.
