Chapter 2 - The Ambush at Sub-Level Four
The high beams bathed the damp garage in blinding luminescence, casting long, monstrous shadows against the oil-stained walls. Julian instinctively positioned his body between the glare and the steel tub where Clara lay shivering. Eleanor, however, didn’t flinch at the sudden intrusion. Instead, a fleeting, desperate spark ignited across her sculpted features.
Doors slammed in unison. Four men stepped out of the tinted SUVs, their faces obscured by black tactical masks, dark raincoats shielding their weapons. Julian’s jaw tightened. These weren’t petty thugs or corporate fixers; their disciplined stance and calculated spread betrayed military precision.
""Julian Vance,"" one of the operatives called out, his voice modulated through a radio headset. ""Step away from the tub and hand over the keycard. The Board considers Miss Eleanor's matters strictly internal.""
Julian’s hand drifted subtly beneath his suit jacket, feeling the cold contour of his sidearm. He didn't blink. ""You work for my family’s trust, Miller,"" Julian said, recognizing the posture of his father’s former head of security. ""Since when does the Board take orders from a woman who hasn't even signed the registry?""
""Julian, please!"" Eleanor cried out, moving swiftly toward the armed men. ""He knows everything. He's going to ruin the merger! Just subdue him!""
Clara let out a muffled whimper from the tub as the cold water began to sap the last remnants of her strength. Julian knew he couldn't protect her and engage four trained shooters in open ground. His gaze flicked upward to the overhead fire suppression system and the exposed industrial wiring hanging along the ceiling.
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""You should have stayed in Paris, Eleanor,"" Julian whispered.
Before the lead guard could raise his weapon, Julian fired three rapid shots into the ceiling junction box. Sparks exploded in a violent shower of blinding light, followed instantly by the deafening hiss of pressurized water mist, plunging the garage into chaotic, sputtering darkness.
