The call cut off abruptly, leaving Lena frozen in shock. For a moment, she just stood there, gripping her phone tightly, her breath shallow. Then panic took over.
She started pacing in her room, running a hand through her hair, muttering to herself. "This can't be happening... Why would they be after my brother? What does Alexander want from me?"
Her mind was racing, thoughts colliding into one another. Then suddenly, an idea struck her—Ryan.
Without wasting another second, she grabbed her phone and dialed his number. As soon as he picked up, she blurted out, "Ryan, I think Alexander sent his men to my brother's apartment. I just heard gunshots!"
Ryan was silent for a second, then he asked cautiously, "Are you sure it was Alexander?"
Lena clenched her jaw. "Who else would it be?! He's the only one who's been controlling everything around me!"
Ryan exhaled sharply. "Damn it, Lena. This is serious."
"I need you to find out," she pressed. "John just told me some men were looking for someone outside his apartment before the gunfire. Maybe they were Alexander's men. Can you check? Your cousin works in the police department in that district, right? See if he can find anything."
Ryan hesitated for a moment before saying, "Alright. I'll make some calls. Stay put and don't do anything reckless."
But Lena barely heard his last words. Her heart was pounding too hard, fear creeping into every corner of her mind.
As soon as Lena deleted the call, another notification popped up on her phone—a video message from Mia.
Her fingers trembled as she tapped on it. The video started playing, and instantly, her blood ran cold.
The footage was shaky, clearly recorded from a hidden spot, possibly from a balcony. The camera focused on a street bathed in the golden hues of the early morning sun—a street Lena recognized instantly. John's apartment.
Lined up along the road were several black SUVs, their engines idling ominously. The doors swung open, and one by one, men stepped out—dangerous-looking men. Armed, dressed in dark suits, their movements were sharp, calculated.
One of them raised his hand toward the sky. A gunshot rang out.
The camera jolted violently at the sudden noise, and the screen blurred as if the person recording had ducked in fear. But before the video cut off, a voice rang through the morning air—John's name.
And then—black screen.
Lena's breath caught in her throat. Her fingers tightened around her phone.
Her worst fear had just been confirmed.
At that very moment, Mia's call came in.
Lena barely had the strength to answer, her hands shaking as she swiped to pick up.
"Mia—"
"Lena!" Mia's voice was trembling. She sounded out of breath, like she had been running. "Did you see the video? I—I don't know what's happening, but it's bad. Really bad."
Lena's heart pounded. "Who sent it to you?"
Mia inhaled sharply. "My friend. She lives in John's building. She just sent this to me—she knows John is your brother."
Lena gripped the phone tighter. "Is she still there? Can she see anything?"
"No," Mia said quickly. "She's hiding in her apartment. She's terrified, Lena. She said there are too many men down there, and they're looking for someone. Looking for John."
Lena's blood ran cold. Her grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.
This wasn't random. This was planned.
And there was only one man she could think of who had the power to do something like this.
Alexander Cain.
Lena didn't say a word to Mia—she simply ended the call.
Before she could even breathe, Ryan's name flashed on her screen.
Her fingers trembled as she answered. "Ryan?"
His voice was grim. "It's them. Alexander's men. No doubt about it."
Lena felt like the ground beneath her had disappeared. Her breath hitched, panic surging through her veins. "Ryan, you have to do something! Call your police friend! Tell him to stop them. My brother is in danger!"
There was a heavy pause on the line. Then Ryan exhaled, his voice dropping. "Lena… do you even hear yourself?"
"I don't care!" she snapped, her voice breaking. "Just do something!"
Ryan's tone turned sharp. "Lena, those aren't just some street thugs—they're Alexander Cain's men. They don't get arrested. They don't get questioned. They don't even get touched."
Lena's heart pounded against her ribs.
Ryan continued, his voice laced with frustration. "You really think the police can do anything? By the time my police friend even speaks, they'll have skinned him alive."
Tears burned Lena's eyes. She pressed a hand against her mouth, trying to stop herself from sobbing.
John was out there. Alone. Helpless. And she—she couldn't do anything.
Lena wiped her tears and took a deep breath. Her hands clenched into fists as she spoke, her voice cold and firm.
"Give me Alexander's office address, Ryan."
Ryan hesitated. "Lena, that's a bad idea. You have no clue what you're walking into."
"I don't care," she said through gritted teeth. "Give. Me. The. Address."
"Lena—"
"I swear, Ryan, if you don't tell me right now, I'll find it myself."
A heavy silence filled the line. She could hear him exhale, frustrated. Then, reluctantly, he spoke. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
He rattled off an address. The moment she noted it down, Lena ended the call.
She marched straight to the bathroom. Turning the faucet on, she splashed cold water onto her face, trying to erase the exhaustion and fear that clung to her. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she whispered, "You have to do this."
With steady hands, she fixed her hair, adjusted her clothes, and squared her shoulders.
Then, without another second of hesitation—she walked out the door, heading straight for Alexander Cain's office.
Lena stood frozen for a moment, her heart pounding as she stared up at the towering glass building. Alexander Cain's empire. It loomed over her like an unshakable fortress.
For a split second, doubt crept in. Am I making a mistake?
But then, the memory of John's voice, the sound of gunshots, and the terrifying video Mia had sent her rushed back into her mind. Her hesitation vanished.
She threw open the cab door and stepped out. Without waiting, she marched straight through the massive glass entrance.
The lobby was expansive, polished floors reflecting the bright overhead lights. Every inch of the space screamed power and wealth. But Lena had no time to admire it. Her eyes zeroed in on him.
There, standing in the middle of the ground floor, surrounded by his men, was Alexander Cain.
Lena didn't stop. She strode forward, her heels clicking against the marble, her voice ringing through the air—
"Alexander Cain!"
The entire lobby went dead silent. All eyes turned toward her.
Alexander's conversation halted. Slowly, he turned his head, his cold gray eyes meeting hers with unreadable intensity.