CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY – LOCKED UP IN THE SANCTUARY

The Canadian wilderness, once a sanctuary, now felt like a prison. Logan paced the small cabin, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence. Deonna sat at the rustic wooden table, her fingers tapping an anxious rhythm as she watched her husband wear a path in the floor. "Logan, please sit down," she said softly. "You're making me nervous." He paused, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I'm sorry. I just... I can't stop thinking about what they might do next." As if on cue, Logan's burner phone buzzed. They both froze, exchanging a look of dread. Logan picked up the device with trembling hands, reading the message aloud: "Mr. Maine, our patience has run out. You have 48 hours to transfer $50 million to the provided account or sign over controlling interest in Maine Enterprises' shipping division. Failure to comply will result in consequences you cannot imagine. This is not negotiable." The phone slipped from Logan's grasp, clattering on the table. Deonna reached out, grippi