Chapter 20: The Calm Before Chaos

The night outside the car was as dark as ink, the headlights cutting through the shadows as Lucas sped down the narrow road away from Collins's estate. Inside, the air was electric with adrenaline, fear, and a tentative sense of victory. They had pulled off the impossible: they had the documents and made it out alive. But Ava knew they were still in the eye of the storm. Lucas drove with one hand gripping the steering wheel and the other holding Ava’s. His grip was tight—protective, almost as if he feared she might disappear if he let go. Ava's heart raced, but she felt a rush of determination surging through her veins. They were so close to bringing Collins down. Closer than they had ever been. Sitting in the back, Ryan opened the bag and spread the contents over his lap. “This is everything,” he murmured. “Every deal, every payment, every name. Collins’s entire network laid out in black and white.” Sitting next to him, Sara leaned in to inspect the documents, her eyes widening wit