Chapter 23: The Heat of the Moment

The coffee shop felt charged with adrenaline, every second ticking like a countdown to an unseen explosion. The live broadcast had bought them some time, but Ava knew they were still in the eye of the storm. The men Collins had sent were a warning, a signal that he was far from finished. Ava, Jess, and Sara were still catching their breath when the door burst open again. This time, however, it was Lucas and Daniel, looking battered but alive. Ava’s heart leaped, relief flooding her as she ran to Lucas, throwing her arms around him. “You’re okay,” she breathed, holding him tight. Lucas hugged her back, his grip firm. “I told you we’d make it,” he murmured. “Are you alright?” Ava nodded, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. “We’re fine. But Collins’s men were here. They tried to intimidate us, but Jess kept the camera rolling, and they backed off.” Daniel gave a tight smile. “Good thinking. Collins doesn’t want to be seen pulling strings directly. He likes to stay in the sha