Chapter 53: A Fragile Alliance

The atmosphere in the safe house was tense as Ava, Lucas, and the team regrouped to discuss their next move. Leon’s unexpected offer had thrown everything into uncertainty. Ava could see the conflict in Lucas’s eyes—the struggle between wanting to believe his father and the fear that they were walking into a trap. Jess’s voice broke the silence, her fingers still flying over the keyboard as she analyzed their gathered intel. “I’ve been trying to cross-reference Leon’s information with what we know about Meridian’s operations,” she said. “There is a facility, just like he said. It’s remote, heavily guarded, and fits the profile of a Meridian outpost. But there’s no guarantee it’s not a setup.” Lydia leaned back in her chair, her expression skeptical. “I don’t trust him,” she said bluntly. “We could be walking right into their hands. Leon’s playing a game, and we’re the pawns.” Lucas shot her a look, frustration evident in his voice. “He’s still my father, Lydia. And if there’s even a