The convoy reached the private airstrip under the cover of darkness. The sleek, silver jet stood waiting, its engines humming softly. Everything seemed calm, but something about the stillness didn’t sit right with Milan. He parked the SUV, his sharp eyes scanning the area.
“Stay in the car for a moment,” Milan said to Jade as he stepped out, gesturing for Thiago and Enzo to follow. “Something feels off.”
Jade watched from the window, her heart pounding as the men walked toward the jet. Luna let out a soft meow from her carrier at her feet, sensing the tension in the air. Jade gently stroked the kitten’s fur, trying to soothe both Luna and herself.
Thiago was the first to spot it. “Milan,” he called, his voice low and sharp, “look at this.”
Milan and Enzo joined him near the stairs leading into the plane. The closer they got, the clearer it became—this wasn’t just a gut feeling. The jet’s tires were slashed, the fuel line severed, and one of the engines appeared to have been tampered with.
“This wasn’t a random act of vandalism,” Enzo said coldly, his dark eyes narrowing as he examined the damage. “This was deliberate.”
Milan clenched his jaw, his voice icy. “Vivienne.”
“She must’ve found out we were leaving,” Thiago muttered, kicking at the dirt. “She’s making sure we don’t get far.”
Enzo’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, his expression darkening as he read the message. “The backup team we sent to secure the area never showed up. They’ve been intercepted.”
“Of course, they have,” Milan said bitterly. “She’s always one step ahead.”
Thiago let out a frustrated groan, running a hand through his hair. “So, what now? We can’t stay here. She probably has people watching.”
Milan turned toward the car, his mind racing. “We go back to the safe house. Regroup, figure out our next move.”
Jade felt a wave of unease wash over her as the men returned to the car. Milan opened the driver’s side door, his face set in a grim expression. “The plane’s not an option anymore,” he said flatly. “We’re heading back to the safe house.”
Jade frowned. “Why? What happened?”
“Sabotage,” Enzo replied, his voice clipped. “Vivienne’s people got to the jet before we did.”
Jade’s stomach churned. “So, she knew we were coming here?”
“Looks like it,” Thiago said with a sigh as he climbed into the back seat beside her. “But don’t worry, we’ve got other plans.”
Luna meowed again, and Jade reached down to comfort her. “I’m starting to think Vivienne knows everything before we do,” she said quietly.
Milan’s hands tightened on the steering wheel as he pulled out of the airstrip. “Not for long,” he said, his tone hard. “We’re closing in on her.”