The escape plan

Episode 13: The Escape Plan

The car ride back to the penthouse felt suffocating. The weight of Donovan Graves’ words still echoed in Evelyn’s mind.

"Your time is running out."

She stared out the window, her hands clenched into fists. Her whole life had been a lie.

She had been sold.

The man she had trusted, her father, had traded her future without her consent. Without her knowledge.

Beside her, Leon was silent. His jaw was tight, his usual confident demeanor gone. He’d always known there was darkness lurking beneath the surface of her family, but now, it was real.

“You’re not saying anything,” Evelyn said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leon’s golden eyes met hers. “What do you want me to say?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know anymore.”

Leon’s hand found hers, his grip firm but gentle. “I’m not going to let them have you.”

Evelyn turned to face him, her heart pounding. “And how exactly are you going to stop them?”

Leon’s gaze softened, his thumb brushing over her hand. “We start by getting you out of here. Out of the city. Somewhere safe.”

Evelyn’s breath caught. “You want me to run?”

Leon’s lips curled into a faint, dangerous smile. “Not just run. Disappear.”

—

Valenciaga Penthouse | That Night

Evelyn paced back and forth in the penthouse, trying to wrap her mind around everything. Her father had sold her. The Black Rose Society had claimed her. And now, she was supposed to leave everything behind.

Her life. Her home. Everything.

“I don’t know how to do this,” she said, frustration lacing her words. “I don’t even know where to start.”

Leon watched her, his expression unreadable. “You’re not alone in this. We’ll figure it out.”

She stopped pacing, turning to face him. “But I don’t have a choice, do I? I’m being hunted.”

Leon stepped closer, his voice low. “You don’t have to face it alone.”

Evelyn took a deep breath. “I don’t know who to trust anymore.”

Leon’s gaze softened. “You can trust me.”

For the first time, Evelyn believed him.

She wasn’t ready to face what came next, but with Leon by her side, maybe she had a chance.

—

Everleigh Estate | The Following Day

Evelyn didn’t know how she had made it back to the estate. The moment she stepped through the front doors, the familiar coldness of her father’s mansion felt like a stranger’s house.

Her father wasn’t home. Good. She didn’t want to face him just yet.

She walked through the halls, past the rooms that used to hold so much warmth. Now, they felt suffocating.

She had to make a plan.

The phone in her pocket buzzed, and Evelyn pulled it out, expecting it to be Leon.

But it wasn’t.

The message was from her father.

William Everleigh: We need to talk. Come to my office.

Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat.

She didn’t respond.

Instead, she walked out the back door of the mansion and down to the hidden alley behind it.

A car waited for her.

Leon.

—

Valenciaga Penthouse | Later that Evening

Evelyn stepped into the penthouse with Leon by her side, the weight of the world pressing on her shoulders. She had made her decision. She wasn’t going to stay and wait for the Black Rose Society to come for her.

She had to fight.

“I have a plan,” she said, her voice steady.

Leon raised an eyebrow. “Do I want to hear this plan?”

Evelyn smiled, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “We’re going after Graves. We’re going after everything.”

Leon chuckled, clearly amused. “I knew I liked you.”

Evelyn turned to face him. “You say that now, but we’re walking into the lion’s den. You ready for that?”

Leon’s smirk turned darker. “You have no idea.”

And for the first time, Evelyn allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could beat the shadows that had haunted her family for so long.

—

To be continued…

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