Chapter 17: High Stakes Rescue dimly lit room buzzed tension. Ava paced back and forth, her mind racing with every possible outcome of plan to execute. Liam, leaning against the table with maps and blueprints, watched her intently. “We need now, Ava,” Liam his voice steady yet urgent. Ava stopped and him, her eyes filled with determination. “I know, but if we miss even one detail, we could lose him. Liam nodded, unfolding the of the old warehouse where Max was held. “We’ve gone over this a times. We stick to the plan. No unnecessary risks. Ava took a deep breath and nodded. She knew Liam was right, but fear of losing Max gnawed her insides. couldn’t let it paralyze her. “Let’s do this. was eerily silent as they approached the warehouse. The air was thick the of rain gasoline. Liam held up a hand, signaling Ava to stop. He peered around corner, spotting two guards patrolling entrance. “We a he whispered. Ava nodded, reaching into her bag pulling out a small device. “This should do the trick. pressed a button, and a of small explosions erupted on the side of the building. The guards, startled, ran the noise. “Now!” Liam urged. They sprinted to the entrance, slipping unnoticed. of the warehouse was a of and machinery. guided the faint of Max’s muffled cries. close,” Ava whispered, her heart pounding in her chest. they rounded a corner, spotted Max, tied to a chair, face bruised and bloodied. Ava’s breath hitched at the sight, but she herself stay focused. she whispered urgently, rushing to side. She began untying the ropes, her fingers trembling. Liam kept scanning the shadows for any danger. “We need to move fast. They’ll be back any minute. Just as Ava freed Max’s hands, the sound of warehouse. been spotted!” hissed. Ava helped Max to his supporting his weight as they hurried towards the exit. The footsteps grew louder, closer. Suddenly, a group of men appeared, blocking path. “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” a cold, voice sneered. blood ran cold. He stepped forward, a cruel smile playing on lips. “Did you really think you could get with this?” Liam protectively front of Ava and Max. “Let us go, Henry. “Oh, I think so. You see, I’ve planning this for a time. Your little rescue mission just sped things up. “What you talking about, Henry?” Henry’s eyes gleamed malice. “You have do While you’ve busy playing hero, I’ve been up my takeover. the time the sun rises, your family’s assets will be mine. Ava’s heart sank. had been so on rescuing she hadn’t seen the bigger picture. “You get away with this. “Oh, but I already have,” Henry said, signaling his men to advance. Liam lunged forward, Henry’s men in a fierce fight. Ava Max’s arm, him towards a side exit. “Come on, we have to go!” burst the they found themselves surrounded more of men. Ava’s eyes darted around, searching for escape route, but was none. Henry stepped laughing. “Game over, Ava. Ava stood her her eyes blazing with defiance. “This isn’t over, Henry. “Oh, it is,” Henry said, pulling out gun and aiming them. “Any words?” Ava’s mind raced. There had to be a way out. couldn’t let end like this. spotted it—a stack barrels marked ‘flammable’ just a few feet away. “Liam,” she barely moving her lips. “The barrels. Liam’s eyes flicked the barrels, understanding instantly. “Get ready to run,” he whispered back. Henry cocked the gun, before he pull the trigger, and Liam dove to the side, over barrels. liquid inside spilled out, and Liam ignited it with a from his watch. The explosion rocked warehouse, sending flames and debris everywhere. In the chaos, Ava grabbed Max and hand, and they ran, through the maze of fire and smoke. of the warehouse, coughing and covered soot, but alive. looked at the inferno, heart pounding. They had but barely. And words in her mind. This far from over. As they stumbled into the night, Ava knew they won a battle. The war was just beginning, and Henry’s plans her family were still motion. for now, they had Max, and that a victory she hold onto. Suddenly, headlights flooded the alleyway, and Ava see a group of pulling up. Her breath caught as Henry’s men emerged, surrounding them once again. you really think it be that easy?” Henry’s voice called out the darkness. Liam stepped his in determination. “We’re giving up, Henry. Henry smirked, his gun aimed them more. didn’t would. her Max, her mind racing. were outnumbered, outgunned, but she refused to up hope.