Chapter 20
Gunfire roared through the storm as the sculpture garden was transformed into a horrific, blood-soaked slaughterhouse. Bullets shattered the beautiful marble statues, raining sharp stone shrapnel down on the panicked mercenaries. Richard Ashford dove behind a large stone fountain, hopelessly firing his handgun toward the balcony as his men were systematically eradicated by the superior Hale forces.
While the chaotic battle raged outside, a solitary figure slipped silently through the eastern service corridors of the mansion. Marcus Hale, dressed in dark tactical gear and clutching a suppressed pistol, moved swiftly toward the private family elevator. His treacherous plan was executing flawlessly; Richard had successfully drawn the entirety of Adrian’s security detail to the west wing.
"Keep fighting, you foolish old man," Marcus muttered to himself, a wicked grin stretching across his face. "By the time they realize I'm here, those little brats will be my leverage."
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Marcus typed the alpha-numeric override code into the hidden keypad. The light blinked green, and the polished metal doors slid open silently.
"Penthouse," Marcus commanded the voice-activated system. The elevator shot upward, carrying the ultimate betrayal straight into the heart of Adrian’s sanctuary, aiming directly for his vulnerable children.
