Baldwin's Mansion
The grand gates of the Baldwin estate creaked open just as Savannah descended the marble steps. The morning sun had risen higher, bathing the mansion's front yard in gold and shadow. The air was crisp, yet heavy, as. if still carrying the echoes of Blaze's final words before his departure.
At the base of the steps, standing rigidly beside the sleek black car, was Elijah.
He was dressed in a charcoal shirt with his sleeves rolled up, his stance alert, professional-but his eyes softened the moment he saw her. Without a word, he stepped forward and pulled the car door open, holding it out with a quiet reverence.
Savannah met his gaze for a brief moment. There was something unspoken exchanged-something tense and complicated-but neither said a word. She slid into the backseat, her hand briefly brushing his as she steadied herself.
Elijah gently closed the door behind her, walked around the front of the car, and settled into the passenger seat. This wasn't just a coincidence. Blaze had instructed him—more like ordered him—to ensure Savannah reaches the hospital safely. To be her shadow and her shield in his absence.
The driver, a tall man in his forties with a stoic expression, was one of Blaze's most trusted employees. He adjusted his mirror once, gave a subtle nod, and started the engine.
The drive was smooth, wrapped in luxury. The soft hum of the engine and the gentle glide of tires on asphalt felt almost too calm for Savannah's racing thoughts. She stared out the window in silence, her fingers curled tightly in her lap. The world outside blurred into shades of green and grey, but her mind was elsewhere, still trapped in that bedroom, still echoing with I love you, Ana.
When they reaches the hospital, Elijah quickly stepped out and opened the door for her once more. Savannah stepped out, her heels clicking against the pavement, her caramel coat draped over one arm. She shot Elijah a quick glance of acknowledgment before making her way through the entrance.
YouHeal Hospital
Inside the hospital, the usual hustle and bustle barely registered for Savannah. She moved through the corridors like a ghost navigating a familiar maze until she finally reached her office. With a soft click, she closed the door behind her and sank heavily into her chair.
A long, weighted sigh slipped from her lips as she leaned back, enveloped in the stillness of the room. But her mind was anything but quiet.
Then came a knock—soft, yet familiar. The door creaked open just a bit, and Bella slipped inside, her face glowing with a sense of urgency.
"Savannah. It's done," she whispered.
Savannah immediately raised a hand, her eyes sharp with focus. "Not here," she replied quietly. "I'll be there. You go ahead."
Bella nodded and quietly retreated from the room without another word.
Savannah stood up, smoothing the fabric of her blouse as she approached the door. She opened it and peeked into the hallway, then motioned for Bella to lead the way. Once they stepped out, Savannah closed the door behind her and followed Bella down a quieter corridor.
They turned at the end and entered the emergency stairwell. The metal door clanged shut softly, muffling the hospital's noise.
Savannah crossed her arms, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What's done?" she asked. "Bella, what are you talking about?"
With a mischievous smile, Bella reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a small silver pen drive, holding it up between her fingers. The metallic object glinted in the dim light of the stairwell.
Savannah stared at it, her confusion deepening. "What is that? What's going on?"
Bella's expression turned serious, her voice dropping to a whisper. "We—me and Anastasia—we wanted to help you. We hired someone Anastasia knows. Someone who's... really good at this kind of thing."
Savannah's heart raced in her chest. "Help me... with what?"
Bella glanced around quickly, stepping closer. "It has everything we could find. Illegal financial deals. Off-the-record transactions. Secret accounts. Shady business partners. All of it. Enough to put Blaze Baldwin exactly where you want him."
Savannah's breath hitched as she locked eyes on the pen drive, her heart racing. "You did what? Are you both out of your minds?" Her voice trembled with urgency. "Do you even realize what he's capable of? He's not just powerful, Bella. He's dangerous. If he finds out, he'll come for you—both of you!"
Bella stood her ground, unfazed. "He doesn't know. No one does. And the guy who helped us? He's someone Anastasia trusts. He's good at staying under the radar."
"What guy?" Savannah pressed, her eyes narrowing. "Who helped you?"
Bella hesitated, then gave her a small, knowing smile. "The other guy. The one who's always around you lately. We met him at the supermarket."
Savannah's stomach flipped. Elijah.
Of course it was Elijah.
Even lurking in the shadows, he always seemed to be watching, moving with a purpose she couldn't quite put her finger on.
She took a step back, feeling overwhelmed. "I told you not to pull stunts like this. Don't take risks you don't understand."
Bella remained composed. "We're being careful. We're not foolish. And we're not alone anymore."
She lifted the pen drive again.
"Do you want it?"
Savannah stared at it for what felt like an eternity. This tiny device—barely the size of her thumb—could be the key. The weapon she needed. If she couldn't uncover anything about Theo's disappearance, this... this could still take Blaze down.
Slowly, her fingers reached out and wrapped around the flash drive. She clenched it tightly in her palm, feeling the cold metal press against her skin.
She didn't utter a word.
But something shifted in her gaze.
Determination. And fear.
Author's Note :
Thankyou for reading<3
Have a good day/night<3<3