CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Monica’s eyes filled with fear and relief as she saw Olivia and Lucas, even though she really doesn't know who Lucas is.

“Welcome, cousin” Marco sneered , tightening his grip on Monica, “I see you brought company, You really care about this little journalist, don't you?”.

Lucas didn't reply, he stepped forward, his eyes cold and unwavering, “Let her go, Marco, this is between us”.

Marco tightened his grip on the gun, pressing it against Monica's temple, “Not until you give me what I want as you can see Lucas, I have the upper hand here , One wrong move and she dies'.

Olivia's heart pounded as she watched the two men face off, she glanced at Monica seeing the terror in her eyes.

Lucas’s men moved in , taking out Marco’s guards with precision . In the chaos , Marco pushed Monica aside and aimed his gun at Lucas. But Lucas was faster , disarming Marco with a swift move and pinning him to the ground.

“You’ve lost Marco”, Lucas growled, his fist connecting with Marco’s jaw.

But Marco, ever the opportunist, managed to break free, grabbing a gun from the floor . Before he could fire, Lucas tackled him again, their bodies colliding in a violent struggle.

“Olivia get Monica out of here” Lucas shouted, his voice filled with authority.

Olivia rushed to Monica, cutting her bonds with a knife, As they headed towards the exit,a gunshot ran out.

Olivia turned to see Marco , aiming at Lucas, but Lucas overpowered him, knocking the gun away.

Lucas’s men subdued Marco, securing him tightly . Lucas stood up , breathing heavily , his eyes burning with rage.

“Are you okay?” Olivia asked, rushing to his side.

Lucas nodded, his expression softened as he looked at her, “let's get out of here?”

As Lucas and his men prepare to leave with Olivia and Monica, the warehouse suddenly bursts open. More of Marco's men poured in,surrounding them. Lucas realized they had walked into a trap.

“Damn it”, Lucas cursed, pulling Olivia closer to him. He signaled his men to form a defensive circle.

Marco , still bruised but grinned out wickedly, stood up, “Did you really think it would be that easy cousin?”

The sound of guns cocking filled the air, Lucas’s men stood their ground, their weapons aimed at Marco's reinforcements.

Lucas’s mind raced, he couldn't afford to lose Olivia or Monica, nor could he let his men fall. He glanced at Olivia , who clung to him, her face pale with fear, he squeezed her hands reassuringly.

“Hold your fire”,Lucas commanded,his voice steady . “Let's talk ,Marco”.

Marco laughed, “Talk? There's nothing to talk about Lucas, Do you think it would be that easy?”

Marco smirked, his eyes gleaming with triumph, “You're a fool, Lucas. Trusting Olivia? She was planning to expose you all along. Did you really think she would be by your side?”

Lucas’s eyes flickered with a mix of anger and confusion. He glanced at Olivia , whose eyes were wide with fear and betrayal, “What are you talking about?”, he asked, in a low growl.

Marco chuckled, “You knew Olivia was working on an exposé about you Lucas, and yet , you let her into your world, thinking she can be trusted”.

Olivia's face paled, “That's not true,Lucas!, I wasn't …I mean…I was ..but..”.

Lucas’ jaw tightened, “Quiet, Olivia”, he said with a low but firm tone, his hands still holding hers.

Just then one of Marco’s men aimed a gun at Olivia, “Enough talk, let's end this”. Immediately Lucas' men raised their weapon, but Lucas nodded his head slowly , giving them a signal to drop their weapons.

Lucas glared at Marco , “Let's talk Marco. You want my empire, let's negotiate”.

Marco's grin widened, “I’m listening”.

Lucas's gaze never wavered, “We split the Territory. You get a share, I get a share. We keep the peace, no more bloodshed”.

Olivia turned to Lucas, with a confused brow, she was surprised Lucas would give up half of his territory to save her life, Lucas men also were surprised by their boss’s offer, except for Vincent, who knew Lucas was trying to trick Marco.

Marco laughed, “You think I want to share with you, after everything?”

Lucas pulled out his phone, and briefly typed out a text, then he turned his gaze to Marco, “It's the only way you’ll have control. Otherwise, you’ll be constantly looking over your shoulder , waiting for the day someone takes you out”.

Marco's eyes narrowed, He seemed to consider Lucas' words for a moment, “How do I trust you Lucas?”

Lucas didn't respond, instead he signaled his men , realizing they were running out of time,just then the sound of sirens filled the air, Marco’s face twisted in anger. “Who called the cops?” He spat.

Lucas seized the moment of distraction, He lunged at Marco,knocking the gun from his hand. Chaos erupted as both sides clashed. Amidst the fighting Lucas grabbed Olivia's hand, and pulled her towards the exit.

Vincent on the other hand,pulled Monica's hands, and the four of them walked through the maze of crates and machines, bullets whizzed past them.

Olivia's heart raced, as she followed Lucas,the sound of shouting and fighting filled the air,Lucas' grip on Olivia's hand was firm , guiding her through the chaos.

They burst out of the warehouse into the cool night air .When they got outside it dawned on Olivia that there were no cops, it was all Lucas' plan.

Lucas's men had secured a path to the vehicles, “Take her to the penthouse, make sure she is safe”, Lucas said to Vincent, whose grip was firmly on Monica’s.

Vincent modded as he pushed Monica into the back seat of a black SUV , then climbed in after her.

Lucas and Olivia also got into another car, “Go” Lucas barked at the driver.

The two SUVs sped away from the warehouse, tires screeching . Olivia gleamed back, seeing the chaos they left behind, Her heart pounded as she tried to process everything, from the confrontation with Marco and the revelation about her still trying to expose Lucas.