Episode 89

The air in the safe house crackled with a nervous energy, a stark contrast to the opulent prison Elara had recently escaped. Liam, his face etched with concern, paced the small living room, his movements restless. Elara sat on the worn sofa, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns of the faded upholstery, trying to absorb the enormity of what had just transpired. The betrayal, sharp and unexpected, still stung. Marcus, the man she'd trusted to help them, had been Julian's pawn all along.

"He knew," Elara whispered, her voice rough. "He knew we were going to the gallery. He must have told Julian the moment we left."

Liam stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto hers. "It's a calculated risk, Elara. We knew there was a chance. But it means we have to accelerate the plan. We can't afford to wait any longer." He moved to sit beside her, his presence a steady anchor in the storm of her emotions. "What did your mother tell you about the old family business? The one Julian's empire was built upon?"