Elena couldn't sleep.
The words Adrian said kept repeating in her mind.
"Enough information to destroy half the people in this city."
What kind of thing had her father given her?
And why would so many dangerous people want it?
She sat on the edge of the bed in the massive room.
This place was beautiful.
Luxurious.
But it still felt like a cage.
Elena stood up and walked toward the window.
Outside, the mansion grounds were quiet.
Too quiet.
Guards stood near the gate.
Security cameras watched every corner.
Adrian wasn't joking.
Leaving this place wouldn't be easy.
But Elena wasn't the type of person who gave up.
"Let's see how serious your rules are," she whispered.
She quietly opened the bedroom door.
The hallway was empty.
Perfect.
She moved slowly, trying not to make any sound.
Down the long hallway.
Past the staircase.
Then toward the back entrance she had noticed earlier.
Her heart pounded harder with every step.
Freedom was only a few meters away.
She reached the door.
Her hand touched the handle.
Slowly… she turned it.
Click.
Unlocked.
Elena smiled.
"Too easy."
She stepped outside into the cool night air.
The garden stretched toward the main gate.
She started walking quickly.
Then running.
Almost there.
Almost—
A deep voice suddenly spoke behind her.
"Enjoying your little adventure?"
Elena froze.
Slowly, she turned around.
Adrian Russo stood a few steps behind her.
Calm.
Unbothered.
As if he had been watching the entire time.
Her heart dropped.
"How did you—"
Adrian raised his phone slightly.
The screen showed the security cameras.
"You really thought I wouldn't notice?"
Elena clenched her jaw.
"You said I couldn't leave the mansion."
Adrian walked closer.
Slow.
Confident.
"And you thought breaking the rule was a good idea?"
Elena lifted her chin.
"You kidnapped me. What did you expect?"
Adrian stopped right in front of her.
His eyes darkened slightly.
"I expected you to be smart."
Elena laughed bitterly.
"And staying here like a prisoner is smart?"
Adrian leaned closer.
"You're not a prisoner."
"Then what am I?"
He looked directly into her eyes.
"My responsibility."
Elena shook her head.
"You keep saying that."
Adrian's voice lowered.
"Because you still don't understand."
His hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.
Not painfully.
But firmly.
"You walk out that gate tonight…"
He pointed toward the road beyond the mansion.
"…and you won't make it ten minutes."
Elena's chest tightened.
"You're lying."
Adrian smirked slightly.
"Try me."
Silence filled the garden.
For the first time…
Elena wasn't sure if he was bluffing.
Adrian released her wrist.
"Come inside."
She didn't move.
Adrian sighed.
"You want the truth?"
Elena nodded slowly.
His expression turned serious.
"The people hunting that drive already know you're alive."
Elena's stomach dropped.
"And now," Adrian said quietly,
"They're waiting for you to make a mistake."
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