Chapter 2
The rhythmic bass thud of the distant wedding reception music vibrated through the floorboards like a distant heartbeat. Chloe ignored their cruel demands, her eyes locked onto the small US flag mounted near the bathroom mirror.
"Do not let them touch the child," Chloe whispered into the phone, her voice barely audible over her ragged breathing. "They won't even have time to blink before we breach the secondary security grid," the tactical operator replied instantly.
A sharp, metallic click echoed through the line as the secure connection encrypted itself against any external tracing software. Richard took a menacing step closer to the glass door, his eyes narrowing with sudden suspicion.
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"Open this door right now, Chloe, or I swear I'll have security take the glass down by force," Richard shouted through the partition. Eleanor placed a calming, gloved hand on her son's arm, her diamond necklace catching the harsh overhead light.
"Let her sit in her own mess, Richard; the caterers are waiting to serve the main course to our elite guests," Eleanor murmured dismissively.
