Sophia Sullivan scanned the dim room.
Dust coated every surface.
Cobwebs swayed in the corners.
The windows were boarded shut.
Only a narrow door remained.
Armed guards stood watch outside.
Escaping unarmed seemed impossible.
Her gaze dropped to the floor.
Shards of glass glittered faintly.
Sophia inched forward painfully.
The ropes bit into her wrists.
Every movement required immense effort.
Finally, her fingers closed around a glass fragment.
The door burst open with a crash.
She concealed the shard instantly.
A scar-faced man shoved another captive inside.
"Playing hero?" he sneered.
Harsh light flooded the space.
Sophia squinted against the glare.
The newcomer stood tall.
Broad shoulders tapered to a lean waist.
A familiar voice cut through the silence.
"Don't touch me."
Ethan Sullivan.
Sophia's brows knitted.
Why would he walk into certain death?
Ethan offered no resistance.
He allowed them to bind his hands.
Scarface smirked.
"Pathetic skills for a would-be savior."
Sophia met Ethan's piercing gaze.
Understanding flashed between them.
He was playing a role.
She spoke quickly.
"He's the CEO of A-City."
"Fragile health—coughs up blood regularly."
"Perfect ransom target."
Scarface lowered his fist.
He appraised Ethan critically.
His eyes locked onto the Patek Philippe.
He snatched the watch greedily.
"Lucky bastard."
"You walk when we get paid."
They tied Ethan to a chair.
Positioned facing Sophia.
Scarface issued a final warning.
"No tricks."
He left with the timepiece.
The lock clicked shut.
Darkness swallowed them again.
Sophia whispered urgently.
"Why come?"
Ethan's expression remained icy.
"I'm the diversion."
"Police have our location."
"Reinforcements need time."
Sophia nodded.
"We must survive until then."
She studied his face.
"You shouldn't have risked this."
Ethan held her gaze.
"You're worth it."
His dark eyes reflected her image.
"You saved my family."
"Could heal my grandmother."
He looked away abruptly.
"We're allies."
Sophia exhaled silently.
So it was about treatment.
She relaxed slightly.
"They're mafia."
"The boss arrives in three days."
"We're safe until then."
Muffled voices carried through the door.
Scarface's lewd suggestion made her stiffen.
Sophia understood Italian perfectly.
Ethan's face darkened.
Murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
Another thug cautioned Scarface.
"Don't kill her."
"The capo will be pissed."
Scarface chuckled darkly.
"I know my limits."
Footsteps approached.
The doorknob turned.