CHAPTER 150

The night was heavy with tension as the group piled into the car they had found in the parking lot, their breaths coming in quick, anxious gasps. Matthews took the driver’s seat, his eyes darting to the rearview mirror as he started the engine. He glanced at Jessica, Phillip, and Clara in the back seat, their faces a mix of determination and fear.

"We’re not out of the woods yet," Matthews said, his voice a grim reminder of the peril still looming. "Lane’s men will regroup. They won’t let us get far without pursuit."

Jessica clenched her fists, her eyes never leaving the road ahead. She had felt trapped for so long, like a pawn in her father's twisted game. But now, with each mile they put between them and the safe house, she felt a flicker of hope, a belief that maybe they could turn the tide in their favor.

Phillip leaned closer to her, his hand finding hers in the darkness. "We’re in this together," he said quietly, squeezing her hand in reassurance. "No matter what happens."

Jessi