16. Broken by Fear

Elijah walked out of the underground base, his footsteps echoing in the silence.

He glanced back once, his face cold and expressionless. Zack Shaw’s threats still lingered in the air, but Elijah knew he had to play along for now.

His mind was already working on a plan, but outwardly, he appeared to comply with Zack’s demands.

"Time to go home and sell assets, huh?" Doug muttered as they reached the car.

Elijah nodded.

"Let them believe I’m desperate," he said quietly.

"We’ll deal with them soon."

As the car drove off, back inside the base, Zack Shaw stood over Sophia’s unconscious body, his eyes filled with malice.

“Take her to the other room,” Zack ordered his men, pointing to a small, dimly lit chamber down the hall.

Two soldiers lifted Sophia and carried her into the room, laying her on a cold, metal chair.

Zack followed closely behind, grabbing a bucket of ice water from the corner.

He dumped the freezing water onto her face.

Sophia jolted awake with a gasp, shivering uncontrollab