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CHAPTER FIVE

Bullets flew past them, hitting the pavement with a sharp shatter, as Marco returned fire.

The air was filled with turmoil and havoc as the sounds of gunfire echoed through the night.

“Get down!!” Lucas shouted, his voice urgent, “ we need to leave this place”.

With Lucas's help Olivia scrambled to her feet ,her heart pounding in her chest . They ran through the dark streets hiding behind cars and buildings as they made their way towards safety.

Finally, they reached the safe house, a mousy building tucked away in a quiet alley. Marco quickly unlocked the door, ushering them in.

As they caught their breath, Olivia couldn't help but feel grateful for Lucas' protection.

But as they sat in the dimly lit room , the tension between them was palpable. Olivia could sense Lucas gaze on her, his eyes burning with a mixture of concern, and something else she couldn’,t quite place.

“Thank you Lucas”, She said breaking the silence, “For saving us”.

Lucas nodded, his expression unreadable, “It was the least I could do, You're valuable assets Olivia , I couldn't afford to lose you”.

As they sat in the dim light , Olivia couldn't shake the feeling that their bond had deepened in some indefinable way. But before she could dwell on her thoughts further, the door burst open , and Marco entered the room, his expression tensed.

“We need to talk”, he said, his eyes flickering between Olivia and Lucas. “There's something I need to discuss with you”.

“Marco, what's on your mind?” Lucas asked, his gaze steady as he fixed it on his cousin with a piercing stare.

Marco hesitated for a moment, his expression conflicted, “It's about Olivia”, he began, his voice tight. “I can't shake the feeling that she has another hidden agenda here ”.

Olivia's heart sank at Marco's words, she straightened her shoulders, summoning every ounce of courage she had, “,Marco, I understand your worry, but…..”

“But what?” Marcus interrupted, his eyes narrowing as he turned to face her, “What are you really doing here Olivia?”

Olivia took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say, “The truth is Lucas you’re the reason my life is in danger”, she said, her voice steady, despite the tremor of fears that ran through her.

Lucas's gaze hardened , a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes, “You are safer here, but if you decide to leave my side, consider yourself dead”.

Olivia met his gaze, her eyes blazing with determination, “I don't know if I can trust you Lucas, But I do know that we are in this together now, whether we like it or not, and we want to succeed, we have to put our differences aside and work together”.

Lucas lips curled into a wry smile, “well said Olivia”, he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Despite the danger that lurks in every shadow, Olivia knew that as long as she had Lucas by her side, she had a fighting chance of surviving the treacherous game they found themselves in.

But before they could continue, Lucas' phone buzzed on the table , he glanced at his screen, his expression shifting as he saw the caller ID. Without a word, he picked up the phone and stepped away from Marco and Olivia.

“Mia”, Lucas said, his voice obviously softer.

“Lucas Darling, I'm in town”, a woman’s voice purred through the phone, “I’d love to see you”.

Lucas jaw tightened, “Mia,this isn't a good time”.

“Come on Lucas, Just a quick visit” Mia insisted, her voice honeyed but insistent, “I miss you”.

Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair, “Fine, Tomorrow after this …... .situation is handled , Come to the mansion in the afternoon”.

“Perfect”, Mia said , her satisfaction evident, “I can't wait”.

Lucas ended the call and turned back to face Marco and Olivia. “We have a lot to do?”

Just then Marco’s phone buzzed,he glanced at the screen , then answered the call, “Yes?... understood , we’ll be there shortly”, he hung up and turned to Lucas and Olivia .“It's done, the situation is under control, we can return to the mansion” .

Lucas nodded, his expression relieved but still cautious, “Good,let's head back”.

As they made their way through the darkened streets back to the mansion , Olivia's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The urgency of their mission and the stakes involved kept her on the edge.

Once they were back in the mansion , Lucas turned his gaze to Olivia, “Come with me”, he said , as they walked into a room , Lucas had set up with multiple monitors and powerful computer system to help them decide the messages they had discovered.

The air was thick with concentration as they delved into the intricate web of data , searching for any clues that might lead them to the traitor.

Hours passed and Olivia’s eyes burned from staring at the screen , But finally she spotted something unusual, “Lucas, look at this”, she said pointing to a series of encrypted messages.

Lucas leaned over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing as he examined the data, “what is it?”

“These messages” , Olivia said her voice urgent, “they are different from the others. The encryption is more sophisticated , almost asif someone with inside knowledge was trying to cover their tracks”, She said, her gaze never leaving the screen.

Lucas frowned,his mind racing, “Can you decode it?”

“I’m working on it”, Olivia said, her fingers flying over the keyboard, “ But it's going to take some time”.

As Olivia worked Lucas paced the room, his frustration palpable , “We need to find this traitor Olivia, before they strike again”.

“I’m doing my best Lucas”, Olivia replied, her tone sharp with determination, “But this isn't easy, whoever did this, they are good, …really good”.

After what felt like eternity ,Olivia finally managed to decide the messages , her eyes widened as she read the contents, “Oh my God”, she whispered.

“What is it?” Lucas demanded , moving closer to her.

Olivia turned to face him , her face pale, “The messages …they point to someone inside your organization , someone close to you”.

Lucas expression darkened, as he leaned closer to her, “Who?” , He asked, his voice demanding.

Olivia hesitated, her heart pounding, “Marco”, she finally said , “the messages led back to Marco”.

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