Chapter 99: The Chase
Ethan had been sitting in his car for hours, his fingers tapping restlessly on the steering wheel. He had told himself he wouldn’t stay long, that he would leave before she ever saw him. But something kept him there an invisible thread pulling him toward Mara, no matter how much he fought it.
Just as he was about to turn the ignition and drive away, movement caught his eye. His heart leaped when he saw Mara sprinting out of the foundation.
A small, relieved smile formed on his lips until he noticed the figure chasing after her.
His stomach dropped. Instinct took over. He started the car, tires screeching as he pulled up to the entrance, rolling down the window. "Mara! Get in!"
Mara skidded to a halt, her eyes widening when she saw who was behind the wheel. Ethan.
For a split second, she hesitated. The memories, the past, the unanswered questions, and all of it crashed down on her. But there was no time. She glanced over her shoulder. Philip was almost on her.
Without another thought, she yanked the car door open and jumped inside. "Go!"
Ethan didn’t need to be told twice. He slammed his foot on the gas, the tires screeching against the pavement as the car lurched forward.
A gunshot rang out. Mara flinched as Philip fired at them, his face contorted with rage. Seconds later, his men arrived, pouring into their vehicles and giving chase.
"Hold on," Ethan muttered, gripping the wheel tighter as he weaved through the streets, accelerating to top speed.
Mara hurriedly buckled her seatbelt, her pulse hammering. The car jolted as Ethan took a sharp turn, trying to shake off their pursuers. Her hands trembled as she turned to him. "Can I borrow your phone?"