Chapter 5 - The Hidden Sanctuary
The snow was falling heavily as Marcus’s SUV navigated the winding mountain roads toward Pine Ridge Estate. The facility was imposing—a gated modern mansion surrounded by high stone walls, security cameras, and private guards patrol units.
Inside the estate, Rachel sat by a large window overlooking the snowbound pines, her hand resting on her growing belly. She looked pale and exhausted. Guarded by stern nurses who monitored her every move, she had realized weeks ago that Daniel’s promises were lies. She was a prisoner.
At midnight, Marcus executed his distraction. Using remote signal jammers, he cut off the estate’s power grid and communication towers, triggering emergency backup alarms that threw the guards into confusion.
In the dark, Marcus quietly incapacitated the perimeter guards while Megan slipped inside through a service entrance, guided by blueprint schematics provided by Dr. Ellis.
Megan moved stealthily through the dark hallways, her heart hammering against her ribs. She reached the second-floor master suite and opened the door.
Rachel spun around in terror, holding a heavy glass vase as a weapon. "Stay back!"
"Rachel! It's me!" Megan whispered, dropping her hood.
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The vase shattered as it hit the carpet. Rachel collapsed into her sister’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "Meg... oh God, Meg! I’m so sorry! He told me you were dying, he said—"
"Shh, I know," Megan wept, holding her tightly. "I know everything. He lied to both of us. But I’m here now, and we’re getting out together."
