Chapter 43

Footsteps grew louder as they reverberated along the little corridor. While Xander wrote frantically in an attempt to finish the transfer before they were caught, Isabella's heart raced as she and Michael exchanged nervous looks. 

Michael gripped the door handle tightly and murmured, "We have to move." 

With a tense yet focused tone, Xander answered, "Just a few more seconds." 

Isabella's thoughts were racing, trying to find a way out. They could be captured if they stayed, but they were too close to give up the task. As she looked at the screens, her breath caught—there was just one confirmation and one number left. 

The door squeaked open, and a guard entered abruptly. He went for the radio on his belt as his eyes widened in shock. 

Isabella moved forward without thinking, snatching the guard's arm and bending it behind him. He moaned in agony as the radio clattered on the ground. Before he could sound the alarm, Michael hurried over to assist her in calming him down. 

"Xander, go!" Breathless, Isabella held the struggling guard down and urged. 

Xander swung his fingers across the keyboard. "You got it!" he said with a sense of accomplishment. 

The transfer was confirmed when the screen blinked. The Alliance's financial network had been disrupted, at least temporarily, by the successful transfer of the monies to their offshore account. However, there was no time to rejoice. 

After dragging the guard to his feet and securing his hands with a cable from a nearby machine, Michael declared, "We must leave this place." 

Silencing them with a towel over his mouth, the guard scowled at them. 

The three of them rushed towards the exit as Xander gathered his equipment. Their footsteps echoed as they ran down the hall, Isabella's pulse thumping. It seemed like every second went on forever. 

Shouts broke out behind them as they arrived at the alley's side door. The warehouse was full of guards; the alarm had been set off. 

"Get moving!" Shoving the door open, Xander yelled. 

As the noises of pursuit approached, they exploded into the crisp night air. They ran towards the getaway automobile parked a block away, Isabella's lungs burning. Isabella just got into the rear seat when the car roared away, tires spinning, Michael leapt behind the wheel, and Xander slid into the passenger seat. 

As they sped off, they heard gunshots behind them, with bullets pinging off the automobile. Isabella ducked as a smile appeared on her face despite her rushing heart. They had succeeded—they had given the Alliance a serious setback. 

Change of Scene: The Fallout 

The air was charged with adrenaline back at their safe place. With his phone in hand, Michael paced the room, looking for any updates regarding their operation. With her arms folded and her face unreadable, Selena sat at the table. 

With his arms crossed and leaning against the wall, Xander observed Isabella. He added, sounding more amused than reprimanding, "That was reckless." 

Isabella sank into the chair next Selena and shot back, "Effective but reckless." 

"You nearly killed us," Selena yelled, her eyes glimmering. "When that guard entered, you ought to have cancelled." 

"There was nothing we could do," Isabella protested. "We would lose the money if we stopped. It was either now or never. 

Michael stopped walking. And we achieved our goal. The finances of the Alliance are in disarray. They'll be rushing to discover what went wrong. 

Still irritated, Selena shook her head. "Isa, this isn't a game. You could die if you make one mistake. I will not remain to witness that. 

Isabella opened her mouth to reply, but Xander interrupted. She is correct. We must use greater caution. This will not be taken lightly by the Alliance. They will pursue us, so we must be ready. 

Isabella was aware that he was correct. This victory had been too close for comfort, as much as she hated to acknowledge it. "What should we do next?" 

Xander's face grew serious. "We struck them once again. More difficult. Next, we shut down their communications system. 

Michael's eyebrows went up. "Don't you really want to start a war with them?" 

"A war has already been started," Xander said icily. "I just want to make sure we win." 

Scene Change: Hidden Risks 

Isabella couldn't sleep later that night after everyone had gone to their rooms. Her mind was racing with possibilities, and the excitement from the expedition was still pumping through her veins. 

The refreshing breeze was a pleasant diversion from the stress within as she went out onto the balcony. She felt someone behind her as she leaned on the railing, deep in thought. 

Xander said, "I thought I'd find you here." 

Isabella remained still. "I needed to breathe." 

He stood a few feet away from her, looking at the skyline of the city. Regarding the Alliance, you were accurate. You underestimate how bad they are. 

Isabella looked at him, taken aback by his unexpected candour. "What do you mean?" 

With a groan, Xander combed through his hair. I formerly believed them to be dishonest merchants. However, the more I dug, the more I understood that they are all about control. Strength. They will stop at nothing to keep it going. 

Isabella felt cold after hearing his remarks. "Why are you stating this to me?" 

"Because you must comprehend the challenges we face." This goes beyond retaliation or eliminating a few dishonest people. The goal is to overthrow a decades-old system that doesn't care who it harms as long as it maintains its hold on power. 

Isabella felt her heart constrict. Although she had always been aware of the Alliance's dangers, it felt all too real when she heard Xander, who had been inside, validate her suspicions. 

"I won't stop," she muttered. "I am unable to stop." 

Xander's face was unreadable as he gazed at her. "I understand. That's what frightens me. 

Scene Change: Selena's Choice 

Tensions persisted in the morning. There was a noticeable hush between Selena and Isabella since their quarrel. 

Selena suddenly stood up as they were gathering in the living room to decide what to do next. "I am no longer able to do this." 

Everyone froze in shock. 

"Isa, I can't stand to watch you endanger your life."