Chapter Ninety-Six: Crossfire of Desires

Chloe’s Point of View

I recounted all of my knowledge about Lillianna to Iris, who listened with great interest. "I have no emotional connection to Lillianna. I believe I should be the one to take her out. Would that be an issue for you?" Iris inquired.

I took a moment to consider the question before me. As much as I wanted to be the one to put an end to her life, my friend was essentially being used as leverage by this deranged individual. If Sam was in danger, I feared I would hesitate to act. While I didn’t want any harm to come to my friend, I also knew that Lillianna needed to be dealt with immediately. We couldn’t afford any more delays. With a heavy sigh, I shook my head no.

"Alright, first, we need to figure out a plan for entering and exiting while making sure Sam makes it out alive," Iris suggested.

As we finalized our plan, the two operatives Ethan had sent for backup showed up. They drove by discreetly, acknowledging us before parking on the street at a safe distance but still close enough to keep an eye on us and gather information.

When Iris's phone rang, her expression shifted into seriousness and professionalism. Without even asking, I knew it was Ethan on the other end of the line. As she listened intently, I understood there was no room for mistakes. We were expected to complete this task with precision and without mercy.

Iris and I carefully concealed our weapons before stepping out of the car. As we passed by, we nodded to the two operatives sitting inside. I recognized them as some of the most seasoned members of our team and felt a sense of relief. We were finally going to end Lillianna's threat, one way or another.

Lillianna’s Point of View

“Rei, we need to talk. There’s something you don’t know about Xavier. Can you call me when you get a chance? Please?” Sam said in a shaky voice before I moved the phone away and hung up.

“Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?” I growled.

I wanted to hit Sam again, and I hoped I could by provoking her. Unfortunately for me, she simply nodded. Fuck.

"May I use the bathroom, please? I need my hands to do that. I promise I won't go anywhere or do anything," Sam begged.

To be fair, she hadn't even asked once in the hours that I've had her. And if Sam tried to escape, I could easily beat her ass again. It seemed like a fair exchange. I silently prayed she would try something. I freed her hands and led Sam at gunpoint to the bathroom.

It would be best if you left now, a voice in my mind suggested urgently.

The voice sounded like Xavier. It was strange; why would I imagine him saying that?

Lillianna, you have to go. Leave Sam in the bathroom and use the back exit. Even if it's been fixed, you still know how to escape that way. You need to leave now, the voice urged urgently.

A part of me was tempted to listen, but I couldn't. Even if I had lost my sanity and started hearing Xavier's voice in my head, I was determined to follow through with my plan. Rei deserved to face consequences for her actions; it was only fair, and the universe would surely allow me that much.

The door to the apartment opened and closed softly. I turned my head towards the sound, straining to hear any movement. Two people had entered, their footsteps light and delicate, most likely women. I wondered who would be visiting at this hour. Xavier wasn't the type to bring strangers home, especially since he had finally gotten together with Rei. The thought made me swallow hard. I still could not stomach the idea of Xavier with Rei. I don’t think I ever would.

The voice urgently reminded me, Lillianna, you must leave immediately. I could feel a hand on my arm, guiding me towards the back exit.

I was starting to question my sanity. My body seemed to move on its own accord as if being controlled by some invisible force. I had slept peacefully in Xavier's bed, wrapped in his scent and the reassurance of wearing his old shirt. There was no logical explanation for why I was suddenly slipping up like this. I had never let stress get the best of me before. What was going on?

Chloe’s Point of View

Lillianna appeared to be having an internal struggle of sorts in front of Xavier’s bathroom. Sam must be in there. I said a silent prayer of thanks for that small miracle. Now, we just needed to keep her in there.

Iris nodded at me. It was time to be the distraction. I was wearing a bulletproof vest under my jacket. It wouldn’t do me any good if Lillianna shot me in the head, though.

As Iris moved away from my view and stayed nearby, I called out, “Lillianna, are you in here?”

Lilianna's irritation was evident as she asked, "Why the hell are you here, Chloe?"

“I figured the last place we’d look was the one place you’d be, and it appears I was right,” I said.

“Chloe?” Sam’s voice came from the bathroom, filled with hope and fear.

“Sam, lock that door now and move away from it,” I shouted, and Lillianna looked at me with an odd expression.

“Interesting. I knew someone was watching me, but I didn’t think it was you. Who are you working for?” Lillianna asked as she pointed her gun in my direction, and I raised mine and did the same to her.

“Aamon,” I answered calmly.

“Since when do you work for the Brzezinski family?” Lillianna spat out.

“I don’t. I work for Aamon. There’s a difference,” I responded with a smirk.

Lillianna hadn’t gotten an assignment in quite some time, and it would really annoy her if she thought the jobs had been going to me.

“You? You’re my replacement?” Lillianna sneered.

“No, I am. And I can’t wait to finally fuck Alex so that he never thinks of you again,” Iris said as she shot Lillianna.