All Chapters of ECHOES OF DECEPTION: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The blast thundered through the room like a wild creature set free, tearing apart metal and rock. Alexander scarcely had a moment to respond before the shockwave slammed him into the wall. The force took his breath away, and for a frightening instant, everything around was still.Dust and grime choked the atmosphere, and soft moans pierced the heavy silence. Alexander's lungs ached as he pushed himself to keep going, every breath shaking in his chest. His sight became unclear, but his father's journal shone brightly among the debris. It lay partially buried beneath fragments of glass and metal, itsleather cover burnt but undamaged.Coughing, he moved toward it, disregarding the intense ache in his side. His fingers closed around the journal just as Mason’s voice cut through the haze.“Alexander! Are you alive?”Alexander clenched his jaw and rose, swaying as the room whirled. "I'm present," he said roughly. “Isabella?”A quiet cry answered him. He turned, straining to see through th

"Keep going!" Mason's barking pulled Alexander across the smoke-filled hall.Gunfire sounded behind them, each shot a sober reminder of how near danger was. Alexander’s mind raced as they weaved through the chaos, his thoughts entangled in anger, betrayal, and desperation. Lucian, Alexander’s half-brother has had some partnership crept so far into Steele Enterprises.“Stay with me, Alex” The voice of Isabella drew him back to the situation. She was immediately behind him; her usually calm manner broke under duress.They arrived at the stairway and slammed the large door behind them. Mason leaned against it, his weapon ready, as Isabella scrambled with a keycard to activate the emergency escape path.“What the hell just happened back there?” she asked, her voice cracking. “Who is Lucian? And why does he believe he can take over Steele Enterprises like it’s some little game?”Alexander shook his head, his chest heaving. “He’s not just anyone. He understood precisely what he was doin

The last thing he saw was Mason slumping alongside him, the sound of approaching footsteps echoing in his ears. Then, everything went dark.The gas burned gently in Alexander's lungs as he battled to regain consciousness. It was now a struggle between death and life as the shadows engulfed him like a stifling blanket. The air was chilly on his skin, his body felt heavy, and his head hurt. He gently opened his eyes to realize he was bound to a chair in a dimly lighted room with basic concrete walls.Across from him, Mason was leaning against another chair, moaning as he woke up. “Welcome back,” a familiar voice said slowly. Alexander turned abruptly toward the sound, his instincts blazing to life. Lucian appeared in the doorway, a threatening sneer playing on his lips. He was perfectly dressed, as always, in his neat suit and polished shoes, a stark contrast to the loneliness of their surroundings. “You look tired out, Alex,” Lucian teased, coming closer. “Didn’t think you’d fall f

The sound of Jane’s muffled scream resonated in Alexander’s ears as he spun swiftly, his heart pounding. The low light pouring through the damaged warehouse windows highlighted her form, held by one of Lucian’s men. Her eyes were wide with dread, her struggles fruitless against the tall man holding her. Alexander froze. Jane wasn’t meant to be here. He had been so careful, making sure she and Mason were far away from this turmoil. Yet here she was, trapped in the crossfire, a struggle she didn’t comprehend. “Alex!” she shouted out, her voice cracking. “They found me!” Lucian’s laughter resonated across the area, a chilly, mocking sound that sent chills down Alexander’s spine. “I warned you, Alex. Your weakness for others would endanger you.” “Let her go,” Alexander shouted his voice firm despite the panic tearing at his chest. Lucian inclined his head, faking attention. “I could, but where’s the fun in that? Besides, you haven’t given me what I want yet.” The flash drive. The so

“I’ve been ready,” Alexander said, determination sharpening his voice. Jane stared between them, her anxiety giving way to decision. "I'll support you, regardless of the circumstance." The trio felt an instant friendship, knowing that the path ahead would be laden with risk. Nonetheless, there was no prospect of going back at this point. While they began preparing for their next move, Alexander couldn’t escape the feeling that the worst was yet to come. Hidden facts and hidden deceit boil under the surface, waiting to erupt.And when they did, nothing would ever be the same. The unimaginable abyss throbbed with pressure. Alexander paced the room, his thoughts racing with half-formed schemes and lingering concerns. Clara stood at the corner, her arms folded, studying a weathered map on the table with a single flickering light bulb overhead casting lengthy shadows. Jane sat on a box nearby, her face pale. And drawn, her hands nervously holding the ends of her coat. “This won’t work