Chapter 10 - THE NIGHT THE MANSION BURNED
Victor made his final move three nights later.
He ordered an attack on the estate.
This time, the intruders set a fire near the service wing.
Smoke spread through the lower corridors.
The alarm sounded.
Leo organized the evacuation.
Clara rushed toward Liam's room.
He was struggling to transfer into his wheelchair.
“Clara!”
She ran to him.
“We have to go.”
“I know.”
Together, they completed the transfer.
Clara checked that his medical equipment was secure.
Then pushed the chair toward the door.
Smoke filled the hallway.
Liam coughed.
“Take the east corridor.”
Clara turned.
They reached the service elevator.
It had stopped working.
Clara stared.
“Damn it.”
Liam looked toward the stairs.
“We need another route.”
Leo appeared through the smoke.
“This way!”
He led them toward an accessible exit through the adjoining medical wing.
They reached the courtyard just as flames spread across the mansion's roof.
Clara collapsed onto the grass.
Liam reached for her hand.
She looked at him.
His face was streaked with soot.
His eyes were wet.
“You came back,” he whispered.
Clara swallowed.
“Of course I did.”
Liam shook his head.
“You shouldn't have.”
She squeezed his hand.
“Don't tell me what I should have done.”
He laughed weakly.
Then began crying.
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For the first time in years, Liam Mercer let someone see him afraid.
And Clara stayed beside him.
