Love in the shadows

Chapter 7: Into the Fray

Ava's point of view

I followed Elijah through the winding streets, my heart racing. We'd just escaped his family's estate, but I knew the danger was far from over.

"Elijah, what's going on?" I asked, trying to keep up.

"My family's empire is built on lies and corruption," he replied, his voice tight. "We need proof to bring them down."

I nodded, determination rising within me. "I'm with you."

We arrived at a small café, where a hooded figure waited.

"Ava, this is Ryder," Elijah said. "He's been helping me gather evidence."

Ryder handed us files and recordings. The evidence was damning – embezzlement, bribery, and worse.

As we pored over the documents, I felt a surge of fear. We were taking on the Blackwoods, and they'd stop at nothing.

Elijah's hand found mine, his touch sparking courage.

"We'll do this together," he whispered.

But as we prepared to expose the truth, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we were in over our heads.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:

"You're playing with fire, Ava. Back off while you still can."

My heart skipped a beat. Who was this?

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Let me know, and I'll proceed with Chapter 8!