In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 59: Her Parents

The weight of the moment pressed heavily on Ibrahim's shoulders as he stood in his study room, the dim light casting sharp shadows across his face. His second-in-command, Aliyar, entered the room.

"Everything is ready, sir," Aliyar said firmly, standing at attention. "When should we proceed?"

Ibrahim didn't respond immediately. He leaned against his desk, rubbing his temples, his expression a mixture of determination and exhaustion. "Not yet," he finally said, his voice low but resolute.

Aliyar frowned, confused by the delay. "Sir, we've prepared everything down to the last detail. The men are in position, and Vincent Knight's operation won't wait for us. If we-"

Ibrahim held up a hand, silencing him. "I said, not yet." He turned to face Aliyar, his dark eyes blazing with an intensity that left no room for argument. "I won't risk moving forward until Sophia is on that plane and out of harm's way. My daughter's safety is equally important. Also, increase the security of mansion."

Aliyar nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of his boss's decision. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements for additional security to ensure her safe departure."

Ibrahim's gaze softened, but the lines of worry remained etched on his face. "Good. Notify me the moment her flight takes off."
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Later That Night

Sophia stood in the grand foyer, her luggage neatly packed beside her. She glanced toward the stairs, her heart heavy with the thought of leaving without saying goodbye to Zara.

"I wish I could stay," she murmured, turning to Ibrahim, who stood beside her, his arms crossed.

Ibrahim placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression stern yet protective. "You're not staying, Sophia. Your finals are in a week, and your future is too important to jeopardize."

Sophia sighed, her eyes glistening. "But Zara... she doesn't even know I'm leaving. I can't just leave like this."

"She'll understand," Ibrahim said firmly. "This isn't just about your exams-it's about keeping you safe. Until this situation with Vincent Knight is resolved, I can't take any risks."

Sophia looked down, her fingers tightening around the handle of her suitcase. "I feel like I'm running away."

"You're not," Ibrahim assured her, his tone softening. "You're being smart. Sometimes, protecting the people you love means stepping back when it's hardest."

Sophia swallowed hard, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "Promise me you'll take care of her, Baba. She's been through so much."

"I will," Ibrahim said, his voice resolute. He pulled her into a tight hug. "Focus on your exams. Once they're over, you can come home. But for now, this is what's best for everyone."

Sophia nodded against his chest, blinking back tears. "I'll miss you."

"And I'll miss you, my princess," Ibrahim whispered, his own voice thick with emotion. "But this isn't goodbye. It's just 'see you soon.'"

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At the Warehouse

The air in the warehouse was thick with tension as Ibrahim arrived, his commanding presence immediately silencing the murmur of voices among his men. His second-in-command, Aliyar, approached him with a grim expression.

"Her flight took off fifteen minutes ago," Aliyar informed him.

Ibrahim nodded, his jaw tightening. "Good. Now we move."

Aliyar gestured toward a table laden with maps and blueprints. "We've confirmed Vincent Knight's location. He's using a secluded villa outside the Berline as his base of operations. Our intel suggests he'll be there tonight. Sir, jet is ready for departure."