The lobby of the building was almost empty.
Only a few lights were on, casting long shadows across the marble floor.
Ava's heart was beating so loudly she felt sure someone could hear it.
She stepped outside into the cold winter night.
The snow had started falling again.
"Hello?" she called softly.
No response.
Then suddenly—
A voice spoke behind her.
"Brave girl."
Ava spun around.
Standing a few feet away was the man from the gala and the hotel.
The attacker.
Her stomach dropped.
"Where's Mihir?" she demanded.
The man smiled coldly.
"Oh, he's fine."
"For now."
Ava clenched her fists.
"What do you want?"
The man stepped closer.
"Simple."
"You."
Before Ava could react, two more men appeared from the shadows.
Her heart sank.
It was a trap.
She turned to run—
But strong hands grabbed her arms.
"Let go of me!" she shouted, struggling.
The attacker leaned closer.
"Arman will be very happy to meet you."
Fear flooded through Ava.
Arman.
The name alone sent chills down her spine.
Just as they started dragging her toward a black van—
A loud gunshot echoed through the street.
Everyone froze.
The men looked around in confusion.
Then a familiar voice rang out in the cold night air.
"Let her go."
Ava's heart leaped.
Standing across the street, surrounded by armed security guards, was Mihir.
His expression was colder than the winter wind.
"You picked the wrong woman to threaten," he said slowly.
The attackers hesitated.
But the man leading them laughed.
"You're too late, Mihir."
And suddenly—
He pulled a knife against Ava's throat.
The world seemed to stop.
Ava's breath caught.
Mihir's eyes darkened with fury.
"Touch her," he said in a low, dangerous voice,
"and I promise you… you won't live to regret it."
Snow continued falling silently around them.
And Ava realized something terrifying.
This wasn't just about revenge anymore.
It had become a war.
End of Chapter 10 – Cliffhanger