The snowstorm had turned violent.
Wind howled through the empty streets as Mihir's car sped toward the abandoned warehouse.
Inside the car, silence.
But it wasn't calm.
It was the silence before a storm.
"Are you sure she's there?" Mihir asked coldly.
"Yes, sir," one of his men replied.
"The signal traced back to that location."
Mihir looked out the window.
His jaw clenched.
"Ava…" he whispered.
Meanwhile—
Inside the warehouse—
Ava sat tied to the chair, her wrists aching.
Time felt endless.
Every second stretched like hours.
She tried to stay strong.
Tried not to panic.
But fear kept creeping in.
Footsteps echoed again.
Arman entered, calm as always.
"Still waiting for your hero?" he asked with a smirk.
Ava glared at him.
"He's coming."
Arman laughed.
"Oh, I know."
He stepped closer.
"That's the whole point."
Ava's heart skipped.
"This is a trap, isn't it?"
Arman's smile widened.
"Exactly."
Outside—
Mihir's car stopped.
The warehouse stood in the distance—dark, silent, dangerous.
Mihir stepped out.
Snow whipped against his face.
His men gathered behind him.
"Surround the building," Mihir ordered.
"No mistakes."
Inside—
Ava suddenly heard something.
A faint noise.
Movement.
Her heart started racing.
Mihir…
Then—
A loud crash.
The warehouse doors burst open.
Gunshots echoed.
Chaos exploded.
Men shouted.
Footsteps ran.
Ava's eyes widened.
Mihir stormed inside, fighting through Arman's men.
His movements were fast, precise, ruthless.
This wasn't the calm businessman anymore.
This was someone dangerous.
"Ava!" Mihir shouted.
"I'm here!" she cried back.
Their eyes met across the room.
Relief flooded her chest.
Mihir fought his way to her.
Within seconds, he was beside her, cutting the ropes.
"Are you okay?" he asked urgently.
Ava nodded, tears in her eyes.
"You came…"
Mihir cupped her face gently.
"Of course I did."
But before the moment could settle—
A slow clap echoed.
Both of them froze.
Arman stepped out of the shadows.
"Touching," he said.
Mihir stood up instantly, pulling Ava behind him.
"It's over, Arman."
Arman smiled.
"No… it's just getting interesting."
End of Chapter 17