Chapter 14 — The Secret Flight
218 Words
Ethan had arranged everything through an old family contact — a quiet flight north to Abuja, where Vale Industries’ regional office operated under a shell company.
The pilot didn’t ask questions. Money like Ethan’s always bought silence.
Lila sat beside him in the small plane, gripping her seatbelt. “You’ve done this before, haven’t you? Running.”
He gave a humorless smile. “It’s easier than facing your own reflection.”
She studied him. “Do you regret it? Being a Vale?”
“I regret what that name’s done to people. But I can’t change my blood. I can only change what it means.”
The engines hummed. Below, the city lights faded into the dark sprawl of forest and desert.
Lila closed her eyes. “When I was little, my father used to say the world always finds ways to reveal the truth — no matter how deep you bury it.”
Ethan glanced out the window. “Then maybe it’s time to start digging.”
As they descended into Abuja, the skyline glittered in the distance. Lila felt a strange mix of fear and belonging.
This was home — and battlefield.
*** The pilot handed Ethan his passport with a discreet warning. “Someone’s already asked for your arrival record, Mr. Vale.”
- Writer
