Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 333

**Collapsed 333**

**Chapter 333**

**AUTHOR’S POV.**

Lucian’s gaze was fixed on the rearview mirror, his brow furrowed with unease. “The car… it’s not following us anymore,” he remarked, his voice laced with a mix of relief and suspicion.

Ace, seated confidently beside him, allowed a small, self-assured smile to dance across his lips. “I noticed that too,” he replied, his tone light and untroubled. “But trust me, that’s a good thing.”

Lucian’s brow arched, skepticism etched on his face. “How exactly is that a good thing?” he pressed, his curiosity piqued.

With his eyes firmly on the road, Ace maintained his calm demeanor, his hands steady on the steering wheel. “Because it signifies they’re in the dark about our next move. And trust me, it’s about to get very interesting.”

Lucian’s lips pressed together in contemplation, the weight of Ace’s words sinking in. However, he soon realized that Ace was not steering toward the hotel as he had anticipated. The route was decidedly different, and a sense of foreboding crept in. “Where are we headed?” he inquired, his tone clipped yet tinged with intrigue.

Ace’s smile broadened, a playful glint in his eyes. “It’s time to change the car,” he declared, his voice almost teasing.

Lucian blinked in surprise, waiting for an explanation, but Ace simply continued driving, executing a sharp turn into a small, inconspicuous car wash. As they entered, the flickering lights cast an otherworldly glow, water spraying over the vehicle like a gentle mist, creating a veil of secrecy.

A man was already waiting, leaning casually against a post, one hand tucked into his pocket. Ace didn’t hesitate; he smoothly maneuvered the car into place.

The man approached, and without a word, Ace handed him the keys with a nod of authority. “Take the old car. Gather the others and head to the hotel. No mistakes,” he instructed, his voice firm.

The man’s lips curled into a faint grin as he accepted the keys, sliding into the driver’s seat of the waiting vehicle. Lucian exchanged a glance with Violet, who sat quietly, her expression a mix of anticipation and anxiety, as Ace opened the passenger door for them.

“File in,” Ace said, his tone calm, almost too casual for the gravity of the situation.

They climbed into the new car, the transition seamless, the engine’s hum already familiar as Ace began steering back toward the bank. Lucian’s eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping back in. “Why are we returning to the bank?” he asked, his voice edged with concern.

Ace’s smile transformed into a sly grin, a predatory gleam lighting up his features. “Because it’s time for the predator to become the prey,” he said, his tone dripping with confidence.

A flicker of admiration crossed Lucian’s face, and a small, genuine smile broke through his earlier tension. He felt a wave of relief wash over him. Ace was still sharp, his focus unwavering even amidst the chaos of their situation. Lucian couldn’t fathom how he would navigate this storm without Ace’s clarity.

The car rolled into a discreet parking spot not far from the bank. The dark blue vehicle remained still, but this time, it was devoid of any occupants. Ace exited the car with an agility that seemed almost otherworldly, moving with a fluid grace that made him appear more like a shadow than a man.

Lucian and Violet watched intently as Ace approached the dark vehicle, crouching slightly. With swift, precise movements, he affixed a tracker underneath the car and discreetly placed a small microphone in a location that would be nearly impossible to detect, even for someone with training.

Returning to the car, Ace brushed his hands together as if shaking off dust. “Tracker and mic are secured,” he announced, satisfaction evident in his voice.

Lucian nodded, impressed. “Good. Very good,” he replied, a sense of pride swelling within him.

Ace slid back into the driver’s seat, casting a glance at Lucian and then at Violet. “Should we wait for them to come out, or head back to the hotel?”

Violet’s voice wavered slightly, betraying her anxiety. “Do you think… the cashier will tell them what we were there for?”

Lucian’s expression softened momentarily as he looked at her, but then hardened with resolve. “We’ll have to wait and see. Whatever happens, I’ll protect you,” he vowed, his tone firm.

A shiver coursed through Violet at his reassurance, her fingers fidgeting nervously in her lap. She nodded slowly, attempting to calm herself, to believe in his promise, but the pit in her stomach refused to settle.

Moments later, the doors of the bank swung open, and two men stepped out, their expressions dark and tight-lipped, clearly displeased. Ace’s lips twitched with amusement. “Well,” he murmured, leaning back slightly in his seat. “Looks like the little cashier didn’t give them what they wanted.”

He retrieved an iPad from the glove compartment, tapping a few buttons. Suddenly, the small car interior was filled with the voices of the men, their conversation spilling over the speakers with unsettling clarity.

The second man’s voice came back, careful and almost hesitant. “So… what do we do?”

“Keep tailing. Blackwood will definitely go in search of the safe,” the first man commanded, his tone resolute.

Ace glanced at Lucian, pride evident in his controlled expression. Lucian felt a surge of satisfaction. They had the upper hand now; they just needed to keep an eye on these men. When the time was right, they would follow them back to their base, and it would lead them straight to the mysterious boss.

Starting the car, Ace’s engine purred confidently as he followed the dark blue vehicle at a calculated distance, never too close to raise suspicion. But just as they turned toward the hotel—Lucian’s expected destination—Ace suddenly swerved, taking an unexpected route.

Lucian’s frown deepened, sharp and questioning. “Where are you heading?” he demanded, confusion mixing with concern.

Ace’s smile remained calm and confident, a rare glint of pride shining in his eyes. “To the safe house. It’s finally ready. And the best part? It’s at a fully secured location.”

Lucian’s gaze flicked to Violet, who remained tense but was clearly trusting him entirely. He nodded slowly, urging for more information. “Explain.”

Ace gestured as if it were the simplest thing in the world. “While we were away from the hotel, our belongings were moved there already. Some of our guys are staying in the old suite with the old car parked outside. By the time those men realize we’re gone… it’ll be too late.”

A small, almost imperceptible smirk curled Lucian’s lips, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. “Inform the account manager; your pay should be tripled this month,” he remarked lightly, a thread of pride weaving through his voice.

Ace chuckled, leaning back in his seat, clearly pleased. “Thank you, boss.”

Lucian let out a quiet breath, his eyes scanning the city streets. Although they hadn’t achieved anything concrete yet, the tension that had coiled tightly within the car seemed to ease. The air felt lighter, freer.

Violet exhaled slowly, relief washing over her features, though she still fidgeted slightly, the remnants of anxiety lingering. Lucian’s hand drifted to the center console, resting there, finally calm. Ace’s smirk remained as his eyes swept the streets for anything amiss.

For the first time in hours, a palpable shift occurred among them. They were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.