Felix was with Bernard, posing as a gardener on their way to the warehouse. He understood their intention—to win his trust and manipulate him. Calmly chatting, he played the part of an innocent man, allowing Bernard to think that he, Mikaela, and his sister Jenny were easily caught.
Thalia will really scold me for this, he thought, but she knows it's part of our plan.
Bernard gave him a satisfied tap on the shoulder, pleased with what he had done. Still, Felix remained cautious. Beside him was Alexander, who had been staring at him for some time now—scrutinizing every detail, silently judging him. Felix knew that Alexander suspected the truth: he was not Rolando Gracias.
As they neared the warehouse, the quiet surroundings were broken only by the presence of armed guards.
"Sir, should I get off?" Felix asked.
"Yes, of course. I need to talk to my child—those two trespassers were caught immediately," Bernard replied with a smile.
Felix gave a faint nod. Bernard stepped out of the vehicle.
"I'll leave you with Alexander for now," Bernard said before walking away.
Felix nodded again. But before he could move, he felt the cold press of a weapon against him.
"I know you're not Rolando Gracias," Alexander said in a low, dangerous tone. "You're hiding something, and I know exactly what. You're Felix Blanco—son of the slain journalists who fought against the Fuego."
"Ah… I guess there's no need to pretend anymore," Felix replied evenly. "Yes. I am Felix Blanco."
"What is your agenda? Answer me, or your two sisters die. No one can save them now—your small organization is finished, and your cousin has already perished," Alexander threatened.
Felix's lips curved into a playful smirk. He let out a soft chuckle.
"And how are you so sure about that?"
Alexander ignored the question. "Enough games. We know you helped Jake operate in secret. We've already found your hideouts—thanks to this stupid map." He waved a paper in front of him.
"One step, and you're dead," Alexander warned.
Felix moved in a flash, kicking Alexander's knee and forcing him down. Before Alexander could recover, Felix had his own weapon aimed at him.
"I know you're a smart man—and that you love playing games," Felix said coldly. "Do you know why I'm here?"
Alexander's glare was answer enough.
Felix struck him across the face, then made his way toward the warehouse. Gunfire erupted—Alexander had regained his footing and fired at him, but Felix managed to duck for cover.
"Surround that man!" Alexander's voice barked orders.
Felix returned fire, taking down the men who closed in on him. Slowly, he pushed forward until he found what he was looking for—his sister, bound and shaken, as if waking from a nightmare.
"Felix?" Mikaela's voice trembled with confusion. The scene before her made no sense.
Five of their allies—who had been playing dead—were now standing. The plan had worked.
Before entering, they had agreed to a risky strategy, following the warnings their instincts had given them. Every step was a gamble.
"Hey," Felix called out.
"Took you long enough. I thought I was really going to die," Vince muttered, scratching his head as if it were nothing.
Charles sighed at Vince's reckless tone.
"Don't blame me—Vince came up with it," he said.
Charles shook his head, managing a faint smile. "Pretending to be dead has its perks."
Only Mikaela seemed completely lost, her shock written all over her face.
"Jenny, where's the other map?" Felix asked.
"Brother, can you help me untie these ropes first?" Jenny complained as Vince fumbled with the knots.
"Hurry," Felix urged. Then to the others, "Gerald, go with Thalia."
Gerald nodded, heading toward the secret basement only they knew about. The women had already escaped with their trusted ally, carrying the evidence with them.
Maybe they're already there, Felix thought. But still, everything felt too slow.
Fernan's gaze followed Thalia, clearly wanting to help.
"Take care of them, Fernan," Felix told him quietly.
"Ellese, Felisa—you may go now. You can cross presently," Ericka instructed.
Ellese shook her head. "Not everything is over yet. We haven't retrieved a single soul."
Felix didn't respond. Footsteps approached.
"Go on," he told them.
They nodded. Felix knew Mikaela could see Fernan's spirit, guiding them toward safety.
The enemy surrounded them now. He sighed, realizing there was no choice left but to fight. He would not let this warehouse, steeped in greed, become their grave.
The Fuego already knew their destination. It would come down to either escape or a final stand.
He could smell the blood in the air. Thalia and the others needed to reach the meeting place. He trusted that Isabel's group would not abandon them.
The map in Jenny's hand was the key to their safety. Only when their mission was complete, and they had all made it out alive, would the fight truly be over.
For now, there was only one goal—bring down the Fuego.