The Billionaire's Mistake (Anya and Daniel)

Chapter 83: Abduction

“Boss, you sure about this?” Tony, his right–hand man, asked as he exited the passenger side.

Mathias nodded, his face a mask of cool confidence. “It’s just a simple pickup, Tony. In and out.”

“Yeah, but the docks at night? Feels like we’re asking for trouble,” Tony muttered, adjusting

his holster.

“Relax,” Mathias said, clapping Tony on the shoulder. “That’s why I brought you and the boys Speaking of which, where are they?”

As if on cue, two more SUVS pulled up, noddedapprovingly.

and six men in dark suits emerged. Mathias

“Alright, listen up,” he addressed the group. “We’re here to pick up a package. Simple job. But keep your eyes open. Anything looks off; you sing out. Got it?”

A chorus of “Yes, boss” echoed through the night air.

Mathias checked his watch. “They should be here any minute. Spread out, keep a lookout.

The men dispersed, taking up positions around the meeting point. Mathias leaned against a shipping container, trying to look casual despite the tension in his shoulders.

Minutes ticked by. The only sounds were the lapping of waves against the dock and the distant hum of the city.

“Boss,” Tony’s voice came through on the earpiece. “Got movement at two o’clock. Looks like

Chand BJ. Abikichier

our guys.

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Mathias straightened up, spotting three figures approaching through the maze of containers. ” I see them. Everyone stay sharp.”

As the figures drew closer, Mathias put on his most charming smile. “Gentlemen, right on

time.”

The lead man, a burly fellow with a thick beard, grunted in response. “You Reeds?”

“The one and only,” Mathias replied smoothly. “I believe you have something for me.”

Bearded Man nodded to one of his companions, who stepped forward with a small, nondescript package.

“Payment first,” Bearded Man growled.

Mathias raised an eyebrow but maintained his smile. “Of course. Tony, if you would?”

Tony approached with a briefcase, opening it to reveal neatly stacked bills. Bearded Man’s eyes gleamed in the dim light.

Just as the exchange was about to take place, a shout rang out from somewhere in the darkness. “Boss, we’ve got company!”

In an instant, the docks erupted into chaos. Gunfire split the night air, bullets pinging off metal containers.

“It’s a setup!” Mathias yelled, diving for cover behind a nearby crate. “Take them down!”

The package was forgotten, and both Mathias’s men and the delivery group scattered, seeking shelter and returning fire.

“Tony!” Mathias shouted over the din. “Where are you?”

“Over here, boss!” Tony’s voice came from behind a forklift. “These aren’t just random thugs. They’re pros!”

Mathias cursed under his breath. This was supposed to be a simple job. How had it gone so

wrong?

“Marco, flank left!” He ordered into his earpiece. “Joey, cover him!”

More gunfire erupted as his men tried to maneuver. Mathias peeked out from his cover, squeezing off a few shots before ducking back down.

“Boss, we’re pinned down here!” came a panicked voice over the comm..

“Hold your position!” Matthias shouted back. “We’ll find a way out of this!”

But as the firefight dragged on, Mathias felt his confidence wavering. These attackers were good– too good. And they seemed to have the docks surrounded. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“Tony, ammo check!” he called out.

“Running low, boss!” Tony replied, the strain evident in his voice. “Maybe two mags left!”

Mathias grated his teeth. This was bad. Very bad “Fall back to the tanker!” he ordered. “We’ll make our stand there!”

His men began a fighting retreat, laying down cover fire as they moved towards a large fuel tanker parked nearby. Mathias brought up the rear, his heart pounding in his chest.

As they reached the tanker, a bullet grazed Mathias’s arm, tearing through his expensive suit. He hissed in pain but kept moving.

‘Boss, you hit?” Tony asked, concern etched on his face.

“It’s nothing,” Mathias grunted, pressing his back against the tanker. “Just a scratch.”

The attackers were closing in, their gunfire becoming more precise. Mathias could hear shouted orders and the sound of boots on concrete.

“We can’t hold out much longer,” Joey said, his voice tight with fear.

Mathias looked around at his men, their faces pale in the dim light. He had led them into this trap, and now…

Suddenly, his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. Matthias stared at it in disbelief. Who could be calling at a time like this?

“Are you kidding me?” Tony exclaimed, noticing the phone. “Who the hell is calling now?”

Mathias hesitated, then made a decision. Maybe it was backup. Maybe it was a way out. He had to take the chance.

“Cover me,” he said to Tony, then pressed the answer button. “Hello?” he shouted over the gunfire.

“Mathias Reeds?” A calm voice came through the speaker.

Mathias frowned. The voice was unfamiliar, but something about its tone sent a chill down his spine. “Who is this?”

“This is Daniel Shaw,” the voice replied.

Mathias felt the blood drain from his face.

Mathias’s heart raced as he processed the name he’d just heard. Daniel Shaw. His mind reeled with the implications.

“This attack is this your doing? Are you the one attacking?” Mathias demanded, his voice barely audible over the gunfire.

Daniel’s low chuckle crackled through the phone. “No, Mathias. I’m not,”

“What a coincidence calling at this very moment then,” Mathias scoffed at Daniel’s words.

“Why do I need to dirty my hands? You are running around as the head of the Dark Hands. You’ve made quite a few enemies already,” Daniel chuckled.

Mathias scoffed, ducking as another bullet whizzed past. “You expect me to believe that? You just happen to call right when we’re under attack? Last I checked, you are also one of my enemies.”

“True, but does that help your situation?” Daniel replied coolly, and Matthias felt the urge to

curse.

“Whatever you are going through, I’m offering you a chance to talk. You should come see me.” Daniel said.

“And why the hell would I do that?” Matthew spat, gesturing frantically at Tony to check their

flanks.

Daniel’s voice remained calm, almost eerily so. “It is not nice arranging a meeting with my wife, is it? Let us talk. Anything you wish to negotiate, you should do it with me… face to face.”

Mathias hesitated, weighing his options.

“What a time to set up a meeting,” Mathias cursed.

“You wouldn’t come if you are nice and toasty at home, would you?” Daniel asked.

The gunfire was intensifying, and he could hear his men shouting that they were running low

ammunition.

on

“And you claim you are not the one attacking us? Mathias basically spat.

“Well, I may have shared your location, just as you had shared my wife’s location. I think it is fair,” Daniel said, his voice sounding careless through the phone.

As if reading his thoughts, Daniel spoke again. “More men are coming, Mathias. Because I am not attacking doesn’t mean I can’t take you out of there. You have two choices: come talk things out with me or die there. Your call.”

Mathias gritted his teeth, frustration and fear warring within him. “And if I agree? How do I know this isn’t just another trap?”

“You don’t,” Daniel said simply. “But what other choice do you have?”

The sounds of the firefight seemed to fade as Matthias considered his options. Death here in the docks or a chance–however slim–at survival.

“Fine,” Mathias growled. “I’ll come. Now get me the hell out of here.”

“Smart choice,” Daniel replied. “My men are on their way. Sit tight.”

The line went dead, leaving Matthews staring at his phone in disbelief.

“Boss?” Tony’s voice cut through his daze. “What’s going on?”

Before Mathias could answer, a new sound joined the chaos–the roar of approaching vehicles. For a moment, Mathias feared it was more attackers. But then he saw them: sleek black SUVS tearing through the docks, men in tactical gear pouring out.

“What the…” Tony breathed, eyes wide.