**Chapter 3: Red Room Rumblings**

The warm sunshine that had cast a gentle glow over the park just moments before seemed to fade into the background as Yelena Belova's instincts kicked in. She had been watching her three-year-old daughter Emma ride her bike in circles around her, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. But now, as she scanned the surrounding area, her eyes narrowing as she sensed a presence watching her, she knew that her past was about to catch up with her. The figure emerged from the trees, their eyes fixed intently on Yelena. She couldn't quite make out their features, but there was something in their gaze that sent a shiver down her spine. The figure was tall, dressed in dark clothing, and seemed to blend into the shadows. Yelena's heart began to beat a little faster, her senses on high alert. She knew that look, that feeling. It was a look that said she had been found, that her past was about to catch up with her. The figure took a step closer, and Yelena's hand instinctively went to her hip, where her katana, Yamato, was usually kept. It was a habit she had long since broken, but old instincts died hard. The figure stopped in front of her, its eyes locked on Yelena's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. "Yelena Belova," the figure said, its voice low and gravelly. "The White Widow. It's been a long time." Yelena's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. Who was this person, and what did they want from her? She glanced down at Emma, who was watching the scene with wide eyes. "I think it's time for us to go," Yelena said, her voice firm. She wrapped her arm around Emma's shoulders, pulling her close. The figure didn't move, its eyes still fixed on Yelena's. "I'm not sure that's a good idea," it said, a hint of a smile playing on its lips. As Yelena looked into the figure's eyes, she noticed a slight hesitation, a flicker of uncertainty. It was a small crack in the figure's composure, but it was enough to give Yelena hope. Maybe, just maybe, this person wasn't here to take her back to her old life. The figure took another step closer, and Yelena could see the Red Room's insignia on its jacket. Her heart sank, and she knew she had to act fast. "Emma, go to the playground," Yelena said, her voice low and urgent. "I'll be right there." Emma nodded, her eyes still wide with fear, but she began to pedal her bike towards the playground. Yelena watched her go, her eyes never leaving the figure in front of her. The figure took another step closer, its hand reaching into its jacket. Yelena's instincts screamed at her to draw her katana, to defend herself and Emma. But she hesitated, unsure of what the figure would do. As the figure's hand emerged from its jacket, Yelena saw a small device in its hand. It was a tracking device, one that would allow the Red Room to locate her and Emma. With a swift motion, Yelena grabbed the device from the figure's hand, crushing it in her palm. The figure's eyes widened in surprise, and it took a step back, its hand instinctively going to its own weapon. Yelena didn't hesitate. She grabbed Emma's bike and began to pedal it towards the playground, her eyes never leaving the figure. As she approached Emma, she scooped her up in her arms, holding her close. "Time to go," Yelena said, her voice firm. She began to walk quickly away from the park, her senses on high alert, ready for anything. As they walked, Yelena couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that her past was closing in on her. She quickened her pace, her eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of danger. Little did she know, her new life was about to be turned upside down. The sound of footsteps behind her made Yelena's heart skip a beat. She turned to see a group of Red Room agents, their eyes fixed on her. They were dressed in black, their faces hidden behind masks. Yelena's instincts kicked in, and she began to move quickly, her eyes scanning the area for a safe place to hide. She knew she couldn't take on the agents in a straight fight, not with Emma by her side. As she turned a corner, Yelena spotted a small alleyway between two buildings. She quickly moved towards it, her eyes never leaving the agents behind her. "Stay close, Emma," Yelena whispered, her voice urgent. "We're going to get out of here." Emma nodded, her eyes wide with fear, but she stayed close to Yelena's side. Together, they moved into the alleyway, the sound of the agents' footsteps echoing behind them. Yelena's heart was racing, her senses on high alert. She knew she had to protect Emma, no matter what. She would do whatever it took to keep her daughter safe, even if it meant facing her past once again.