**Chapter 4: The Cracks in the Facade**

The silence that followed Alev's departure was oppressive, weighing heavily on Ashley's shoulders. She tried to calm Ender, who was still trembling with fear, his tiny body clinging to hers. She whispered softly into his ear, trying to reassure him that everything would be okay, but her own heart was racing with anxiety. She knew she had to act fast, before Alev returned with some new demand or threat. As she looked around the room, her gaze fell on Franklin, still snoring peacefully on the couch. She felt a pang of guilt and frustration. Why was he so oblivious to the danger that lurked in their midst? Didn't he sense the tension, the malevolent energy that seemed to seep from every pore of Alev's being? Ashley's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside the room. Alev was returning, and she could sense that he was not alone. The door creaked open, and Alev stood in the entrance, his phone in one hand and a sly smile spreading across his face. Behind him stood two men, their faces impassive, their eyes fixed on Ashley with an unnerving intensity. "Ah, Ashley," Alev said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I've brought some friends to keep us company. They're here to help me...persuade you to see things my way." The two men stepped forward, their movements synchronized, like puppets on strings. Ashley felt a surge of fear as they closed in on her, their eyes cold and unyielding. Ender, sensing her panic, buried his face deeper into her chest, his tiny body trembling with terror. Alev held up Ashley's phone, scrolling through the messages with a flourish. "Your mother is quite the chatterbox, isn't she?" he sneered. "I think it's time we had a little chat with her, don't you?" Ashley's heart sank. She knew she had to protect her mother, no matter what. With a surge of adrenaline, she lunged at Alev, trying to grab her phone back. But he was too quick, and he dodged her easily, his eyes glinting with amusement. The two men closed in, their hands reaching out to grab her. Ashley knew she had to think fast, to come up with a plan to get out of this situation. She glanced around the room, her eyes scanning the space frantically, searching for anything that could help her. That's when she saw it - a small window on the opposite side of the room, partially hidden by a tattered curtain. Without hesitation, Ashley made a split-second decision. She grabbed Ender and made a run for the window, dodging the outstretched hands of Alev's men. She flung open the window and pushed Ender out, hoping that he would be safe on the fire escape outside. As she followed him out, she felt a rush of cool night air on her face, and a glimmer of hope. But as she looked down at the ground far below, her heart skipped a beat. They were on the third floor, and the drop was a long way down. Could they make it? And what would Alev do when he realized they were escaping? Ashley pushed aside her doubts and focused on the task at hand. They had to get down, and they had to get out of here, before it was too late.