“President-elect Cloud,” she began, her voice tinged with curiosity, “your campaign emphasized unity, which we really need now after a period of political division." "What concrete steps will you take to bridge the gap between oppositions and ensure that there is peace?" Nathan’s face softened slightly as the question touched him deeply. She was right, especially after the scandal with Darius. “Unity...” he said, his tone more personal, “requires empathy, and my administration will make sure that people from opposite parties, especially those who are willing to work together, are given the chance to. We have only one country, and there is no need to divide it." “We will also make sure that those who have been wronged in any way by the previous administration are compensated immediately. Prescott must move forward, and no one will be left behind." He paused, looking directly at the reporter. “Unity is not about erasing differences. It’s about recognizing them, respecting th

“Everything is in place,” the man said, his voice steady but respectful. “The first phase of the plan is ready to be executed.” Darius nodded slowly, a grin spreading across his face. “Good. Very good.” He stood, stretching his arms. Darius had acquired a dangerous charisma in prison. “Phase one is only the beginning,” Darius said, his voice calm yet filled with an undercurrent of menace. “We will take everything Nathan loves the most—his family.” "One by one, they will all fall." The man hesitated for a moment, then spoke again. “And Nathan? He’s already tightening security around his family.” Darius laughed, a sound devoid of warmth. “Let him. It won’t matter. "One by one, they will fall, and Nathan will be the last to fall. I want him to feel a lot of pain first." He began pacing the room. “Nathan thinks he can protect them. He thinks he’s untouchable now that he’s President-elect.” Darius’s grin widened. “He won’t know what hit him!" The man watched silently, kno

Nathan was filled with strategies and fear long after the conversation with Commissioner Harris, but as it was getting closer to midnight, Vanessa gently urged him to rest. She led him to the bedroom, and Nathan slid into bed, pulling Vanessa into his arms. His hand gently traced her hair, a motion meant to calm her, though he found it soothing himself. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” he whispered against her hair. “No matter what. I’ll protect you, Vanessa. You and Brian. Always.” Vanessa nestled closer, feeling the weight of his promise. “I believe you, Nathan,” she murmured softly. “But you don’t have to carry this alone. We’ll face it together.” Nathan kissed her forehead, allowing her warmth to momentarily eclipse the cold fear gnawing at him. “Together,” he agreed. But in his heart, he knew the burden of protection rested squarely on his shoulders. The house fell completely silent as both of them drifted into sleep. But Nathan could barely rest, as he could sti

Nathan’s mind was racing, and he could barely contain his rage. He could feel the heat from the fire on his skin, and it was as hot as the rage bubbling inside him. His gaze locked onto the hotel, watching as firefighters scrambled, knowing it was only a matter of time before the entire structure crumbled to ash. Then, suddenly, Nathan’s phone buzzed in his pocket. The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number. Nathan didn’t hesitate. He pulled it from his coat, his fingers trembling as he answered the call. Nathan could hear his heart pounding. Who could it be? The voice on the other end made his blood run cold. “Well, well, Lord Cloud, I hope you like my little gift.” Darius's voice was dripping with mockery. Nathan could tell he was amused. His jaw clenched at the sound of his voice. Nathan’s grip on the phone tightened so much that his knuckles turned white. His gaze flickered back toward the hotel; he could barely control his anger at this point. How could som

The atmosphere inside Nathan’s estate was thick with tension.In the command room, his team worked relentlessly to break through Darius’s encryption, the quiet buzz of activity underscoring the urgency. Each passing second felt like an eternity.Marcus hurried from the command room to Nathan’s study, not bothering to knock. He burst inside.“Sir,” he began, his voice steady but urgent, “we’ve found him. We traced Darius’s location to the docks on the outskirts of the city.”Nathan’s eyes snapped to Marcus. “Are you certain?”Marcus nodded. “Yes, sir. The signal is strong, and the coordinates match intercepted communications. He’s there.”Nathan didn’t hesitate. “Good.” His voice was resolute. “Assemble the team. We’re moving now.”Marcus gave a curt nod and turned to relay the orders. Within moments, the estate was buzzing with activity. Men in tactical gear armed themselves, checking weapons and communications.Vanessa entered the room, her eyes searching Nathan’s face. “You found hi