The President froze, his cane halfway raised like a pathetic weapon. His eyes darted from Ethan’s calm, predatory smile to Thomas, then back again. “You,” the President hissed, his voice low and venomous. “You treacherous son of a bitch.”Ethan stepped fully into the dim light filtering through a cracked skylight. He looked relaxed, almost amused, hands loose at his sides. No visible weapon, but Thomas knew better. Men like Ethan didn’t need to show their teeth until they were ready to bite.“Careful with the insults, sir,” Ethan said smoothly. “We’re all friends here. Or at least… business associates.”Thomas kept his position near the door, every muscle coiled. His split lip throbbed in time with his pulse. He could feel the weight of the burner phone still in his pocket, a useless lifeline now. Anna’s words echoed in his head: “Stay alive.”The President’s knuckles whitened around the cane. “Where is Victoria?”Ethan chuckled softly, the sound echoing off the concrete. “Safe,