After Katherine left, Faye sat in her living room with a growing sense of unease.Katherine's questions had been too specific, too focused, suggesting she had learned something that made her suspect Yemin's true circumstances.But how could she have found out? Faye wondered.And more importantly, what is she planning to do with whatever information she thinks she has?Meanwhile, at the hospital, Yemin found Marcus in much better spirits, dressed in his business suit and preparing for discharge.The billionaire's recovery had been remarkably rapid once the poison was neutralized."Sir, I can't thank you enough for what you did at the fundraiser," Marcus said as he gathered his personal belongings. "Without your intervention, I'd be dead.""How are you feeling? Any lingering effects from the poisoning?""Physically, I'm completely recovered. Mentally, I'm angry as hell that they got so close to succeeding.""That's what we need to discuss. Marcus, by now Sphinx knows that you survived t

In a nondescript office building across the city, Agent Collins sat in front of multiple computer screens displaying news coverage of the Group A acquisition.The announcement had sent shockwaves through the financial world, and Sphinx leadership was demanding immediate intelligence about the mysterious new owner."This changes everything," Collins muttered as he reviewed his assignment parameters."If Group A is under new ownership, we need to know exactly who we're dealing with."His secure phone buzzed with an encrypted message from Antonio Ricci: "Priority Alpha. Identify new Group A owner immediately. Use all necessary resources."They're taking this acquisition seriously, Collins observed. Which means it could affect Sphinx operations significantly.Within hours, Collins had assembled a team of digital specialists and corporate infiltrators.Their mission was clear: penetrate Group A's security systems and uncover the true identity of the company's new controller.Meanwhile, at

Two days later, Yemin stood in line outside a nondescript office building in the industrial district, surrounded by dozens of other men who had responded to a carefully worded recruitment advertisement.The posting had sought "experienced security professionals for high-paying private protection work," and the response had been overwhelming.Antonio Ricci is rebuilding his entire security team after what happened to Joseph Ultra, Yemin observed as he studied his fellow applicants.Perfect opportunity to get inside his operation.The men around him represented exactly what he had expected - former military personnel, ex-police officers, private military contractors, and professional bodyguards.Their conversations revealed extensive combat experience and weapons training."Did two tours in Afghanistan before going private," one heavily muscled man was telling his companion. "Been doing executive protection for five years now.""Same here, except I was Marines in Iraq," replied a scarre

"We're the ones keeping you safe around here.""Please, I just need to deliver your food and get back to work," the woman replied, trying to step away from their advances."What's your hurry?" asked another guard, blocking her escape route."We're just trying to be friendly.""Yeah, friendly," added the third, whose ranking as seventh in the selection process had apparently given him an inflated sense of authority."A pretty girl like you shouldn't be so unfriendly to the men protecting this place.""I'm not being unfriendly, I'm just trying to do my job.""Maybe your job should include being a little nicer to the security team," the seventh-ranked guard said with obvious menace as he moved to grab her."That's enough," Yemin called out as he stepped into view."Leave her alone and just take your food."The three guards turned to look at him with expressions of surprise and amusement. The woman looked relieved but also worried about the potential consequences of his intervention."Wel

The cook stood frozen, her mouth agape as she stared at the unconscious guards scattered around Yemin like broken dolls. Her hands trembled as she clutched the dinner tray against her chest."I... I've never seen anything like that in my entire life," she whispered, her voice barely audible."Who are you? Really?"Yemin dusted off his hands casually, as if he'd just finished a mundane chore rather than dismantling nearly ten trained killers. "Just a guy who's hungry for dinner.""That's impossible," she breathed, shaking her head in disbelief."These men are trained assassins. They've killed people with their bare hands. You just... you made it look so easy.""Sometimes things aren't as complicated as they seem," Yemin replied with a slight shrug. He stepped closer, his voice becoming more serious."Listen, I need you to promise me something."The cook nodded eagerly, still in shock."Anything.""You didn't see what happened here tonight. Not a word to anyone about this fight. Can you