"Marcus chose you," Thomas corrected venomously. "He chose your friendship over his family loyalty. He chose your noble cause over his brother's needs. And where did that leave me?""It left you free to become a monster," Yemin replied coldly."It left me abandoned," Thomas snapped, his composure cracking slightly. "While my brother was busy playing the loyal lieutenant to the great Yemin Morgan, I was struggling to survive on my own.""So you decided to become a criminal.""I decided to become successful," Thomas corrected. "And I've been far more successful than either you or Marcus ever imagined. My network spans three continents and generates hundreds of millions in revenue annually.""Built on human misery," Yemin pointed out."Built on supply and demand," Thomas replied callously. "I simply provide a service that wealthy clients are willing to pay premium prices for.""You're talking about slavery.""I'm talking about business," Thomas said with a shrug. "But enough philosophy.

Consciousness returned slowly to Yemin, like surfacing from deep water. His head pounded with a dull ache, and his body felt strangely heavy and unresponsive. As awareness gradually returned, he realized he was lying on a narrow cot in what appeared to be a high-tech prison cell.The walls were lined with strange panels that emitted a low humming sound, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with an almost imperceptible frequency that made his enhanced senses feel dulled and confused."Ah, you're awake," Thomas Morgan's voice came from speakers mounted in the ceiling. "How are you feeling? Disoriented? Weak? That's exactly as intended."Yemin tried to stand but found his coordination severely impaired. His enhanced reflexes felt sluggish, and his usual physical strength seemed significantly diminished."What did you do to me?" Yemin asked, his voice coming out hoarse and strained."Nothing permanent," Thomas replied with obvious satisfaction. "Just a carefully calibrated combination of

Thomas pressed another button, and stage lights illuminated a platform in the center of the auction room. Two guards led a young woman onto the stage, and Yemin's heart shattered as he recognized his sister Isabella. She moved mechanically, her eyes vacant and unfocused, dressed in a simple white dress that made her look even more vulnerable."Behold," the auctioneer continued, "Isabella Ashford, age twenty-three, sister to the late Alexander Ashford. She has been meticulously prepared and trained for the past fifteen years. She is compliant, educated, and carries the prestige of the Ashford bloodline.""Look at her, Alexander," Thomas whispered in Yemin's ear. "Look at what your quest for revenge has brought her to. If you had just stayed dead like a good boy, she might have lived a peaceful life in some remote location. But no, you had to play hero."The bidding began at fifty million dollars, and hands immediately shot up around the room. Yemin watched in horror as wealthy criminal

"Hurt her? Why would I hurt her when watching her suffer is so much more entertaining?" Thomas laughed. "Besides, I might have use for her later. A woman that loyal and devoted could prove... valuable."As Thomas spoke, Yemin noticed something crucial. The younger guard – Guard B – winced slightly at Thomas's words about Faye. A micro-expression of discomfort, gone in an instant, but significant. Potential weak point. Possible conscience."Now, let's discuss your pathetic escape attempts," Thomas said, switching tactics. "Oh yes, I know all about your little meditation sessions, your attempts to overcome the electromagnetic dampeners. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?"Yemin let his face fall, as if caught in the act. "I wasn't—""Please," Thomas interrupted with a dismissive wave. "I've been studying your methods for years. I know exactly how the Old Man trained you, exactly what techniques you use to center yourself and access your enhanced abilities. These dampeners were spec

"You're wrong," Danny said, but his voice lacked conviction. "Thomas protects people who serve him loyally.""Ask yourself this," Yemin continued. "How many of Thomas's former employees have you met? How many success stories of people who worked for him and then retired peacefully?"Danny's silence was answer enough.Over the following days, Yemin continued his careful psychological campaign. With Guard C during the afternoon shifts, he learned about the facility's layout by asking seemingly innocent questions about meal delivery and medical protocols."Must be exhausting, walking these corridors all day," Yemin commented as Guard C brought his evening meal. "How many levels does this place have?""Three main levels, plus the basement storage areas," Guard C replied automatically, then caught himself. "Why?""Just wondering," Yemin said wearily. "Everything echoes the same down here. Hard to tell where you are."Through Guard C, Yemin learned that the upper levels housed what the guar