The transition of power had barely settled before the country began adjusting to its new reality. Lord Damien Ashcroft officially assumed all the responsibilities of the Iron Hand. Every morning, government convoys arrived at the Security Command Headquarters, where he now occupied the office that had once belonged to Logan Brooks. The national media followed his every movement. Newspapers carried photographs of him inspecting facilities. Television stations aired reports of his meetings with top military commanders. Government spokespersons praised his vision for the future and repeatedly assured citizens that the country's security remained in capable hands. Lord Ashcroft enjoyed every moment. He had waited years to occupy that office, and now that it belonged to him, he intended to make his authority known. He reorganized departments. Transferred several officers. Appointed trusted allies into strategic positions. He believed these changes would strengthen his administrat

The days following the President's emergency meeting were filled with expectation. Across the country, citizens waited anxiously for reassuring news. Television stations repeatedly aired statements from the office of the Iron Hand, assuring everyone that security operations were progressing well. Government spokespeople encouraged people to remain calm. "The situation is under control." "Our security agencies are working tirelessly." "The perpetrators will soon be apprehended." For the first few days, many citizens believed those assurances. Businesses remained open. Schools continued operating. Public transportation functioned normally. Life appeared to be returning to normal. Yet beneath that appearance of calm, something far more troubling was unfolding. The hostile nation that had launched the first attack had not retreated out of fear. Instead, its military commanders had been studying every response made by the country's new leadership. Each day they gathered fresh

One of the security chiefs slowly cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence that had settled over the conference room. "With due respect, Mr. President," he began cautiously, "perhaps granting him one final opportunity would be fair." Several officials exchanged uncertain glances. Another senior official immediately nodded in agreement. "I support that recommendation." He looked around the table before continuing. "If he fails after this..." "...then there will be absolutely no excuse left." The conference room fell silent once again. Every eye slowly turned toward the President. He leaned back in his chair. His face reflected exhaustion far beyond physical fatigue. For weeks, he had watched his nation descend deeper into fear. The burden rested heavily on his shoulders. He closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. Then his gaze settled firmly on Lord Ashcroft. "You asked me for one week." Lord Ashcroft immediately straightened in his seat. "Yes, Mr. Pre

Logan exhaled slowly before answering Charlotte. "It was a call from our country." Charlotte frowned slightly. "Our country?" He nodded. "One of the top security officials called me." Charlotte's curiosity immediately grew. "What did he want?" Logan rested the phone on the coffee table before leaning back against the sofa. "They want me back." Charlotte blinked in surprise. "What?" "They want me to return." She stared at him for several seconds before speaking again. "Return?" "Yes." "Why?" Logan smiled faintly. "Because things are no longer going well." Charlotte leaned closer. "What happened?" Logan folded his arms. "The new Iron Hand has failed to meet expectations." He paused briefly before continuing. "The country has suffered one attack after another." "Many people have died." "Government facilities have been destroyed." "The enemies have become bolder." "The security officials have begun to realize they made a terrible mistake." Charlotte listened a

The search team wasted no time carrying out the president's orders.Within an hour of the emergency meeting, a special task force consisting of senior security officials, intelligence officers, and experienced diplomats gathered inside the Presidential Villa. Every member of the delegation had worked with Logan Brooks in one capacity or another during his tenure as the Iron Hand. They understood his personality, his principles, and, above all, his unwavering commitment to justice.The Vice President personally addressed them before they departed."This mission," he said gravely, "is now the country's highest priority. Every hour we delay, more innocent people are exposed to danger. You all know Logan. He is a man of honor, but he is also a man who cannot tolerate betrayal. You must speak with sincerity. Do not attempt to deceive him. Admit where we failed."The officials nodded solemnly.One of the senior intelligence officers spoke."We understand, Your Excellency. We will not return