That same night, the 3 crates loaded with Gallium Nitride chips were delivered to Carmine Island, where Kronos Tech’s new office was being built from scratch.Samantha verified the shipment herself, and the quality of the semiconductors surprised her.Her phone rang the very next second.It was Alex on the other end.“I hope those chips will be enough. Do you need anything else?”“The quality is amazing. These are much better than the ones we can manufacture locally. How did you even get so many of them in such a short time?” she asked, rippling with curiosity.“I procured them from a third party. It’s best if you don’t get into the details,” Alex replied with casual ease. “How long till you can get the Golden Dome ready?”“The gallium nitride chips are the primary components for these pylons. Everything else can be assembled rather quickly. We already have the designs stored in our database. It shouldn’t take more than a week.”That was the best news Alex had heard all week.“Work we

“The Marston family from Wickerville?” Edgar Warrington asked, furrowing his brow.“The same,” Alex replied, with a look of certainty.“Why would the Marstons target us?” Josiah asked. “They live on the other side of the state. And Michael and his family aren’t even close to us in stature or even power.”“Michael Marston is a religious fanatic. But he has no interest in politics. He has always been happy to preside over Wickerville like an unchallenged Lord. Why the hell would he turn his eyes this way?” Adam Vanderbilt asked.The only one who remained silent all this time was Connor Vanderbilt. He already knew too much, and the thought of exposing his brother’s secrets ashamed him.“Michael Marston wants to get rid of two birds with one stone. And he already has a grudge against me because his son was killed while trying to attack my penthouse,” Alex replied and then turned to Connor. “I think it’s time you finally spoke up about your brother’s deeds.”Despite knowing Rory’s faults,

Inside Michael Marston’s study room in Marston Manor, Claire Marston was sitting in her white wedding gown, tied to a chair.A piece of white cloth was wrapped around her mouth, preventing her from screaming.Meanwhile, Michael Marston was cutting the tip of a cigar and pacing around the table in front.“You have been nothing more than trouble ever since we got married,” he said, finally lighting the cigar.Blowing a puff of smoke in her face, he continued. “I gave you comfort, security, love, care, and a home to call your home. Performed all the duties of a husband with due diligence. Would you disagree?”“Mhmpf!” Claire tried to speak, but the gag muffled her words.Her eyes flickered with a fearful premonition as she looked at her husband.Her whole body trembled as beads of sweat streaked down her face. She kept shaking in the chair, pleading with her sobbing eyes.But her tears did nothing to soften Michael Marston.He leaned closer and moved the cigar close to her face, burning

Inside an old 18th-century hillside chapel, Michael Marston was down on his knees, praying to the Lord in his bitter, gruff voice.“Forgive me for my transgressions. Forgive me, dear Lord, for I have sinned. This flesh is unworthy of your love, dear Father. But I know your kindness knows no bounds. Have mercy on this sinner and absolve him of his sins.”Looking directly at the altar, Michael held his head high and raised his hands.“Glory be to the Lord and our Savior. They kingdom come. Thy will be done! Here on Earth as it is in Heaven!”“I am afraid it’s a bit too late for prayers,” A voice yelled from outside. “The Lord has already seen through your lies. And now it’s time you prepare for His Judgment!”Michael Marston’s face darkened as he heard that familiar voice.He stood up and grabbed the double-barreled shotgun lying on the pew.“You shouldn’t have come here, Mr. Verlaine. But I guess the Lord wants me to do his bidding tonight. For he said, vengeance shall be mine!”Loadin

That one message swallowed all of Alex’s joy, putting him on edge once more.He tried to check the number, but it turned up no results.Alex looked at his guests and wondered if the perpetrator was someone close to him.While the others laughed and chattered, only Jakob Rashford noticed the sudden change in Alex’s expression.“You look nervous. It’s not your first wedding,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood.But Alex frowned at his remark.“I am in no mood for such jokes.”Jakob quickly realized something serious was troubling him.“What’s wrong?”Alex showed him the message on his phone.“It’s probably just a prank, or some influencer trying to gain attention. You know how it is with social media these days.”However, Alex didn’t feel like taking any chances.He immediately called up the head of security.“I want the guest list right now. Double the security around the beach and check all the reporters again.”The rest of the wedding ceremony continued under heightened security, a