The following night, as the H.J. Morgan Bank closed its gates and pulled down the window blinds, Alex watched everything from the distant rooftop of a 4-star hotel, which had been closed for renovations.As the hours ticked away, the few cars and bikes speeding down the road dwindled to a handful, eventually leaving the streets deserted.After the last 3 armored delivery vans reached the bank’s secure docking bay at the back, the automated steel doors slid to a close, and the perimeter security turned on, activating motion sensors and alarms.A few guards remained outside to secure the perimeter, while the rest stayed inside to guard the four floors.Alex watched everything through his night vision goggles and called up Godrick on a private channel over his satellite radio.“Everything is shut. The place is under complete lockdown. I think it’s time to break the ice.”“Roger that, Commander. Initiating the first spark,” Godrick replied from the other end. “You should have 7 minutes be

Enrico and three others drove off on bikes while Xavier got back into one of the firetrucks with the rest of his crew.The loud siren and the flashing red beacon immediately awakened the whole street, drawing the attention of all patrolling units in the vicinity.By now, the cops and the security teams had discovered the robbery at the bank, and all evidence pointed toward the fake firemen who had been there before.The police department ordered a complete lockdown, and all available units were immediately dispatched to pursue the fake firetruck.Xavier adjusted his rear-view mirror and scoffed as he saw 2 armored SWAT vans grinding on his tail, accompanied by smaller patrol cars.“It took you long enough. But I am glad you took the bait.”Xavier didn’t mind being chased. His job was to draw all the heat from the law enforcement and keep the cops away from his brother.And his plan worked perfectly.The SWAT vans continued chasing his fire truck across the district, following him stra

Alex had hit Raymond where it hurt the most.With the bank breathing down Raymond’s neck and the governor refusing to cooperate, he was caught right in the middle of hell.And the only way out that he could think of was by getting rid of Alex.“I know your men robbed the bank. I know you were behind all this,” Raymond muttered, boiling with suppressed anger. “You want a piece of Ivera. But you refused to pay the toll. And now, you’re on my bad side.”“I have a habit of getting on people’s bad sides. You’re nothing special,” Alex mocked. “Martin already got my message, and Governor Morton is powerless now. That leaves only one thorn in my path. And that’s you, Raymond.”“You just made one mistake, Alex. I am not a thorn. I am the blade that will rip you in half when you try to get in my way!”“Then let’s see if you’re really as sharp as your tongue,” Alex scoffed. “You’re already neck deep in debt and have no friends to bail you out. It’s only a matter of time before I crush you comple

Raymond wasn’t born into a wealthy family, but he had clawed his way to the top, one painful step at a time.He had built Cosmo Tech with his own hands, recruiting the top mercenaries from around the country and training them into lethal operatives.Even the cops knew Raymond had more power over Ivera than the actual enforcement agencies.Cosmo Tech wasn’t just another security firm, but a private army of ruthless operatives equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and access to the best tactical gear money could buy.Sitting inside his grand mansion on Woodmont Boulevard, surrounded by his best operatives, he felt untouchable.Even the state troopers would think twice about marching into such a place. And Raymond had given his men permission to shoot any trespassers, no matter who they were.Despite the issues with the bank, Raymond wasn’t ready to give in.He had already cut a deal with one of his billionaire friends in Clover Dale to help him pay off his debts with the bank in exchan

Power shifted overnight as the old lions retreated to their dens while a new lone wolf stepped forth, emerging as the new king of the cut-throat concrete jungle.Governor Morton arranged for a press conference where he officially welcomed Alex to Ivera, treating him like a valued guest.“The city of Hannington is extremely lucky to be graced by the billionaire philanthropist from Glenmonte, Alex Verlaine! And the entire state of Ivera stands to benefit from his generosity.”Alex accepted the warm introduction with humility.“I am happy to be here. It is my goal to help the people of Alexandria in whatever little way I can. For me, humanity always comes before business.”The whole auditorium echoed with loud applause and flashes as the reporters zoomed in on Alex, snapping shots that would be displayed on the front pages of every newspaper.Governor Morton adjusted his tie and smiled graciously.“I am happy to announce that Mr. Verlaine has decided to expand his business to Ivera. The