The steady drizzle outside had softened to a light mist by the time Tony's car pulled into the hidden driveway of his father's newest hideout. The house was a dark shape nestled behind a thick wall of tall, shadowy trees, its windows showing no inviting light. This place was unlike Victor's previous, more common locations. This felt like a deep, secret fortress, a place where no one could easily find them. Tony drove slowly past a hidden gate that slid open without a sound, then parked his car in the dimly lit garage beneath the house.He walked through a silent hallway, the air cool and still. Inside, Tony felt a strange mix of relief and a fierce pride. He had done it. He had played the Callahans, putting on a perfect show of ignorance, and they had believed him completely. He felt cunning, smart, like he was finally in control of this dangerous game. He pushed open a heavy, solid door and stepped into a large, warm room.Victor sat in a soft leather chair, a thick book open in his

The days that followed were a strange mix of tension and unexpected tenderness. The knowledge that they were closing in on Victor hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the danger that surrounded them. Yet, amidst the strategic meetings and hushed phone calls, Caleb and Diana found themselves drawn to each other with a quiet intensity.In the evenings, after the team had dispersed and the mansion settled into a fragile peace, they would often find solace in each other's company. Sometimes, it was just a shared silence in the library, surrounded by the comforting scent of old books, Diana curled up with a medical journal, Caleb reviewing security reports on his laptop, their legs brushing occasionally under the large oak table. These moments, though unspoken, were a silent acknowledgment of their shared burden, a quiet reassurance that they were not alone in this fight.Other times, they would find themselves talking for hours. Diana, usually so composed, would share stories of

The drive to the command center was quick, the city lights a blur outside the tinted windows of the car Richard had sent for Caleb. His mind raced, replaying every detail of the last few hours, every word exchanged with Diana. The brief moment of tenderness on the terrace, the unexpected kiss, felt like a distant dream now, replaced by the sharp reality of the mission ahead.He arrived at a discreet, unmarked building on the outskirts of Veredale. It looked like any other corporate office from the outside, but Caleb knew better. This was Richard's domain, a hub of information and strategy, a place where secrets were kept and plans were formed. The security was tight; two burly men in dark suits, their eyes sharp and watchful, met him at the entrance. They nodded respectfully as he passed, their silence a testament to the gravity of the situation.Inside, the atmosphere was different from the luxurious quiet of the Callahan mansion. The air hummed with a quiet energy. Sc

Sensors back online in ten," Finn warned."Understood," Darius replied. They moved swiftly, keeping low, staying in the shadows. They reached the side of the main building, pressing themselves against the cold concrete wall."Okay, Finn," Caleb whispered into his comms. "We need a way in. A service entrance, a less-guarded door. Something that won't set off alarms.""Working on it," Finn replied. "There's a loading dock on the east side. Minimal camera coverage, and I can override the lock remotely. But there's a guard who patrols that area every five minutes. He's due back in two.""Too long," Caleb said. "We need to move now.""There's a smaller window on the second floor, facing the back," Finn suggested. "It's rarely used. No direct camera. I can unlock it, but it's a climb."Caleb looked up. It was a good twenty feet, but there were some pipes and ledges that could provide handholds. "I can do it," he said."Alright," Darius said. "I'll give you a bo

Caleb stood firm, his eyes locked on Victor. Darius moved quickly, closing the distance to the desk. He grabbed Victor's hand, pulling it away from whatever Victor was reaching for. It was a small, sleek device, a hidden panic button or a communication tool. Darius crushed it in his palm. "No sudden moves," Darius said, his voice a low, steady warning. "You answer his questions." Victor's face was pale, but a flicker of defiance sparked in his eyes. He slowly raised his hands, showing they were empty. "You think you've won, boy?" he sneered, his voice still shaky but gaining a touch of its old arrogance. "You know nothing. This is just the beginning." Caleb stepped closer to the desk, his gaze unwavering. "The beginning of your end, Victor. My mother, Fiona. Her death. The frame-up of my father. Ms. Laura. and jasmine. Tell me everything. Why? What did she do to you?" Victor scoffed, a dry, humorless sound. "Fiona was a fool. She believed in honor, in legacy. Weakness. Her mistak