The sound of engines rumbled outside the cathedral.Adrian’s hand went straight to his gun.“Convoys three of them,” he said quietly. “They’re locking us in.”Leonard didn’t move. His gaze stayed on his father.“You planned this,” he said.His father’s tone was calm. “I warned you. The Circle doesn’t tolerate rebellion.”Leonard stepped closer. “And you don’t tolerate disobedience. So which one am I tonight?”A faint smile. “Both.”Adrian muttered, “I hate family reunions.”Gunfire cracked outside short bursts, growing louder.One of the masked men turned, panicking. “They’re not ours!”Leonard’s father frowned. “What?”Leonard’s eyes sharpened. “Then who?”The cathedral doors burst open. Black-clad soldiers stormed in, moving with precision.No insignia. No markings.Adrian fired first.“Who the hell are these guys?”Leonard ducked behind a pillar, reloading. “Not Stonecliff. Too organized.”His father’s voice echoed over the chaos. “They’re mine.”Leonard froze.“You brought them?”

Adrian kicked a crate aside. “We’ve been moving all night. Are you sure this place is clean?”Leonard scanned the room. “For now.”Elena looked uneasy. “You said Mara betrayed us. Are you certain?”Leonard’s tone was cold. “My father doesn’t find people that easily unless someone tells him where to look.”Adrian cursed. “She fed him our location.”Leonard checked his watch. “Which means he’s watching us right now.”A light flickered. The power cut out.Adrian reached for his gun. “Called it.”Leonard raised his hand. “Wait.”Static filled the old speakers on the wall. Then a familiar voice crackled through.“Leonard. You’re predictable.”Leonard’s father.Elena froze. “He found us.”Leonard replied evenly, “Then stop hiding. Come say that to my face.”A laugh. “No, son. You come to me. Bring the locket, and I’ll let your wife walk away.”Elena shook her head. “Don’t listen to him.”Adrian muttered, “Classic villain line.”Leonard ignored them. “You hurt her, and I’ll bury you.”The vo

Adrian parked the car under the trees.“Big house. Big trouble,” he muttered, checking his gun.Leonard adjusted his cuff. “No guns. We’re not here to start a war.”Elena gave him a look. “You really think my mother’s going to sit down and talk?”Leonard’s tone was calm. “No. But she’ll want to gloat.”They moved quietly through the garden path. The mansion was lit, guards stationed at every entrance.Adrian whistled low. “Looks like she’s expecting company.”Leonard replied, “She always does.”They reached the main doors. Before they could knock, they opened.Miranda stood there, flawless as ever in a black suit. “Leonard. Elena. How lovely of you to visit uninvited.”Elena’s voice trembled. “Mom… what is all this?”Miranda smiled thinly. “Control, dear. Something your husband’s family stole from mine decades ago.”Leonard’s eyes narrowed. “You worked with Stonecliff. You funded the Circle. You helped kill the Kanes.”She tilted her head. “Such harsh words. I did what was necessary f

The sound of Miranda’s heels echoed across the concrete, sharp against the wind. The airfield fell silent except for the hum of the engines cooling in the dark.Elena’s heart thudded painfully. She hadn’t seen Miranda in months, but the woman hadn’t changed elegant, ruthless, eyes like glass.Leonard stood perfectly still. “You came yourself. That’s new.”Miranda tilted her head, her lips curving faintly. “You always did bring out the personal in me.”Adrian raised his weapon, but Leonard lifted a hand. “Don’t.”Miranda’s gaze flicked toward Adrian, cool and unbothered. “Still hiding behind your shadow, Leonard? You never learned how to fight alone.”Leonard’s tone didn’t rise. “You’re not here to talk about my flaws. What do you want?”Miranda’s eyes glittered. “You. Dead, preferably. But I could settle for watching everything you built burn first.”Elena stepped forward before she could stop herself. “You framed him.”Miranda’s lips curved. “Sweet Elena. Always loyal to the wrong m

Miranda stood by the window, her reflection pale against the glass. Her hair was disheveled, her hands trembling slightly the first visible crack in her calm.Behind her, a man’s voice filled the room. Low. Even. Dangerous.“So. You failed.”Miranda didn’t turn. “I underestimated him.”“You underestimated my creation,” the voice replied. The man stepped into the dim light, older, sharp-featured, dressed in black. His eyes were calm but carried the weight of command.The Architect.Miranda swallowed. “Leonard Kane isn’t the same man we erased years ago.”The Architect smiled faintly. “No. He’s exactly the same. He’s his father’s son. Idealistic. Predictable.”“He’s not predictable,” she snapped before catching herself. “He’s built something we didn’t see coming. The Kane Consortium, the alliances, the influence ”“ And yet,” the Architect interrupted smoothly, “you’re here. Not him.”Miranda flinched. “He had help. Adrian. That man’s loyalty runs deep. If it weren’t for him ”The Arc