"Actually, I can," Elias replied. "This building has an advanced HVAC system. I can seal ventilation, pump out oxygen, create a hypoxic environment. You'd all be unconscious in six minutes. Dead in twelve."The woman Victoria was holding started sobbing."I'm not going to do that," Elias added. "But the fact that I can should tell you something about your negotiating position."Victoria's professional mask was cracking. Her carefully laid plan—the siege, the hostages, the countdown—had been turned against her in less than five minutes.Last Updated : 2026-02-19

"They found out." Miranda's voice turned bitter. "Victoria Syn herself came to my office one afternoon. Closed the door. Sat down across from my desk like we were having a friendly chat."She mimicked the posture, sitting on the edge of a nearby crate."She showed me two folders. One contained photographs of you and your father. At home. At work. At your school. Hundreds of photos taken over months. Proving they could reach you anytime they wanted."Miranda's hands clenched."The other folder contained a contract. Join the Iron Syndicate. Use my business expertise to help them expand their infrastructure control. In exchange

Flashlights clicked on throughout the factory, beams cutting through the blackness like searchlights. But Elias had already moved.His Future Sight guided him through the darkness with perfect precision, showing him where every obstacle, every person, every threat would be before they materialized.He reached Anastasia's chair, his hands finding the zip-ties binding her wrists. He pulled a small tactical knife from his pocket—taken from one of the unconscious mercenaries back at his building—and sliced through the restraints in one smooth motion.She gasped as the gag came off, sucking in air."Can you run?" Elia