"You want to do what?"William stared at Chris in shock, which was unusual for the normally composed man. They were in Chris's office at Quantum Corp, along with Audrey and three other senior executives."I'm going to hold a press conference this Saturday," Chris repeated. "I'm going to reveal my identity as the owner of Quantum Corp and explain why I've been operating in secret.""Young master, are you certain this is wise?" William asked carefully. "Once you reveal yourself, there's no going back. You'll be exposed to public scrutiny, to your enemies, to everyone.""I'm already exposed," Chris said. "Jane Morrison has connected me to my father. Hunter Kane is surveilling me. Victor is posting conspiracy theories online. I can either control how the truth comes out, or I can let others control it for me.""What about your father?" Audrey asked. "Does he know about this plan?""I'm telling him tonight," Chris said. "But he won't object. He's been wanting me to take my rightful place p

"Mr. Winchester, are you ready?"William stood at the door of the private conference room where Chris had been preparing for the past hour. Outside, the press conference hall was filling with journalists, cameras, and curious onlookers. The energy was electric."As ready as I'll ever be," Chris said, adjusting his tie one last time.Vera stood beside him, wearing a simple but elegant navy dress. She looked nervous but determined. "We're doing this together, right?""Together," Chris confirmed, taking her hand.They walked down the hallway toward the main auditorium. Chris could hear the murmur of voices growing louder as they approached. Security personnel lined the corridor, and Audrey waited by the entrance with a tablet, giving last minute updates."We have over two hundred media outlets represented," she said quickly. "All major networks, several international publications, and about fifty online journalists. Jane Morrison is in the front row.""Good," Chris said. "Let's give them

"He made bail."William delivered the news four hours later as Chris stood in his father's penthouse, looking out at the city. Vera was resting in one of the bedrooms, exhausted from the day's events. David sat in his chair, hooked up to oxygen, looking frailer than ever."How much?" Chris asked."Five million. His lawyer had it ready within an hour. He walked out of the police station twenty minutes ago.""Of course he did," Chris said bitterly. "Money buys freedom.""Not always," David said weakly from his chair. "Sometimes it just buys time. Time to make mistakes.""What do you mean?" Chris asked."Hunter Kane is arrogant," David explained. "He posted that threatening video because he thinks he's untouchable. Men like that always overreach. They get bold, they get careless, and they give you the ammunition to destroy them.""I already have ammunition," Chris said. "William has compiled evidence of multiple federal crimes. Racketeering, money laundering, connections to organized cri

"He's bluffing."William tried to sound confident, but Chris could hear the uncertainty in his voice. They were back at Chris's office, security doubled, reviewing footage of the estate where Vera was staying."How do you know?" Chris demanded, watching the live security feeds showing Vera in the estate's library, reading by the fireplace."Because our security is airtight," William said. "The estate is guarded by fifteen trained professionals. There's a ten mile radius of surveillance. Hunter Kane couldn't get within five miles without us knowing.""He got close enough to send that text," Chris pointed out."He's trying to get in your head," William insisted. "Psychological warfare. He wants you scared, distracted, making mistakes."Chris's phone rang. The head of Vera's security detail."Mr. Winchester, everything is secure here. Mrs. Winchester is safe. We've increased patrols and added drone surveillance. If anyone approaches, we'll know.""Thank you," Chris said, somewhat reassur

"Your father wants to see you."William's voice on the phone was gentle but urgent. Chris had just brought Vera home from the hospital to their apartment, wanting the familiarity of their small space rather than the luxury of the penthouse."Now?" Chris asked, glancing at Vera who was curled up on the couch with tea."He says it's important. He's asking for both of you."Chris looked at Vera. She nodded immediately. "Let's go."Twenty minutes later, they walked into David Winchester's penthouse. Chris was shocked by how much his father had declined in just a few days. David sat in his chair by the window, an oxygen mask nearby, his skin almost translucent."Dad," Chris said, hurrying to his side. "Should you be out of bed?""I wanted to see the city one more time," David said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I wanted to see you both. Together."Vera sat on the ottoman near David's chair, taking his frail hand in hers. "We're here.""I heard about Hunter Kane," David said. "Abou