In a building three blocks away, Hunter Kane looked through a sniper scope, Chris's head centered in the crosshairs. His finger rested on the trigger."Take the shot," a voice said through his earpiece.Hunter hesitated. "There's bulletproof glass. The angle's wrong. I might not get a clean hit.""Then adjust. You have orders. Winchester dies today."Hunter shifted his position slightly, looking for a gap in the protection. There. A small opening on the right side where the glass panels met. It would be a difficult shot, but possible.He steadied his breathing, finger tightening on the trigger.At the press conference, Chris fielded more questions, each answer more damning to the Consortium. He named names, cited evidence, challenged them to come forward and defend themselves publicly."The Consortium operates through intimidation and fear," Chris said. "They silence anyone who threatens their power. But I'm here to tell you that power built on fear is fragile. When one person speaks

"That's not a drill."William tried to sit up despite his injuries, instinct taking over. Chris and Vera were already moving toward the door when a nurse rushed in."Everyone needs to evacuate! There's smoke on the third floor!""William can't be moved," Chris said. "He just had surgery.""Then we'll need a stretcher and extra personnel," the nurse said, already calling for help.Chris's security detail appeared in the doorway. "Sir, this might be an attack. We need to secure you first.""We're not leaving William," Vera said firmly."Mrs. Winchester, protocol requires—""I don't care about protocol," Vera interrupted. "We move William first, then we all leave together."More hospital staff arrived with a stretcher. They carefully transferred William, who grimaced in pain but didn't complain. Chris stayed close, helping guide the stretcher through crowded hallways filled with panicking patients and staff.The smoke was getting thicker as they moved toward the stairwell. Chris's securi

"That was good," Vera said softly. "You gave them what they wanted without looking weak.""Now we wait," Chris said.Twenty minutes later, Audrey called with the results. "The vote was eight to four. You've been removed as CEO. Marcus Chen has been appointed interim CEO pending a permanent replacement.""Understood," Chris said. "Audrey, I want you to resign. Today. And take anyone loyal to my father with you.""Sir?""Quantum Corp is about to become a very dangerous place to work," Chris said. "Get out while you can. I'll make sure you're all taken care of.""What about you?" Audrey asked."I'll be fine," Chris lied. "Just trust me and go."After hanging up, Chris turned to Martinez and Rodriguez. "It's done. The Consortium thinks they've won. Now we spring the trap.""We'll coordinate with federal prosecutors," Martinez said. "Start preparing arrest warrants. Mr. Winchester, you should know that once we move, there will be a period of chaos. The Consortium will fight back hard.""Le

His father's face appeared on screen, looking even more frail than Chris remembered. This had been recorded the day before he died, when Chris had visited him in the hospital."Christopher," David began, his voice weak but clear. "If you're watching this, I'm gone. And I'm sorry. Sorry I didn't tell you everything sooner. Sorry I didn't have more time to prepare you. But I'm running out of time, so I need to say this now."David coughed, pain crossing his face before he continued."The Consortium has been after me for fifteen years. When I discovered their existence, I should have gone to the authorities immediately. But I was arrogant. I thought I could expose them myself, that I could protect the company and fight them at the same time. That arrogance cost me years and probably my life."He looked directly at the camera, as if he could see Chris through it."They've infiltrated everything, son. The police, the courts, the government. Even Quantum Corp has Consortium operatives in it

"Get him up! We need to move now!"Chris's ears were ringing from the explosion. He felt hands pulling him to his feet, voices shouting instructions that sounded distant and muffled. The safe house was filled with smoke and debris."Vera!" Chris shouted, his voice hoarse. "Where's Vera?""I'm here!" Vera appeared through the smoke, blood streaming from a cut on her forehead. "I'm okay. We need to go."Security personnel were already forcing open an emergency exit in the back of the house. Through the ringing in his ears, Chris could hear more gunfire outside, the sound of vehicles screeching, people shouting.They ran through the smoke toward the exit. Chris stumbled over debris but caught himself. Behind them, another explosion shook the building, bringing part of the ceiling down where they'd just been standing.They emerged into the night air. An armored SUV sat waiting, engine running, door open. Rodriguez was in the driver's seat."Get in! Move!"Chris pushed Vera into the vehicl