The Apex underground unit was still lit with rows and rows of screens glowing with streams of data. Codes were imputed across multiple monitors as layers of encrypted systems were broken one after another.Richard stood before the main console, observing the data that flashed on the screens. Hours had passed since he had ordered every top hacker and coder within Apex to focus on tracing the anonymous message, and this time, they weren't going to be fooled by the illusions in the encryption. Whoever had orchestrated this had gone to great lengths to bury their identity beneath so many complex encryption patterns that would have misled even the most skilled analysts. But Richard was not just any analyst. He had built systems far more complex than this and with his level of expertise, he was beginning to understand the pattern beneath the encryption. With that discovery, they took a different approach and targeted only specific encryption. There was finally progress and after a while,

The news of Denzel Washington’s downfall continued to spread like wildfire through every corner of the city. People were filled with shock as they struggled to process how everything had collapsed.Inside the Donovan family residence, the atmosphere was tense.Eric Donovan stood before the large television screen in his private study with his face pale as the news replayed once again. His hands rested by his sides, trembling from the fear he was feeling inside. “…former mayor Denzel Washington has been stripped of his position…”The reporter’s voice echoed through the room, but Eric barely heard the rest. His mind was already racing as he pieced together what he was seeing.Nothing about this news was normal.Denzel had been powerful and dead deeply rooted within the system. His connections ran deep and for someone like him to fall so suddenly meant one thing, someone far more powerful was behind his downfall. Eric swallowed hard as his thoughts drifted back to the envelope he ha

The bright light reflected off the blade as it drove forward, aimed straight at Michelle’s abdomen.Just before the knife could touch her, Richard intervened. One moment he had been standing at a distance, watching from the edge of the hall with vigilance, and the next he was right in front of Michelle, intercepting the attack.His hand shot forward and caught the attacker’s wrist mid-motion and the force of the impact halted the blade completely, leaving it suspended just inches away from Michelle. The sudden interruption sent a visible shock through the attacker’s arm, and the confidence he had carried just seconds ago wavered under the strength of Richard’s grip.The hall erupted in noise. Screams broke out as people scrambled to their feet, some retreating while others froze in place, unsure of what to do. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, the sound of camera shutters never stopped for a second. Reporters leaned forward instead of stepping back, their excitement overtaking their fe

Michelle leaned back in her seat, her gaze distant as she processed everything that had happened.Richard’s phone rang and he answered it without hesitation. “Boss, we got him to talk," Rico’s voice came through.Richard’s expression remained unchanged as his grip on the steering wheel tightened.“And?” he asked.There was a pause before Rico continued.“He confirmed it. He was sent by Jonas.”Richard’s suspicion had been correct.A dangerous glint formed in his eyes. “I see,” he said. He ended the call shortly after and returned his attention back on the road. Beside him, Michelle remained quiet as she looked out the window.She had not heard the full conversation, but she had heard enough. The attack earlier was planned. She also realized something and it was that she was being used to get to Richard. Her fingers curled into a fist on her lap as the thought settled in.She could have been seriously hurt yet her concern wasn't on herself, It remained on him.Her gaze shifted tow

Later that night, Michelle couldn't sleep with a lot of thoughts racing through her mind. She knew enough about Richard by now to understand what that Private Mission truly meant even if he did not explain it in detail. It was not something ordinary, and it was definitely not something safe. The calm way he had said it only made it more serious yet she couldn't do anything about it. She could neither stop him, nor help keep him safe. Her only reassurance right now was that Richard would not be alone, Rico would be with him.That eased her worry, even if only slightly. She had seen Rico’s capability, his loyalty, and the understanding he shared with Richard. If there was anyone she could trust to stand beside him in danger, it was Rico.Still, the unease remained. Richard turned a bit on the bed, his arms still wrapped around Michelle, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere. He remembered the earlier conversation he had with Rico. He had intended to go alone. That had always been his way