"Verify the encryption keys again," Victor Thorne ordered.He stood behind a workstation in the private laboratory of the Apex Medica executive suite. Three elite data scientists worked in the dim light of the monitors. The blue glow of the screens reflected off Thorne’s glasses. Chloe Sterling stood nearby, clutching her leather purse. She watched the progress bars with the intensity of a gambler watching a spinning wheel."The Zenith Alpha-Zero protocol is active, sir," the lead scientist reported. He tapped a complex series of keys. "The file structure matches the internal laboratory archives of the Rostova period. The chemical architecture for the heart medication is appearing on the secondary monitor now."Thorne leaned over the scientist's shoulder. He scanned the molecular diagrams and the supply chain logs. "It looks legitimate. The chemical stabilizers are listed here in detail. But look at this specific variable in the final synthesis."The scientist highlighted a glowing li

"The board is calling for an emergency vote to strip my executive powers," Victor Thorne yelled.He stood in the center of the Apex Medica boardroom. The morning sun was blocked by heavy grey clouds. Rain lashed against the floor to ceiling windows, creating a rhythmic drumming that masked the sound of his own heavy breathing. On the wall monitors, the stock ticker for Apex Medica resembled a jagged red cliff. The price was falling so fast the digital display struggled to update."The three billion dollar loss is irreversible, sir," the Chief Financial Officer reported. The man sat at the end of the long glass table with his head in his hands. "The federal authorities have already frozen our primary reserve accounts. They are investigating the shell companies for biohazard trafficking. Every major institutional investor is dumping their shares.""I do not care about the investors," Thorne roared. He slammed his fist onto the glass table. "I care about the Sterling woman. She walked in

"The gold is already resting in my Swiss transit vault," Elias Vance said.He stood in the dark, skeletal frame of an abandoned bell tower overlooking the financial district. The morning rain had turned into a thick, grey fog that clung to the glass skyscrapers of Crestwood City. The assassin adjusted the carbon fiber tripod of his custom high velocity rifle. He did not look at the man sitting in the shadows behind him."I liquidated every remaining personal asset to secure those five hundred pounds of bullion," Victor Thorne rasped from the corner of the stone platform. The former billionaire clutched a heavy wool coat around his shoulders to block the damp wind. "My board of directors stripped my executive authority an hour ago. The federal prosecutors are preparing my indictment. This is my final move, Elias.""Your final move is simple," Elias replied, his voice calm and melodic. "One bullet. No traces. The gold buys my absolute precision. Once the trigger is pulled, Julian ceases

"Cut the primary power grid to the southern sector," Elias Vance whispered into his encrypted radio.The assassin stood in the service corridor of the Zenith corporate tower. The digital lock on the heavy steel door sparked and died under the pressure of his bypass device. Elias pushed the door open and stepped into the grand marble foyer. He keyed his radio to contact his employer."I am inside the building, Victor," Elias reported. "The external guards are neutralized.""Good," Victor Thorne replied through the earpiece. The Apex Medica chief executive sounded frantic. "He humiliated me on live television today. He ruined my stock. Put a bullet in his skull and bring me proof. I want the gold waiting for you when you return.""A ranged strike is off the table," Elias stated. He ejected the spent magazine from his suppressed pistol and loaded a fresh clip. "He is fortified on the top floor. The sight lines are compromised by the storm outside. I will execute the contract at close qua

"Arrest him right now," Victor Thorne screamed.The billionaire pointed a shaking finger toward the center of the grand ballroom. The gathered elite of Crestwood City held their collective breath. They stared at the man they believed was dead.Julian stepped over the shattered wooden doors. He wore his bespoke charcoal suit and the black silk eyepatch. He did not look like a victim. He looked like a conqueror claiming his new territory."Shoot him," Thorne demanded from the podium. He looked at his armed contractors. "You have authorization to use lethal force. He is trespassing on Apex property."A dozen security guards raised their suppressed rifles. They aimed the barrels at Julian.Jax growled and prepared to charge. Silas raised his silver scalpel.Julian raised his left hand to halt his men. He looked at the armed guards with cold indifference.Elias Vance stepped out from the shadows of the hallway. The assassin wore a tailored grey suit. He walked up to stand directly beside J