Olisa didn't hesitate as her features instantly turned serious. "What are your plans?"Ryan lowered the bottle. "My plans?""For this academy." Her voice echoed through the small dorm room. She stared directly into his eyes. "You spent sixty million dollars acquiring Iron Gate Academy; no one spends that kind of money without expecting something in return."Ryan remained silent, and then she continued."So what do you want?"Ryan leaned against the desk, a small desk. "You're assuming I want something.""I know you do; I know people, and everyone, including you, has an ulterior motive,” she said, stepping closer. "Nothing in this world comes for free, so what is your endgame”Ryan studied her expression, and the genuine curiosity masking her face made him let out a short sigh. After everything that had been revealed I didn't blame her if she wanted to know whether the academy had escaped one danger only to enter another."I read every page of your proposal." She unfolded her arms. "Yo

Silence settled over the investigation room like a heavy blanket. The projector continued to cast a pale blue glow across the walls, illuminating the dozens of photographs, maps, and evidence strings pinned to the inch of space. The detectives looked at one another before returning their attention to the woman standing at the front of the room. Only twenty minutes had passed since she officially took over as lead investigator, yet the atmosphere had undergone a complete transformation. No one dared question her authority, but what they questioned was the name she had just spoken. Kevin finally broke the silence, clearing his throat before folding his arms. "Excuse me, Ma'am, should that name mean something?" Angelina slowly shifted her attention toward him, and the room immediately became still again. Several detectives nodded subtly, as the same question was running through every mind. Angelina studied their faces one after another, confirming the background check she had run o

The deep revving sound of powerful engines rolled through New City. One black luxury sedan emerged from an underpass before another followed behind it, then another, until an entire convoy occupied three lanes of the highway. Their exteriors reflected the afternoon sun, while dark-tinted windows concealed every passenger inside. Traffic ahead immediately began to part, and taxi drivers swerved toward the shoulder without waiting for instructions, allowing private vehicles to slow instinctively. The convoy never accelerated recklessly, yet the discipline of its formation was enough to make everyone understand someone important was passing through. The synchronized movement created an intimidating sight that drew attention from everyone nearby; pedestrians stopped walking and workers leaving nearby office buildings paused on the sidewalks and turned toward the highway. "What is going on?" A university student standing beside a newspaper stand shaded his eyes against the sunlight. "

The convoy rounded one final corner, and the atmosphere changed. Rows of satellite vans came into view lining both sides of the street. Beside them were television logos covering every vehicle. In front of them were camera crews crowded behind temporary barricades while journalists stood shoulder to shoulder with microphones in their hands. Professional cameras already live broadcast whatever caught their attention.[We are live today at the Archer Corporation headquarters, and from the look of things and the report gotten from an anonymous source, it seems Archer is going to release and officially announce, and as you can see, everyone is excited to see their heir.]The female reporter pointed towards the others already crowding the street, either recording or doing something to ease the boredom of waiting for days without tangible results.The moment the lead convoy appeared, everything exploded. A man who was eating behind his company van screamed, tossing the sandwich into the tra

The group separated with no unnecessary discussion, and each person already knew their assignment.Harrison adjusted the cuff of his suit before glancing toward Odessa. "We'll take the front,” he murmured.Odessa gave a small nod. "That'll draw enough attention,” she added, glancing at her other colleagues."What about you?" Harrison asked, turning to Ryan.Ryan looked toward the less conspicuous service entrance tucked away behind the west wing of the massive complex. Employees carrying files and maintenance personnel passed through it every few seconds without attracting so much as a second glance."We'll go through the secondary entrance, the one Marcus suggested; let's hope it wouldn't draw attention given what is at stake,” he replied.Harrison nodded, taking a deep breath.Ryan simply slipped both hands into his pockets before murmuring to himself.‘The fewer eyes on us, the better.’The two groups exchanged one final nod before moving in opposite directions.The secondary entra