[Six hours on]Victor entered Asher's office carrying several files and stopped halfway across the room.The large military campaign map that had hung on the wall by the old General was gone and replaced with Lily's drawing of a lighthouse.Victor beamed. "You finally redecorated."Asher didn't hide the relief on his face. "Some things deserve a better place."Victor folded his arms. "The military map was classified."Asher glanced at the drawing. "This is more important."Victor laughed softly. "I'll never understand you."Asher smiled. "That's why you're still learning. You haven't had a child yet."On the other side of the Northern region, Serena arrived at the home of Harold Mason.A retired Bennett executive whose contribution helped shape the present dynamics.The elderly man welcomed her inside. She placed an old report on the table.The faded initials. [A.R.]

A private jet flew through the Eastern Region Airport. Several luxury vehicles waited beside the runway.As expected, business reporters crowded behind the security barriers with cameras flashing constantly.One reporter adjusted his microphone. "She's finally here.""The youngest CEO to build a trillion-dollar investment empire.""The woman they call the Ice Queen."The aircraft door slowly opened, giving access for a tall, gorgeous woman to step onto the stairs. She wore a tailored white suit beneath a long black coat.Her expression revealed nothing except confidence, calm, and an aura. From her expression, one could read how time was of the essence to her, and each second must count. She didn't make such a tremendous impact in the business world by giving time to nuisances.Without acknowledging the cameras, she entered the waiting vehicle, which disappeared within seconds.Elaine Bennett from Bennett Group

Morning arrived with different news. The front page of The Eastern Port Chronicle landed on breakfast tables across the city.One headline dominated every newspaper stand.[Naomi Cross Returns To Eastern Port: Award-winning investigative journalist begins new special investigation]Elaine folded the newspaper with a satisfied smile. "Perfect, free publicity."She called the assistant. "Arrange an exclusive interview."She nodded. "I'll contact her office, Ma'am."Naomi Cross stepped out of a taxi in front of the Chronicle building. She wore a charcoal-gray coat over a simple black dress, with no bodyguards or assistants, only a leather satchel filled with notebooks.As reporters rushed toward her, she answered only one question."Why Eastern Port?"Naomi adjusted the strap on her shoulder. "Because the truth has been right here."She continued walking without further explanation.Victo

At Asher’s home, Lily carefully placed her First Prize trophy on a shelf beside her astronomy books.Serena had allowed her visit to her father after how proudly the ice cream vendor spoke about him. Moreover, the father-daughter bond became stronger.Lily stepped back with her finger clutched to her waist as she admired it, then she looked at Asher. "Daddy?""My Sunshine?"She pointed at the space beside the trophy. "I'm saving a place for next year's."Asher smiled. "You've already planned that far ahead?"Lily nodded seriously. "And you'll come again, right?"Asher walked over and gently rested a hand on her head. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll be there."Lily wrapped her arms around him. "Promise?""Promise."Naomi Cross arrived inside the city archives, with stacks of military documents surrounding her.Hours passed with one file after another, but she still hasn't found

The smell of freshly baked cookies filled the kitchen.Lily stood proudly beside the oven, wearing an oversized apron. "Daddy! They're ready!"Asher opened the oven door, and smoke drifted into the roomLily's smile slowly faded. "Maybe not."She carefully picked up one cookie. The edges were completely black."I burned them."Asher accepted one anyway, not like he had a choice, and took a bite.Lily stared at him. “Daddy, they're terrible, right?”Asher chewed thoughtfully. "I've eaten worse."Lily couldn't help laughing. "You don't have to pretend.""I'm not." He smiled. "They're made by my favorite baker."Lily hugged him tightly. "I'll do better next time.""You already did."Naomi Cross continued following the trail of Operation Black Horizon. In the process, she interviewed retired soldiers, former logistics officers, and military nurses.Every story wa