2026-01-27 17:32:45
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ONE HUNDRED- NINETY-EIGHT: A PAST WITHOUT A NAME
That same day, Elsa and Jada drove through the rural neighbourhood, keeping their eyes on the streets as they approached the house where Nessa, Lisa, and Anna were staying.They hadn't seen them ever once she did a test for Anna.Jada slowed the car and parked some distance away, choosing a spot where the expensive vehicle wouldn't immediately attract attention.For a moment, neither woman moved.Then Jada turned towards Elsa."So, what's the plan?"Elsa continued studying the street."I remember how we got inside last time. We'll go in together and pretend we're checking on Anna."Jada stared at her."That's the plan?""We'll ask a few questions, see how Anna is doing, and, if we get the opportunity, collect a hair sample from Nessa."Jada's mouth fell open."Oh, my God.""Hey, hey." Elsa turned towards her. "Don't start groaning now. We'll be in and out before anyone notices.""That's exactly what you said the last time!""And we made it out, didn't we?""By a miracle!"Elsa gave he
ONE HUNDRED–NINETY-SEVEN: UNINVITED GUESTS
AETHELRED MECHANICS"Did you find him?"Julian sat behind his desk, with Theo seated opposite him as Fred, Julian's assistant, delivered his report."Yes, sir. We found Rhys White.""Excellent!" Theo exclaimed, immediately rising from his chair. "Let's go and meet him—""Theo!"Julian's sharp voice stopped him."This is my operation," he reminded him coldly.Theo slowly settled back into his chair, folding his arms across his chest."Fine, then. What does the master planner suggest we do next?"Julian smiled faintly."Rhys White could be worth more to us than gold. But we must also consider why he hasn't already sold the Hales out. If he knows as much about their underground organisation as Claire claims, there must be a reason he's remained silent."He rose from his chair and walked towards the window, gazing out over the city."My guess is that the Hales have something significant on him. Something strong enough to keep him quiet, even after they removed him from their organisation.
ONE HUNDRED— NINETY-SIX: A TRUCE BETWEEN WOLVES
"Elsa, are you okay?"Sara's concerned voice pulled Elsa from her thoughts."That's why she seemed so familiar! I've seen her before. Jada, that's Nessa! Don't you remember?"Jada frowned."Tessa, don't—""Look at the picture closely!" Elsa insisted.Jada studied her face. Elsa wasn't joking. She was genuinely convinced that the woman in the photograph was someone they had encountered before.Slowly, Jada turned back to the image still displayed on the screen.Then she gasped."Now that you mention it, she does have a striking resemblance to... Nessa. But..."She trailed off, unable to finish her sentence."Will the two of you please explain what you mean?"Elsa suddenly remembered that Sara was still standing beside them, waiting for an explanation. She turned towards her, then glanced across the room at Leonard, Levi, and the other members of the Hale family.Finally, she looked at Jada.Jada understood immediately."It's nothing," she said, forcing a smile. "We just met someone who
ONE HUNDRED-NINETY-FIVE:THE FACE FROM THE PAST
The event continued, and performances had already begun, but William's attention was elsewhere.He stood facing the two men before him, his gaze fixed on Silvan and Jim.For the first time since they had known William Hale, the two family heads felt genuinely uneasy in his presence.There was something dangerous about his silence, something in the way he watched them that made them feel as though every word they spoke could seal their fate.They had dealt with William before.They had argued with him, negotiated with him, and even plotted behind his back.But standing before him now, neither man felt brave enough to meet his gaze for long.“You didn't?” William finally asked.“The boy approached us one day and suggested that we work together to take your family down,” Jim answered quickly.“We refused, obviously,” Silvan added.William continued staring at them.“And what exactly were the family heads discussing at a meeting I wasn't invited to?”Their expressions stiffened.“Plotting
ONE HUNDRED-NINETY-FOUR: BENEATH THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Finally, Christmas Eve arrived, bringing double the celebration to the country. A new president had been elected, a new governor had taken office, and the most beautiful time of the year was upon them.Lights illuminated streets and buildings. Christmas trees stood proudly behind shop windows, their branches decorated with sparkling ornaments, while familiar melodies filled the air.In San Francisco, the streets grew busier with each passing day. Performers filled the main roads, entertaining crowds with music, dance, and theatrical displays. People gathered to watch, cheer, and celebrate together.For a little while, it almost seemed as though the city had forgotten the drama, rivalries, and scandals that had plagued it throughout the year.And on Christmas Eve, there was one event the people of San Francisco looked forward to more than any other.The Eve Gala.It was the most beloved event hosted by the Hale family, a tradition established by the late Tessa Hale and preserved by the
ONE HUNDRED-NINETY-THREE: THE HALES’ FINAL MOVE
Weeks after the gubernatorial elections, the presidential election arrived quickly, only days before Christmas. Across the country, people waited anxiously for the final counts to come in. But for the family heads who practically ruled San Francisco, the presidential election was only one piece of a much larger game. PRIVATE LOUNGE “Samuel Grant!” Silvan Michelson welcomed the newly elected governor as he walked into their private lounge, accompanied by his security. “Silvan Michelson...” Grant looked around the room. “And all of you. Finally meeting you face-to-face. It’s an honour.” He smiled as he shook Silvan’s hand. The other family heads sat proudly around the large round table, which was covered with food of different kinds and expensive bottles of wine. “Please, have a seat,” Silvan said. “Let’s celebrate your victory.” Grant walked over and took a seat. “Why, this is quite the feast,” he said, looking over the table. “You deserve it, Governor,” Ellen said. “I’m su
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