“Ethan,” the voice on the other end was steady, but Ethan could tell something had changed.The tension in the air was palpable.“We’ve traced the call.”Ethan’s grip tightened around the phone.“Where did it come from?”“It’s a secure line. But we’ve managed to locate the source. The call originated from an encrypted server linked to a network. It’s a system used by a group known to target powerful families. The Elliots are on their radar, and it’s not just random—this is deliberate.”Ethan’s pulse quickened.The pieces were falling into place, but there were still gaps he couldn’t fill.“Who’s behind this? Who’s pulling the strings?”A pause on the other end, and then the answer Ethan dreaded.“It’s Victoria.”The name hit Ethan like a hammer.He closed his eyes for a brief second, letting the weight of the revelation settle over him.Victoria. His father’s past had been filled with enemies, but this name... it meant something more. Something deeper.“Victoria?” Ethan’s voice was ba

Ethan’s mind raced as he processed her words. Betrayal, loyalty, connections.This wasn’t just business—it was personal.There was a history here that he had only just begun to scratch the surface of.But he couldn’t let her know that he was piecing things together.“And yet, here we are,” Ethan said, his voice cool and steady.“You and I, sitting across from each other, pretending this is about business. What’s your endgame, Victoria? What do you want?”Victoria’s eyes gleamed with something darker now, a flicker of satisfaction that sent a chill down his spine.“What I want? I want your family to burn, Ethan. I want to watch everything you’ve built fall apart. I want the world to see the true face of the Elliots—the corrupt, deceitful family you try to protect. And you, Ethan, will be the one to bring it all down.”Ethan’s heart skipped a beat, but he didn’t let it show.She was revealing more than he had hoped for, but he still didn’t know what her endgame truly was.There was some

Victoria’s final attack had been thwarted, her network of allies crumbling under the pressure he had applied.It had taken everything—strategy, patience, and a deep understanding of the game they had all been playing—but Ethan had emerged victorious.And now, the future of the Elliots rested in his hands.His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him from his thoughts.He glanced down, expecting a message from one of his associates, but what he saw made his heart skip a beat.It was from Lisa.He smiled to himself before tapping the screen to open the message.The words were simple, but they sent a warmth through him that nothing else could."I can't believe it's been a month already. Time flies when you're with the right person."His heart swelled as he thought about the life they had built together in such a short time.The challenges, the victories, and the obstacles they had overcome.But through it all, Lisa had been by his side—steadfast, loyal, and strong.He typed a quick reply.

The study had become Ethan's sanctuary over the past week, filled with the soft glow of his laptop screen and scattered papers. Tonight, though, the room felt different – more oppressive, as if the walls themselves held secrets."Found anything new?" Lisa asked, setting down two cups of coffee and settling into the leather chair beside him.Ethan rubbed his tired eyes. "More than I wanted to. The Black Hawk isn't just some criminal group – they're something else entirely.""Tell me," she said, her hand finding his."I've been going through encrypted files, dark web forums, whispered stories..." He pulled up several windows on his laptop. "They're like ghosts, Lisa. They appear, destroy lives, and vanish without a trace.""What exactly do they do?""Everything. Assassination. Blackmail. Corporate sabotage." He clicked through several news articles. "See these unexplained deaths? CEOs, politicians, judges – all ruled as accidents or suicides. But look at the timing, always right after m

The figure tilted their head. "Just delivering a message, Mr. Elliot." They moved with impossible speed, dodging Ethan's lunge and slipping past him through the door."Are you okay?" Ethan rushed to Lisa, checking her for injuries.She nodded, trembling. "They... they just appeared. Out of nowhere.""How many?""I saw at least three. They were everywhere, carving those symbols..." She pointed to the wall where another hawk had been etched.Grayson appeared in the doorway, out of breath. "They're gone. I saw them leaving through the garden.""Did you see their faces?" Ethan demanded."No one sees their faces," Grayson said grimly. "That's part of their power. The masks aren't just for show – they're a message. The Black Hawk could be anyone."Lisa gasped, drawing their attention to the bathroom. "Ethan..."They followed her gaze to the mirror, where words had been scrawled in what looked horribly like blood: "WE ARE INSIDE""Jesus," Grayson muttered."This is just the beginning, isn't