Ethan clicked play on the video again. The masked figure leaned back, their tone becoming almost conversational.“You have 48 hours, Ethan. Forty-eight hours until your legacy crumbles, until the name Elliot is nothing more than ashes in history’s dustbin. Tick-tock.”As the figure’s hand moved, the screen revealed a countdown timer: 47:59:59 and ticking.Ethan paused the video, staring at the timer as though it were a physical threat.Lisa whispered, “Forty-eight hours. That’s all we have.”Ethan’s thoughts churned. They’re giving us time, but why? Is it arrogance? A trap? Or do they want something from me?He turned to Lisa, his expression grim. “This isn’t just about destruction. They’re setting the stage for something bigger.”Lisa nodded, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. “Then we have to use every second to figure out what it is.”Ethan grabbed his phone, calling Harris. “Get everyone in the war room. Now. This is a priority-one threat.”“Understood, sir,” Harris re

Lisa’s breath came in shallow gasps as she darted between rows of containers, the manifest clutched tightly in her trembling hands.The sound of boots pounding against the concrete behind her grew louder, her pursuers closing the gap.She pressed herself against the cold metal of a container, heart hammering in her chest.Stay calm. Think. They haven’t caught you yet.“Split up,” a gruff voice ordered, echoing through the narrow corridors of cargo. “She couldn’t have gone far.”Lisa gritted her teeth, her mind racing.Ethan, hurry. I can’t do this alone.She fumbled for her phone, her fingers shaking as she hit the speed dial for Ethan.“Lisa?” Ethan’s voice crackled over the line.“They found me,” she whispered urgently. “I’m cornered at the docks. There are too many of them, Ethan. They’re armed.”“Hold on,” Ethan said, his voice steady but filled with determination. “I’m on my way. Stay hidden. I’ll get you out of this.”The sound of engines roared through the air as Ethan’s convoy

The wind whipped against Ethan’s face as he crouched inside the container, his eyes locked on the bomb’s timer: 00:01:15.Sweat dripped down his temple, but his hands remained steady as he worked to decipher the intricate wiring.Lisa’s voice came over the earpiece.“Ethan, the train is slowing, but it won’t stop completely. How much longer do you need?”“Not long,” Ethan replied tersely.“Just keep it steady.”The faint creak of metal above reminded him of the unconscious Black Hawk operative lying atop the train.Where there’s one, there’s always more.The timer ticked down. 00:00:45.Harris’s voice broke in.“We’ve secured the control car. If you can’t disarm the bomb, give us the word, and we’ll disconnect this section of the train.”Ethan shook his head, speaking firmly.“No. If we detach the car, there’s still a risk it detonates near the grid. I’m finishing this here.”His mind raced as he scanned the intricate setup.Blue for the trigger line, red for the fail-safe. No, that’s

Ethan slowly reached into his pocket, producing a comm device.He activated it subtly, knowing his guards would hear everything.“I’m listening,” Ethan said, buying time.The leader tilted their head, studying him.“You’re stalling.”Ethan smirked.“Maybe. Or maybe I’m considering my options. Killing me or my father doesn’t get you what you want.”The leader’s voice hardened.“Don’t test me, Elliot. One wrong move, and this floor becomes a bloodbath.”Ethan’s voice remained steady.“Then what? You think you’ll just walk away? The Black Hawk isn’t as invincible as you think.”The leader’s hand twitched toward their weapon, but they hesitated.“You talk a big game, but you’re just like your grandfather—arrogant and blind to the consequences of your actions.”Ethan stepped closer, his tone sharp.“And you’re nothing but a shadow, trying to fill shoes you’ll never outgrow. Kane failed, and so will you.”The leader’s laughter was cold. “We’ll see.”Through the comm device, Harris’s voice w

Harper scrolled to the bottom of the message, revealing one final note:“Ethan Elliot will be the guest of honor. Make sure he doesn’t leave alive.”Ethan straightened, his jaw set.“Canceling the gala isn’t an option. If we do, they’ll just strike somewhere else. We’ll let it happen—but on our terms.”Lisa’s eyes widened. “You’re going to use it as a trap?”Ethan nodded.“If they want a fight, they’ll get one. But this time, we’ll be ready.”The Elliot Charity Gala was always a spectacle, a dazzling showcase of wealth and philanthropy.Tonight, the grand ballroom of the Crestview Hotel glittered under crystal chandeliers, filled with elegantly dressed guests. Beneath the surface, however, tension simmered.This year, the event was more than a celebration—it was a battlefield.Ethan stood at the center of the ballroom, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd.He wore a perfectly tailored tuxedo, his demeanor calm and composed, but every movement was calculated.Hidden cameras were discreetl