The underground facility was more than just a base—it was a financial nerve center.Massive screens projected global markets, flashing numbers shifting as The Serpent pulled strings behind closed doors. The real economy wasn’t dictated by governments or corporations. It was decided here.Blackmail dossiers were stored like currency. Every major politician, every corporate giant—they were all in someone’s pocket.And Celeste?She was about to crown herself the undisputed queen of it all.Ethan moved through the crowd of recruits, blending into the sea of dark suits and sharp eyes. He kept his head down, listening, memorizing faces, mapping every exit in his mind.He had minutes before things went sideways.The grand chamber was designed like a throne room—an oval table, a central podium, and a massive Serpent emblem carved into the floor.Celeste sat at the head of it all, radiant, ruthless, untouchable.Ethan’s hands curled into fists as he listened to the conversation unfolding aroun

Celeste sighed, standing from her chair and approaching Ethan with a slow, predatory grace. “Touching, really. But what she doesn’t understand—what you refuse to understand—is that there is no escaping this, Ethan.”She leaned down, close enough for him to catch the scent of her perfume.“You were always meant to rule,” she whispered. “You can fight it, you can hate it, but it’s in your veins. It’s in your bones. You are your grandfather’s heir.”Ethan’s jaw tightened, his muscles coiled. “I am nothing like him.”Celeste tilted her head, a cruel smile on her lips. “Then prove it.”She straightened, snapping her fingers. The guards behind her stepped forward, grabbing Ethan’s mother by the shoulders.Ethan lunged forward instinctively. “Let her go.”Celeste arched a brow. “You want her free?” She nodded toward the guards. “Then take your rightful place at my side.”Ethan felt the weight of her words settle over him like a noose.This was her game.She had orchestrated every move to bac

Ethan ducked as a hail of bullets shattered the glass behind him. His mother stumbled, but he tightened his grip on her wrist, keeping her upright.The compound was a labyrinth, but he had memorized the exits.The west wing.That’s where Lisa would be coming from. If she was still alive.She has to be.Ethan gritted his teeth, shoving down the doubt. One step at a time.A roar of an engine thundered through the underground halls.Then a truck smashed through the security doors.Lisa.Ethan didn’t hesitate. He threw his mother into the back seat and swung himself in after her.Mike barely had time to fire another round before Lisa gunned it in reverse, tires screeching against the pavement.Ethan slammed the door shut. “Drive!”Lisa didn’t need to be told twice.The truck fishtailed as they hit the main tunnel, bullets ricocheting off the reinforced panels. The Serpent’s forces were fast—but Lisa was faster.The moment they hit the outer gates, Terminator X’s explosives detonated.The

The world was on the edge of falling into The Serpent’s hands.Ethan had less than twenty-four hours to stop it.His team wasn’t just fighting a crime syndicate anymore. They were up against a new world order.And if they failed?Celeste wouldn’t just control the underground. She’d control everything.The underground bunker buzzed with tension as Ethan stood at the center, the holographic map of Dubai projected in front of him. His team gathered around, their faces tight with urgency.Lisa crossed her arms. “Dubai? You’re sure?”Ethan nodded. “All intel points there. Celeste’s plan isn’t just to install a puppet leader. She’s pulling the world’s most powerful figures into a single room to consolidate her control.”Mike leaned forward, scanning the map. “High security. State-of-the-art surveillance. There’s no way we’re walking in undetected.”Ethan smirked. “We won’t be walking in.”Lisa raised a brow. “Then how?”Ethan’s eyes gleamed with cold determination. “We infiltrate from the i

The black SUV screeched down an empty Dubai street as Ethan slammed the door behind him.Lisa floored the gas pedal. Mike was in the backseat, reloading his weapon.Ethan barely had time to breathe. His pulse pounded.He turned to Lisa. “Did you see it?”She nodded grimly. “Yeah. Every damn screen. They’ve already taken over.”Mike exhaled sharply. “This isn’t just about you anymore, man. This is global.”Ethan pressed his fingers to his temple.The Serpent had always been powerful, but this?This was different.Celeste hadn’t just expanded. She had replaced the existing world order with something else entirely.And now?There was no hiding.Either he fought back, or the world burned.Lisa’s voice was low. “What’s the move?”Ethan’s jaw tightened.“First, we go home.”The Elliot estate was already burning when they arrived.Ethan stepped out of the car, the roar of the flames deafening against the night sky.His home.His empire.The place where he had built everything.Lisa swore und