2025-03-07 00:38:23The flashing lights from dozens of cameras reflected off the sleek glass exterior of NovaTech’s headquarters. A sea of reporters surged forward with microphones raised like weapons, their voices forming a chaotic blend of accusations and demands.
At the center of it all stood Alisha Carr, the poised and immaculately dressed CEO of NovaTech. Her tailored navy suit hugged her frame perfectly, and not a single strand of her chestnut hair was out of place. She raised a hand, commanding silence without uttering a word. The mob simmered down, their eager eyes locked on her like vultures waiting for a slip. “First,” Alisha began, her voice calm and authoritative, “let me express my deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this tragic incident.” She paused, allowing a carefully calculated hint of emotion to color her tone. “NovaTech is committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.” She let the words settle. Control the tempo. Give them something to hold onto before they tear you apart. But the crowd wasn’t buying it. A reporter from the front row, whose tie was askew and face flushed, shot up his hand. “Ms. Carr, are you denying NovaTech’s involvement in the train’s malfunction? Witnesses reported seeing engineers from your company on site just hours before the launch!” he asked, raising his voice. Alisha’s expression remained serene, her political veneer uncracked. “NovaTech has always prioritized safety above all else. Our technology, underwent rigorous testing and met all regulatory standards.” She gestured gracefully, as if her words were gospel. “However, preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of an external, malicious group—the Blackout Collectives.” The crowd erupted in murmurs. Cameras zoomed in, capturing every micro expression. “They’ve been known for their extremist views and reckless actions,” Alisha continued smoothly, her eyes sweeping over the crowd with the cool detachment of someone used to holding power. “For years, they’ve propagated conspiracy theories about NovaTech, attempting to undermine our efforts to innovate and improve lives. It appears they’ve now escalated their tactics to sabotage." She added. A female journalist pushed forward, her voice cutting through the noise. “Do you have any proof of the Blackout Collectives’ involvement, or are these baseless accusations to divert attention from NovaTech’s failures?” Alisha’s lips curved into a subtle, almost imperceptible smile. “We are working closely with authorities, and evidence is currently under review. I assure you, once the investigation concludes, the truth will be irrefutable.” She let her words hang in the air, giving the illusion of transparency while revealing nothing. Another reporter shouted, “What about the rumors of the use of some 'Omega Core' ? Is there something the public should be aware of?” Alisha’s eyes hardened, just for a second, before the mask slipped back into place. “Those are nothing but rumors and only instability here stems from those who fear progress and resort to terrorism to halt it," Alisha replied. The response was airtight, but the tension in the air had shifted. They were still digging. She glanced at her assistant, a silent signal. The woman gave a slight nod—time to wrap this up. Before more questions could fly, Alisha raised her hand again. “That will be all for now. NovaTech remains dedicated to full cooperation with the investigation. Thank you.” She turned on her heel, her high-heeled shoes clicking sharply against the pavement as she made her way to the sleek black car waiting at the curb. The driver opened the door without a word, and she slid into the back seat, the tension of the press conference dissolved as the door shut behind her, muting the noise outside. The car pulled away from the chaos, weaving through the bustling city streets. Alisha leaned back against the leather seat, finally allowing a flicker of irritation to cross her face. The city moved past in a blur. Alisha leaned back against the leather seat, allowing a flicker of irritation to cross her face. The press had been relentless. The mention of the Omega Core had been especially problematic. She had expected questions about the accident. She had expected doubt. But the Core? That meant someone had been talking. She exhaled through her nose, tilting her head slightly toward the window. The streets were alive with flickering neon signs and the distant hum of a city that never stopped moving. She didn’t fear exposure. She feared carelessness. Before she could fully settle into the silence, her phone buzzed on the seat beside her. The caller ID was unmarked. She answered on the first ring. “What have you found?” Her voice was low, the polished facade replaced with something colder. A deep, masculine voice rumbled from the other end. “Progress. There are signs of metahuman traits—just like the professor projected.” Alisha’s eyes narrowed, a sharp glint of satisfaction flashed in their face. “Good,” she said A pause. Then the voice returned, heavier this time. “But there’s something else.” Her fingers tightened around the phone. “What?” “A third party,” he said, his tone laced with unease. “And whoever they are, they’re out for blood.” Alisha stared out the window, the city lights casting fractured reflections across her face. Her mind raced, calculating, analyzing. Whoever this third party was, they were a complication she hadn’t accounted for. And complications were unacceptable. She inhaled sharply. “Then we don’t have time to waste. If they know what we know, they’ll be moving fast. We need to find the others before they do.” Silence hung between them for a beat. Then the man spoke again, voice grim. “If they get to them first, everything we’ve built—everything we’ve sacrificed—will be erased.” Alisha closed her eyes for a brief moment. She could almost hear the chaos unraveling before it even began. A war waged in the shadows, and NovaTech’s hands weren’t the only ones reaching for the prize. Her grip on the phone tightened. “Then we move now.” The line went dead, but Alisha didn’t move. The car sped into the night, leaving the chaos behind. But in her mind, the real game had just begun.
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Chapter 1
Dan was a man caught between frustration and resignation. His reflection stared back at him, hollow-eyed and tight-jawed, as he sat with his head leaning against the glass window, watching the blur of passengers filing into the train as their voices formed a distant hum in his ears. He’d spent the last year juggling nearly five part-time jobs, scraping together every bit of dignity and ambition he could muster to prove himself. All of it—every sleepless night, every penny saved—had been for her.But none of it had mattered.The memory of Lauren's parents was still fresh, like a bruise that wouldn’t fade. Just days ago, he’d stood awkwardly in their pristine living room, wearing the one decent shirt he owned, hoping this time would be different.But the polite smiles had quickly turned into thinly veiled contempt, and before he could even defend himself, her father’s words had cut deeper than any blade,"You’ll never be good enough for our daughter, Dan. Stay away from her."And then,
