Chapter 140

The council’s visit had served its purpose. Gerald finished his drink, set the glass down, and stood up, feeling the weight of his responsibilities and the thrill of the challenge ahead.

The game, both on the screen and in real life, was far from over. And he was determined to come out on top.

***

Alex sat in his nondescript sedan, parked a safe distance away from the main entrance of Quantum Dynamics.

His heart pounded with the adrenaline of the mission ahead. The equipment he had received from the masked men lay organized on the passenger seat: a high-resolution camera with a powerful zoom lens, a GPS tracker, and a small notebook for jotting down observations.

He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his eyes never leaving the entrance.

Moments later, he saw Ethan and Paul exit the building, their figures distinct in the afternoon sunlight.

Paul, ever the vigilant bodyguard, scanned their surroundings with a practiced eye. Alex ducked slightly, making sure not to draw any