Rise Of The Mafia Lord

Chapter 42. Long Road Ahead

Xavier reacted instinctively, tackling Julian to the ground. The two brothers wrestled, their faces inches apart.

"You're going to destroy everything," Xavier shouted.

Julian's eyes blazed with determination. "I'm saving humanity from itself."

Aria scrambled to her feet, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "I've got to override the system."

Sofia and Maya provided cover, fending off The Architects' operatives pouring into the room.

Victor's voice echoed through the comms. "We've got reinforcements incoming."

Xavier's grip on Julian tightened. "You're not going to win."

Julian's smile twisted. "I already have."

The countdown timer hit 5 seconds.

Aria's voice rose. "Almost there..."

The room seemed to slow down, time compressing to a single moment.

Xavier's eyes locked onto Julian's. "You're my brother. Stop this."

For an instant, Julian's resolve wavered.

The timer hit 1 second.

Aria shouted, "Yes!" as she initiated the override.

The countdown stopped.

The room erupted into chaos,