Chapter 14 - Operation IroncladThe plan was audacious, dangerous, and required absolute precision. Ethan couldn't rely on standard federal extradition treaties, which could take months to wind through international courts while his family remained targets. He had to draw Arthur Sterling out into the open.
Back at the Napa Valley estate—now fortified with military-grade counter-surveillance systems and an expanded private security detail—Ethan, Marcus, and a team of cyber-security specialists set their trap.
In the subterranean archive room, the massive wall monitors flickered with live global data feeds.
"We leak a fabricated file package onto the dark web," Marcus explained, typing furiously at the main console. "We make it look like a secondary backup of the Project Genesis genetic sequencing data—the exact prototype files Arthur values above everything else."
"And we make sure the digital signature points directly to a private secure server in Geneva," Ethan added, leaning over the console. "Arthur is arrogant. When he sees those files are 'unsecured,' he won't send mercenaries. He'll come to retrieve them personally."
Claire walked quietly down the metal stairs, carrying a tray of coffee for the men. She stopped a few feet away, her expression a mix of worry and fierce support.
"You're using yourself and the data as bait, aren't you?" Claire asked softly, setting the tray on the desk.
Ethan looked up, softening his gaze as he stood and walked over to her. "It's the only way to end this permanently, Claire. As long as Arthur is breathing, we'll never be truly safe."
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Claire reached out, placing her hand gently over his heart. "Just promise me... you'll come back to our sons."
"I promise," Ethan whispered, kissing her forehead. "I've waited too long to be a father. I'm not going anywhere."
