Chapter 16 - The Hard ChoiceThe war room fell into an oppressive, suffocating silence.
Daniel slammed his fist onto the stainless-steel table. "We fortify the perimeter, boss. Let them come. We'll turn this estate into a fortress they can't breach."
"No," Adrian said quietly, staring at the blank screen. "Director Vance isn't bluffing about the financial grid. If he collapses Chicago's infrastructure, thousands of innocent people—including every family working in our districts—will suffer."
"So what do you suggest? We surrender?" Marcus asked incredulously.
"We don't surrender," Adrian said, standing up with absolute, lethal resolve. "We take the fight to their doorstep. If Veritas wants a war, we bring it to Geneva."
That evening, Adrian walked down to the residential wing. He found Claire sitting at the kitchen table, reading a storybook to Lily, who had finally fallen asleep with her stuffed rabbit in her arms.
Claire looked up, seeing the grim expression on Adrian’s face, and immediately closed the book.
"They called, didn't they?" Claire asked softly.
"Yes," Adrian pulled out a chair and sat across from her. "They want you and Lily. And they're willing to tear this city apart to get you."
May you like
Claire swallowed hard, a tremor running through her hands, but her eyes remained steady. "I won't let you risk everything for us, Adrian. If we need to leave—"
"You're not going anywhere," Adrian interrupted, his voice dropping into a fierce, unwavering whisper. "You belong here, Claire. With us. I'm leaving for Geneva tonight with Daniel and a tactical strike team. While I'm gone, Marcus will secure the estate. By the time the sun rises over Lake Michigan tomorrow, the Veritas Syndicate will cease to exist."
