Chapter 11 - The Phantom Package
The engagement party at the Carter Estate was meant to be the triumph of our lives. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over hundreds of elite guests, classical violin music filled the air, and Ethan’s hand stayed warmly wrapped around mine all evening. For the first time in my life, I felt completely safe.
Until a waiter delivered a silver platter to our private table, carrying a plain black box tied with red surgical twine.
Ethan’s smile faltered as he picked up the small velvet card attached. Written in distinct, elegant script were five words: The dead don’t stay buried.
Before Ethan could stop me, I opened the box. Inside lay a pristine, polished silver scalpel—stained at the tip with dried, dark blood—and an encrypted flash drive labeled PROJECT RESURRECTION.
Ethan immediately motioned for Vance, who had fully recovered from his injuries. "Clear the room. Get everyone out now."
Within minutes, the security team had swept the mansion and plugged the flash drive into Ethan’s isolated terminal. A video file automatically launched.
The camera opened on a dimly lit, high-tech laboratory. A man in a tailored suit sat behind a desk, his face shrouded in darkness. But his voice—cold, aristocratic, and chillingly familiar—sent a wave of ice through my veins.
"Congratulations on your engagement, Ethan," the figure sneered. "You thought throwing Julian Vance behind bars destroyed the network. You thought he was the mastermind. Poor, naive boy. Julian was merely our best technician. The real heart of our operation is far closer to home than you dare to imagine."
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The video cut to an autopsy report from five years ago—the official cause of death for Ethan’s late father, Thomas Carter. Attached was a secret toxicology sheet showing high levels of synthetic paralyzing agents.
"Your father didn't die of a natural heart attack, Ethan," the voice whispered. "We killed him. And if Ava doesn't walk away from you within forty-eight hours, she will suffer the exact same fate."
