The atmosphere in the penthouse had shifted dramatically. What had been a comfortable home now felt like a fortress preparing for siege. Sebastian had deployed additional security throughout the building. Jack's laptop screens multiplied as he dove deeper into tracking the surveillance teams. Ming Li conducted perimeter checks with Thor, the dog seeming to sense the tension and staying unusually alert.
Emily stood by the window overlooking Cloud City, watching the sun set over the skyline. Somewhere out there, people were watching. Planning. Preparing to move against her.
"You shouldn't stand near the windows," Timothy said quietly, appearing at her side. "Sniper angles."
Emily stepped back immediately, letting him guide her away from the glass. "I wasn't thinking."
"That's why I'm thinking for both of us right now," Timothy said. "Come on. Jack's found something."
