The night deepened across the city, and the Imperial Crest glowed like a beacon against the dark sky. Inside the tower, the entire executive floor pulsed with a feverish energy. Every department felt the tremor left behind by Prosper Mercy's death. Whispers spread faster than security updates. No one dared to ask questions aloud, but everyone sensed the truth. Something dangerous had entered their world, and there was no turning back.
John stood at the centre of the crisis room, surrounded by screens projecting maps, documents, and live security feeds. He looked like a man preparing for a storm of his own making, calm yet coiled with purpose.
Morgan approached with a tablet held close to his chest. "I finished analysing the compound's layout. You need to see this."
John motioned for him to continue.
Morgan placed the tablet on the table, enlarging the blueprint of the Sanctuary. The structure was large, isolated, and heavily fortified, sitting deep within a wooded valley beyond city limits.
"This facility is built with biometric locks," Morgan explained. "Thermal cameras, ground pressure sensors, and a private communication line that does not connect to any public network."
Rita studied the layout carefully. "Whoever designed this did not want uninvited guests. The entire structure is a fortress."
Morgan nodded. "And the worst part is the central chamber. The Vault. It has only one entrance, and no secondary exit."
John's eyes sharpened. "Which means entering the Vault means accepting that we might be trapped."
Morgan sighed. "Yes. It is a built-in control mechanism."
Rita leaned closer. "John, this is not just a stronghold. It is a lure."
John nodded. "I know."
Morgan looked worried. "If the Benefactor is expecting you, he will have every angle covered."
John stepped away from the table, his thoughts focused and relentless. "He wants me to face him. He wants to show me something. Whatever the Raymond Project is, it is the bait."
Rita followed him with her gaze. "So we go in prepared."
John turned to her. "We go in knowing it might be the last time we walk somewhere without being controlled by him."
Morgan swallowed. "And if you want to wait, we can gather more intel."
John shook his head. "Waiting gives him time to erase the truth. He killed Prosper to sever a link. He will destroy the Sanctuary if he senses hesitation."
Rita said quietly, "Then we go before he expects it."
John nodded. "Tonight."
Across town, in the penthouse where the Benefactor had taken refuge, silence dominated the space. The room was minimalist, decorated with dark marble and soft lighting. The Benefactor stood near the window, watching the rain fall like thin needles of silver.
His aide approached. "Our surveillance confirms Raymond has the Sanctuary's coordinates."
The Benefactor did not move. "And does he intend to act on them?"
"Yes. They are preparing to leave."
The Benefactor allowed a faint smile to appear. "Then the wheel continues to turn."
"Shall I send reinforcements to the Sanctuary?"
The Benefactor shook his head slowly. "No. I want him to enter without interference."
The aide hesitated. "But sir, if he reaches the Vault, he may uncover the truth behind the Raymond Project."
The Benefactor finally turned. His eyes were unreadable. "He must reach it."
The aide blinked. "I do not understand."
"You do not need to."
The Benefactor walked toward his private study. "Raymond is the last part of a very long story. Let him see the beginning so that he can understand the ending."
Back at The Imperial Crest, John, Rita, and Morgan prepared for departure. The hangar beneath the tower hummed with the low vibration of aircraft engines. The Crest's private helicopter sat ready on the landing pad, technicians performing final checks.
Rita secured her tactical jacket, her expression calm despite the danger ahead. "We go in quietly, get the evidence, and get out."
Morgan adjusted his comms headset. "I will stay connected to the satellite feed. Once inside, I will guide you to the Vault."
John approached the helicopter, his steps firm. "We move fast and avoid unnecessary confrontation. The Benefactor wants us inside that Vault. That means he has something waiting for us."
Rita asked, "Do you think it is a trap?"
John answered without hesitation. "Everything he does is a trap."
She gave a grim smile. "Then we walk in ready to break every one of them."
Morgan climbed into the helicopter and set his equipment in place. "The weather is still rough, but we should be able to fly through it."
John stopped for a moment, looking at the night sky. The storm clouds shifted, as if the world itself was watching them.
He climbed into the helicopter and fastened his belt. Rita took the seat beside him. The doors closed, sealing them in.
The rotors spun, gathering power until the entire hangar trembled.
Morgan gave the signal.
"We are ready."
The helicopter lifted into the storm.
***********