The city didn't sleep that night.
Neither did the world.
Victor Hale's name dominated every screen—financial crimes, arson orders, intimidation networks, leaked payments to mercenaries, shell companies traced across continents. Analysts dissected every document Kiera had exposed at the gala. Former allies scrambled to distance themselves. Stock markets trembled where his investments touched.
But Victor himself had vanished.
And that made him far more dangerous.
Kiera stood in the command center long past midnight, eyes fixed on the glowing maps as teams tracked every possible escape route.
"No confirmed sighting," an agent reported. "Private airfields are locked down. Ports flagged."
"He planned this," Kade said quietly. "He always leaves three exits for every trap."
Kiera wrapped her arms around herself. "But we hit him hard."
"Yes," Kade agreed. "Harder than anyone ever has."
Still, unease coiled in her chest.
Victor wasn't the type to retreat quietly.
