**Nightfall. São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport**
Claire Sun tucked Leo's hand in hers as they stepped off the late flight from Lisbon. His gloved fingers trembled with excitement. “Mama, it smells like home."
She inhaled the sterile airport air, seasoned with lingering antiseptic and distant perfume. **Adrian's perfume**, she realized—**Meter –5%.** Pain pulsed lightly along her spine, but she held herself erect. “Welcome back," she murmured, scanning the crowds.
They slipped through customs under their new passports. Claire-turned-Celeste moved with quiet confidence, the diamond collar concealed beneath her scarf. Security cameras tracked their every step, but her forged credentials let them pass unchallenged.
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**Early Morning. LuTech Cardiac Research Wing**
Adrian Lu str
