Victor Hale's words echoed through Ward Seven.
**"Daniel's son survived after all."**
The room fell silent.
Lucas felt as though the floor beneath him had disappeared.
Victor wasn't surprised to see him.
He had expected him.
For twenty years.
The realization sent a chill through everyone.
Jonathan instinctively stepped in front of Lucas.
"You won't touch him."
Victor smiled politely.
"Jonathan..."
"I've admired your loyalty."
"It's unfortunate that you always protect the wrong secrets."
Richard's expression hardened.
"The only mistake we made..."
"...was ever trusting you."
Victor didn't even look at him.
"I never asked for trust."
"I asked for results."
---
Behind Victor, more Council soldiers entered the room.
They surrounded every exit with practiced precision.
No
