The building shook furiously, and the floor under their feet trembled as dust and rubble fell from the ceiling. Grace clutched to Lucas, her heart hammering as Charles' laughter boomed throughout the room.
"Lucas," she cried, her voice tense with fear. "He's attempting to bury us alive."
Lucas's jaw tightened, and his blue eyes shone with resolve. "Not unless I can help it."
Charles leaned casually against his desk, his smirk infuriatingly calm. “You’ve always been resourceful, Lucas. Let’s see if that holds up under pressure.”
Lucas stepped forward, his voice a low growl. “You’ve already lost, Charles. No matter what happens here, the city will know what you’ve done.”
Charles raised an eyebrow, his tone mocking. “Oh, I’m counting on it. The chaos is the point.”
Grace tightened her
